Princess, radiant and cushion cut diamonds are among the most popular diamonds on the market. However, choosing between them can seem like a daunting task if you don’t know what to look for. The cut, color, shape and clarity will make it harder for you to make a decision, because they look similar. In order for you to start this diamond enlightenment journey, we must cover the basics.

Here are a few main differences between them, which can usually make one shape a better choice than the other.

The Cut Design

Whether you are buying a diamond as a gift or adding it to your jewelry collection, the quality of the cut is one thing you shouldn't skimp on. Yes, taste and style are important, but cut is always king. High-quality cut can enhance other important features such as brightness, clarity, and minimize hidden carat weight.

The princess cut is the second most popular diamond cut after the round brilliant cut and the most popular square cut. It has excellent flash performance and excellent light performance. Created in the 1960s, princess cut is also very novel aiming at bringing the brilliance of round diamonds into a square cut.

See more about this princess cut solitaire ring


The radiant cut is a relatively new diamond cut that was created about 30 years ago. This is a highly bright cut that contains 70 carefully arranged facets. Radiant cut diamonds have bevels that are usually cut at a 45°angle. This allows radiant cut to have a more geometric angular shape. The radiant cut has the elegant appearance of an Asscher or emerald cut, with the shine of a round brilliant, and is a great choice for those who want to be different.
See more details about this radiant cut engagement ring


Cushion cut diamond is unique because it is one of the only diamond cuts with roundness and geometric line elements. Cushion cut looks very similar to radiant cut, but with smaller edges and corners. On the contrary, it is more rounded and does not have the well-known bevel of radiant cut.
See more about this cushion cut diamond ring

Which Cut Has the Most Brilliance

Princess, radiant and cushion cut are all designed to maximize the sparkle of the diamond, so if you want a bright diamond, they are all excellent choices.

Generally speaking, radiant cut is known for having better brightness than cushion cut and princess cut. This is because the radiant cut has a large table top and many facets, which can absorb and reflect a lot of light, resulting in bright and beautiful flashes.

The cushion cut is also expert in reflecting light, and creating a bright and impressive brilliance. However, the cushion cut is known for its fire (the ability to produce colored light reflections), not its brilliance.

However, a well-cut princess cut diamond can also be very bright, which means that if you are looking for a beautiful diamond designed to reflect light, then all three shapes are good choices.

Which Cut is More Affordable

Remember, diamonds will not be clean, cut and bright when coming out of the ground. Instead, they are cut rough diamonds into specific shapes by diamond cutters. Based on the specific cut used for the diamond, 20% to 60% of the original weight of the rough stone will be removed.

Generally speaking, fancy cuts such as cushion and princess cuts are cheaper than round cut. This is because they maximize the use of more rough diamonds during the cutting process. However, there are also price differences between fancy cuts based on popularity and demand. Due to greater demand for princess and cushion cut diamonds, they will be more expensive than radiant cuts. In fact, you can save 30% more when buying radiant cut instead of cushion cut. The princess cut, as the second most popular cut type in the world, is usually more expensive than the cushion cut.

Which One to Choose?

Princess cut diamonds have become a very fashionable choice, and the sharp lines give a fresh and elegant feeling. The shape of the diamond has an alternative feel, but its incredible sparkle is enduring.

See more about this princess cut earrings studs

Radiant cut provides a more modern shape, a slightly larger appearance, higher durability, and a moderate increase in brightness and brilliance.
See more about this radiant cut diamond ring set


Cushion cut diamonds are a classic and traditional choice, and their beauty reminds us of the past. The cushion cut has a vintage feel and is suitable for art deco style engagement rings.

When everything is said and done, the final choice of what to buy depends on the buyer. Make sure that any type you choose can bring you happiness and meet your needs. This is the most important factor in all of these.