Princess vs Round Cut: Which Diamond Shape Reigns?
Choosing the perfect diamond can feel overwhelming, especially with so many beautiful shapes to consider. Two of the most popular choices are the dazzling princess cut and the timeless round cut. But which one is right for you, and what are the key differences that set them apart?
This guide dives deep into the world of diamonds, comparing the princess cut and the round cut in detail. We’ll explore their brilliance, price, and overall appeal to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which diamond shape best suits your style and budget.
Whether you’re drawn to the modern elegance of the princess cut or the classic sparkle of the round cut, this comparison will provide valuable insights. We’ll analyze their unique characteristics, from their facet patterns to their light performance, ensuring you have all the information you need to choose the perfect diamond.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Princess | Round Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square | Round |
| Brilliance | High | Very High |
| Fire | Good | Excellent |
| Sparkle | High | Exceptional |
| Facet Count | 58 | 58 |
| Popularity | Very Popular | Most Popular |
| Ideal for | Modern Settings | All Settings |
| Durability | Good | Good |
| Cut Grade | Dependent on the Cut | Dependent on the Cut |
| Table Percentage | Typically Higher | Typically Lower |
| Depth Percentage | Typically Higher | Typically Lower |
| Light Return | Excellent | Exceptional |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Shape
- Princess: The princess cut is square or rectangular with pointed corners. It’s a modern, angular shape. Pros include brilliant sparkle and a contemporary look. Cons include the pointed corners being susceptible to chipping.
- Round Cut: The round brilliant cut is, as the name suggests, circular. It’s the most popular diamond shape, known for its exceptional brilliance. Pros include maximum light reflection and a classic, timeless appeal. Cons include a higher price point due to the waste in cutting the diamond.
- Winner: round
Brilliance
- Princess: Princess cuts exhibit good brilliance, though they can sometimes have slightly less fire than round cuts. The specific brilliance depends heavily on the cut quality.
- Round Cut: Round brilliant cuts are renowned for their exceptional brilliance, maximizing light return and sparkle due to their symmetrical faceting. This is the main reason for its popularity.
- Winner: round
Sparkle/Fire
- Princess: Princess cuts offer a good level of sparkle, but the fire (dispersion of light into colors) can sometimes be less pronounced compared to round cuts.
- Round Cut: Round brilliant cuts maximize both brilliance and fire, creating a stunning display of sparkle and colorful light.
- Winner: round
Cost
- Princess: Princess cuts are generally less expensive per carat compared to round cuts, as the cutting process yields more of the original rough diamond.
- Round Cut: Round brilliant cuts typically cost more per carat because of the significant diamond waste during the cutting process.
- Winner: princess
Appearance (Face-Up)
- Princess: The princess cut offers a modern and geometric look, appearing larger than some other shapes of the same carat weight due to its shape.
- Round Cut: The round cut provides a classic and timeless appearance. It often appears smaller than a princess cut of the same carat weight.
- Winner: princess
Durability
- Princess: Princess cuts can be prone to chipping at the pointed corners. Protective settings are recommended to mitigate this risk.
- Round Cut: Round cuts are considered the most durable diamond shape due to the absence of sharp corners.
- Winner: round
Setting Options
- Princess: Princess cuts are versatile and look good in various settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. Corner prongs are often used to protect the points.
- Round Cut: Round cuts are also highly versatile and suit a wide range of settings. They look particularly stunning in solitaire and halo settings.
- Winner: Tie
Resale Value
- Princess: Princess cuts generally hold good resale value, although slightly less than round cuts, which are the most sought-after shape.
- Round Cut: Round brilliant cuts typically retain the highest resale value due to their enduring popularity and brilliance.
- Winner: round
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Brilliance | Round Cut |
| Fire | Round Cut |
| Sparkle | Round Cut |
| Modern Aesthetic | Princess |
| Classic Appeal | Round Cut |
| Popularity | Round Cut |
What They Have in Common
- Facet Count: Both princess and round cut diamonds typically have 58 facets, contributing to their brilliance and sparkle.
- Cut Grade Importance: The overall appearance and beauty of both diamond cuts are heavily influenced by the cut grade, which determines how well the diamond reflects light.
- Versatility: Both shapes are versatile and can be set in various ring styles and jewelry settings.
- Durability: Both cuts exhibit good durability, making them suitable for everyday wear.
- Light Performance: Both cuts are designed to maximize light return, resulting in a brilliant display of light.
Princess Vs Round Cut Buying Guide
Understanding Your Budget
When choosing between a princess and round cut diamond, your budget plays a crucial role. Princess cuts often appear more affordable per carat due to their cutting process, which yields more of the original rough diamond. Round cuts, on the other hand, require more diamond waste, potentially leading to a higher price tag for a similar carat weight. Consider setting a price range and prioritizing carat weight, cut quality, color, and clarity to make the most informed decision within your financial constraints. Don’t forget to factor in the setting cost, as some settings complement certain cuts better.
Considering Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle should influence your decision. Princess cuts, with their pointed corners, are slightly more susceptible to chipping than round cuts. If you lead an active lifestyle, a round cut might be a more durable choice. Round cuts, being the most popular, are generally considered to be timeless and versatile, suitable for various settings and activities. Princess cuts offer a modern and geometric aesthetic. Think about where you’ll be wearing the ring and how much protection it will need.
