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Princess vs Cushion Cut Lab-Grown Diamonds
Both start from $990 (1ct VS1), but the clearest difference is character. Princess gives sharp, contemporary fire from crisp pointed corners, while Cushion offers a warm, pillowy glow from rounded ones. Choose Princess for a true modern square; choose Cushion for a softer, vintage-leaning feel that also wears more durably day to day.
Princess vs Cushion at a glance
| Princess | Cushion | |
|---|---|---|
| Faceting | brilliant cut | brilliant cut |
| Character | sharp, contemporary sparkle | warm, pillowy glow |
| Length-to-width | 1.00 to 1.05 | 1.00 to 1.20 |
| Face-up size | compact, true to carat | compact, true to carat |
| Durability | pointed corners need protective settings | rounded corners, very durable |
| What to screen for | corner chips and even colour | chunky vs crushed-ice faceting |
| Starting price (1ct VS1) | $990 AUD | $990 AUD |
| Best for | a modern square look with strong sparkle | a soft, vintage-leaning character |
The key difference
The Princess holds tighter to a 1.00 to 1.05 length-to-width, so it reads as a crisp square, whereas a Cushion often stretches toward 1.20 and can look gently rectangular. Those pointed corners are the Princess's only real vulnerability and call for protective V-prongs, while the Cushion's rounded corners are inherently sturdier. Cushion also varies by facet style: chunky faceting shows broad flashes, while crushed-ice scatters light into a softer shimmer.
Which should you choose?
Choose the princess cut for a modern square look with strong sparkle. Choose the cushion cut for a soft, vintage-leaning character. Both are sourced to your brief, certified by IGI or GIA, and priced AU-inclusive.
Common questions
Is a Princess or Cushion cut better value for the price?
Both begin from $990 for a 1ct VS1 lab-grown stone, so neither carries an entry premium over the other. Value comes down to character rather than cost: Princess for sharp, contemporary square sparkle, Cushion for a warm, pillowy glow. Compare certified stones at the same carat and clarity to judge face-up appeal directly before you decide.
Which cut is more durable for an engagement ring?
The Cushion is the more durable of the two. Its rounded corners resist knocks well, which makes it forgiving for everyday wear. The Princess has pointed corners that can chip if left exposed, so we recommend a protective V-prong setting to shield each corner. With that setting in place, both cuts wear reliably over the long term.
What should I check on the certificate before buying?
For a Princess, look for noted corner chips and even colour across the stone, since the pointed corners are the most vulnerable area. For a Cushion, consider facet style: chunky faceting gives broad flashes of light, while crushed-ice scatters it into a softer shimmer. Both are independently certified by IGI or GIA at a VS1 minimum clarity.