This is because the cutting process for a princess cut diamond uses the largest percentage of the original rough diamond, with very little going to waste.Cut -The shape of a diamond refers to its physical appearance, while the cut refers to how well the diamond’s features interact with light. Which Cut is More Affordable?Īs we covered in our guide to the most affordable diamond shapes, the princess cut is one of the most affordable diamond shapes.
![radiant cut radiant cut](https://www.brides.com/thmb/789OVMmlCeAmDXvpbny5kB6Hiow=/1000x750/smart/filters:no_upscale()/radiant-cut-engagement-rings-4799578_brillant_earth_V4-c81a2a3c382943e795a2d657bfe73d80.png)
As we briefly mentioned above, the sharp, square corners of the princess cut can chip if the diamond brushes up against a hard surface.Īs such, the radiant cut will usually be a better choice if your fiancé-to-be has an active lifestyle. This is one area in which the radiant cut is the clear winner.
![radiant cut radiant cut](https://www.diamondnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/radiant-cut-vs-emerald-diamond-cut.jpg)
76 for the modern princess cut), making them very similar in terms of brilliance and sparkle. The radiant and princess cut both have similar numbers of facets (70 vs. However, a well-cut princess diamond can also be exceptionally brilliant, meaning that either shape is a good choice if you’re looking for a beautiful diamond that’s designed to reflect light. With this in mind, a radiant cut diamond will usually reflects more light than an equally well-cut princess diamond, making it the slightly better choice if you’re looking for optimal brilliance, fire and sparkle. No two diamonds are identical, meaning that other factors like cut quality can affect the brilliance of a diamond just as much as its shape. However, the facet pattern of the princess cut usually does a very good job of making inclusions difficult to notice. This gives it a unique, impressive appearance, but can make it easier to spot inclusions in some princess cut diamonds.
![radiant cut radiant cut](https://assets.diamondnexus.com/image/upload/w_600,c_scale/q_auto,f_auto/media/catalog/product/r/a/radiant-emerald.jpg)
With this said, some radiant cut diamonds do have proportions closer to a square than a rectangle, although these only account for a small portion of radiant diamonds sold.įinally, the princess cut has a larger table than the radiant cut. While the princess cut is square and generally looks its size when set in a ring, the radiant cut is usually rectangular and has a long diagonal measurement that makes it appear larger than its carat weight. As we covered in our princess cut guide, the sharp corners of the princess cut are prone to chipping, especially if the diamond has inclusions close to its corners. While the princess cut has square corners, the radiant cut has beveled corners that give it a less geometric appearance.įrom a durability perspective, this is a point in the radiant cut’s favor. However, this is where the similarities end and the differences in design start to begin. They’re both angular, geometric diamonds with a square or rectangular shape. Princess Cut Designįrom an aesthetic perspective, the radiant and princess cuts share several common features. Our comparison looks at everything from appearance and facet pattern to brilliance, value for money and more to help you chose the best diamond for your tastes and budget. With their square or rectangular shape and great level of brilliance, it’s common for people to view these diamond shapes as similar to one another.īelow, we’ve compared the radiant and princess cuts. Highly brilliant, both the radiant and princess cuts are popular alternatives to the round brilliant cut. Radiant cut and princess cut diamonds can both look absolutely stunning, whether set in an engagement ring or in a pair of earrings, a pendant or other diamond jewelry.
![radiant cut radiant cut](https://image.brilliantearth.com/blogprod/news/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/02233242/radiant-post.png)
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