Evaluating Cut Quality
Cut quality is paramount for both princess and round cuts. It directly affects the brilliance, fire, and scintillation of the diamond. Look for a cut grade of “Excellent” or “Ideal” to maximize light return. For round cuts, the cut grade is especially important due to their inherent brilliance. Princess cuts can sometimes hide inclusions better, but a well-cut princess will still sparkle brilliantly. Review grading reports from reputable gemological laboratories like GIA or AGS to assess the cut grade and other quality factors.
Assessing Shape and Style Preferences
Personal preference is key. Princess cuts offer a contemporary, geometric appearance, appealing to those seeking a modern aesthetic. They work well in both solitaire and halo settings. Round cuts exude classic elegance and versatility, suiting almost any setting style. Their timeless appeal makes them a popular choice for engagement rings. Consider your overall style, the wearer’s personal taste, and how the diamond will complement their existing jewelry collection. Try on different styles to see which one resonates most.
Understanding Light Performance
Light performance is critical. Round cuts, due to their symmetrical faceting, generally offer superior brilliance and fire, resulting in exceptional sparkle. Princess cuts, when expertly cut, can also exhibit excellent brilliance, although their light return might vary slightly depending on the specific angles and proportions. Examine videos and images of diamonds with different cut grades to compare their light performance. Look for diamonds with excellent symmetry and polish, as these factors also contribute to light return and overall sparkle.
Comparing Settings and Mountings
The setting you choose can greatly impact the overall look of your ring. Princess cuts pair well with square or rectangular settings, enhancing their geometric shape. They also look stunning in halo settings, which add extra sparkle and visual impact. Round cuts are incredibly versatile and complement a wide range of settings, from classic solitaires to intricate pave bands. Consider the setting’s impact on the diamond’s security and appearance. Think about how the setting will protect the diamond and showcase its beauty. The setting can change the look of the same cut.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy princess If…
- You prefer a more modern and geometric aesthetic.
- You want a diamond that appears larger for its carat weight.
- You appreciate a diamond with strong brilliance and a defined shape.
- You are looking for a diamond that is slightly less expensive than a comparable round cut.
Buy round cut If…
- You desire the most brilliant and sparkly diamond.
- You prefer a classic and timeless shape.
- You want a diamond that is renowned for its exceptional light performance.
- You are willing to invest a bit more for the ultimate sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in brilliance between a princess and round cut diamond?
Round cut diamonds are generally considered to offer superior brilliance due to their symmetrical faceting, maximizing light return and resulting in a more intense sparkle. Princess cuts, when cut well, can also exhibit excellent brilliance, but the light performance may vary slightly depending on the angles and proportions of the specific diamond. Both can sparkle brilliantly with high-quality cuts. A well-cut diamond of either shape will be beautiful.
Which cut is more expensive?
Round cut diamonds are typically more expensive per carat due to the greater waste of the rough diamond during the cutting process. The round brilliant cut requires more of the original diamond to be removed in order to achieve its shape. Princess cuts are often more affordable as the cutting process yields a higher yield from the raw diamond, reducing waste and cost. The price also depends on other factors.
Which cut is more durable?
Round cut diamonds are generally considered more durable due to their shape. The absence of sharp corners makes them less prone to chipping or damage. Princess cuts, with their pointed corners, are slightly more vulnerable to chipping if hit or bumped. However, both cuts are very durable, especially when set in a protective setting. Durability depends on the setting and the wearer’s lifestyle.
What settings work best with a princess cut diamond?
Princess cut diamonds look stunning in square or rectangular settings, which complement their geometric shape. They also work exceptionally well in halo settings, which enhance their sparkle and visual impact. Other settings, such as three-stone rings or channel settings, can also beautifully showcase a princess cut diamond. The key is to choose a setting that complements the diamond’s angles and shape.
What settings work best with a round cut diamond?
Round cut diamonds are incredibly versatile and complement a wide range of settings, from classic solitaires to intricate pave bands. They look elegant in a simple four-prong setting, maximizing brilliance. They also work beautifully in halo settings, bezel settings, and three-stone rings. The options are almost limitless, allowing for a variety of styles and personal preferences. Settings can emphasize the round shape.
How do I determine the cut quality of a diamond?
Look for a cut grade of “Excellent” or “Ideal” from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as GIA or AGS. These grades indicate that the diamond has been cut to maximize light return and brilliance. Review the diamond’s grading report, which will provide details on its cut grade, symmetry, polish, and other factors that influence its light performance. Examining videos of the diamond is helpful.
Which cut is more popular?
Round cut diamonds are consistently the most popular choice for engagement rings due to their classic appeal and timeless elegance. Princess cuts are also very popular, especially among those who prefer a more modern aesthetic. Popularity can vary based on current trends and personal preferences. Both are beautiful and sought after.
Final Verdict
Choosing between a princess and round cut diamond is a matter of personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. Round cuts offer unparalleled brilliance and timeless appeal, while princess cuts provide a modern, geometric aesthetic and often a more accessible price point. Consider the wearer’s style, the setting options, and the overall desired look. Both cuts can be stunning, so choose the one that best reflects your individual needs and taste.
Winner: Round Cut