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PRINCESS-CUT VS. ROUND-CUT DIAMONDS

Rose gold halo engagement ring from KAY
 

Find out HOW PRINCESS-CUT AND ROUND-CUT DIAMONDS COMPARE

Want to see how these diamonds compare at a glance? View our side-by-sidecomparison chart.


PRINCESS-CUT VS. ROUND-CUT DIAMONDS: KEY DIFFERENCES

Shopping for a diamond engagement ring? Congrats! The first step to finding your ideal ring starts with selecting a diamond shape. Princess-cut diamonds and round-cut diamonds are the two most popular diamond shapes out there—but how do they compare? Learn more about the key differences between princess-cut and round-cut diamonds, so you can choose the shape that’s right for you.
 

Loose princess-cut diamond
Loose round-cut diamond
 

Shape

Princess-cut diamonds feature a square or slightly rectangular face with four pointed corners and a side profile that resembles an inverted pyramid.

Round-cut diamonds feature a round face and a classic side profile—undoubtedly the most widely recognized of all diamond shapes.

 

Popularity

Even though it wasn’t developed until the 1970s, the princess-cut diamond has quickly grown in appeal as the second-most popular diamond shape. Princess-cut diamonds are celebrated for their modern, on-trend look.

The round-cut diamond is by far the most popular of all diamond shapes. First introduced in the mid-17th century, the round-cut diamond is widely coveted as a timeless classic.

 

Style

As a relatively new diamond shape, the princess-cut diamond is admired for bringing a more contemporary, geometrical look to traditional diamond jewelry. Its crisp lines and square shape also give it the optical illusion of appearing larger than a round-cut diamond of the same carat weight.

The softer, traditional shape and longstanding admiration of the round-cut diamond gives it a timeless feel. Round-cut diamonds have been in style for centuries, making them a classic choice that can be treasured and handed down for generations to come.

 

Price

Princess-cut diamonds typically cost less per carat than a round cut-diamond. This is because the princess-cut shape already mimics the shape of a rough diamond, and therefore doesn’t require as much material to be removed from the rough diamond during the cutting process. A princess-cut diamond retains about 80% of the rough diamond.

Round-cut diamonds, on the other hand, require a lot more material to be removed from the rough stone to create their shape. A round-cut diamond will only retain about 40% of the rough diamond after the cutting process.

Settings

Since the four sharp corners of a princess-cut diamond can be vulnerable to chipping, a bezel or four-prong ring setting will help keep the stone protected and hold it securely in place. 

Although they are less prone to chipping, round-cut diamond engagement rings also lend well to bezel or four-prong ring settings. Larger round-cut diamonds may require a six-prong setting to hold the stone securely in place.

Some of the most popular settings for both princess-cut and round-cut diamond engagement rings include:

  • Solitaire: A single center stone takes the spotlight in this highly popular setting.
  • Three-Stone: Two large side stones accentuate the center stone, adding depth to the ring.
  • Halo: A halo of smaller stones encircles the larger center stone for a bold, standout style.
Close up image of a ring setting

A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

Here’s how princess-cut diamonds and round-cut diamonds compare at a glance.


KAY Diamond Comparison Princess-cut Diamonds Round-cut Diamonds
Shape Square Round
Popularity Second-most popular Most popular
Style Modern, on-trend Traditional, timeless
Price Comparison (of comparable quality and size) $$ $$$
Independently Certified Yes* Yes*
100% Conflict-Free Yes Yes
KAY Responsible Sourcing Commitment Yes Yes
Industry Sourcing Standards Established Yes Yes
Included in the Lifetime Diamond Commitment Yes Yes
Eligible for Trade-In Yes Yes
  *Select styles & carat weights


SHOP PRINCESS-CUT AND ROUND-CUT DIAMOND Rings

Celebrate your love with a diamond that tells your unique story. Explore KAY’s selection of princess-cut and round-cut diamond rings now to find the style that speaks to you.
 

Princess-cut diamond ring


PRINCESS-CUT DIAMOND RINGS

Discover modern styles that sparkle

Round-cut diamond ring


ROUND-CUT DIAMOND RINGS

Get a classic look with a brilliant shine


SPEAK TO A JEWELRY CONSULTANT

Not sure which diamond cut is right for you? Connect with KAY for one-on-one expert advice! Simply book a virtual or in-store appointment at a set time convenient for you.

Diamond Education from the Experts

princess-cut diamond ring
Princess-cut Diamonds Buying Guide

Learn more about the unique features of princess-cut diamonds and what makes them an attractive choice for engagement rings.
 


EXPLORE OUR JEWELRY LIBRARY

 

KAY’s Jewelry Library is your one-stop resource for jewelry education! Our collection of articles includes everything from jewelry basics, style guides, shopping tips, and gift-giving advice to ideas and inspiration for your milestone moments.
 

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