Princess Cut vs. Round Cut Diamond: Which One Should You Choose?

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Princess and round cuts are both toward the top of the popularity scale year in and year out. Both are classic looks that have a wide variety of styles and look great on lots of people. If you’re stuck between these two, there are a few determining factors that might help you make that final decision.

Princess Cut Overview

A princess cut ring looks like an inverted pyramid, basically. Square on the top, it’s a simple and classic look that won’t go out of style. Princess cuts are defined by sharp, angular lines and offer a “stronger” silhouette.

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Round Cut Overview

Round engagement rings, much like princess cut rings, have that classic design that allows them stylistic staying power. Trends may come and go, but a simple round cut will always look good. The simple round cut allows it to catch the light well and really get that sparkly look that it’s known for.

Round cuts have been around for centuries and remain the most popular diamond cut in the U.S. They’re versatile, flattering on every hand shape and pair beautifully with just about any setting.

Choosing the Right Cut

The name of the game here is balance. You want a ring that complements your hand shape. Unlike aviator sunglasses, there’s no one ring cut that looks good on everyone, so choose wisely.

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General Style Rules

Much like oval face shapes and hairstyles, people with long fingers have a greater variety of options for ring cuts. If you have long and thin fingers, you have the greatest style leeway. Granted, if you have slender fingers, you want to be careful not to pick too large of a design, even if you have larger hands, as you may overpower your fingers.

If you have shorter or wider fingers, you still have plenty of options. You want longer styles that help you visually elongate your fingers. For wide fingers, pick a wider design. Smaller stones will only make your fingers look wider, since you’ll see too much skin on each side of the stone.

As a rule, keep the size of your ring proportionate to the size of your hands as a starting point and work from there in choosing the specific style you want.

Who Should Consider a Princess Cut?

Those Looking for a Bigger Rock

If you want something that looks larger (though it actually isn’t), then a princess cut is the way to go. While a comparable stone in a princess cut is smaller than a round one, the square table (top of the stone) makes it appear larger than its round counterparts.

If You Don’t Wear Flowy Clothing

Okay, that’s a bit hyperbolic. The general idea, though, is that due to the four corners on a princess cut, it’s easier to snag your ring on clothes or blankets. If that’s something that could be a problem for you, princess cuts may not be the best choice.

Bolder Styles

While still a classic cut, the princess cut is definitely the bolder of the two. With strong, angled lines, this is a more deliberate style that suits the fashion-forward who still lean toward the classics.

Who Should Consider a Round Cut?

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Those with Classic Style Leanings

There’s nothing more classic or timeless than round cut engagement rings. If you care about style longevity, the world will end before the round cut goes out of style. This is a ring guaranteed to look as good now as it will in 25 years.

Small Hands

If you have smaller hands, a bold or complex design can overshadow them and look out of place. A simple, small round cut will suit smaller hands perfectly.

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Active Lifestyles

Yes, you really want to take off your ring in scenarios where you may damage it. However, if you’re constantly on the go, a round cut is going to hold up a little better due to its lack of corners.

Whichever you choose, both of these classic styles have lots of variability and options that will look good well into your ring’s “vintage” years!

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Round Cut vs. Princess Cut Durability

While both cuts are durable, princess cuts need a little more TLC. Their sharp corners can chip if they’re not protected, especially if you’re the type to wear your ring 24/7.

To keep your sparkle safe:

• Opt for a four-prong or bezel setting that guards the corners.

• Avoid snagging fabrics or sleeping in your ring if it has exposed edges.

Round cuts, on the other hand, are basically the low-maintenance queens of the diamond world. Their lack of corners makes them slightly more durable for everyday wear.

Round vs. Princess Engagement Ring Price

Here’s the thing: Both cuts are gorgeous, but they do differ in cost.

• Round cuts are pricier because they require more diamond to be cut away to achieve that perfect symmetry (and because they’re in such high demand).

• Princess cuts offer more carat per dollar. You’ll usually get a slightly larger-looking stone for the same price, since less rough diamond is wasted during cutting.

If you’re budget-savvy but still want that big-ring energy, the princess cut might be your best friend.

Princess Cut Diamond vs. Round Cut Resale Value

Let’s talk about something not everyone thinks about when ring shopping: resale value. Sure, your engagement ring is meant to last forever, but it never hurts to know how your diamond holds up in the long run.

• Round cut usually takes the crown. They’re the most popular shape worldwide, which means there’s always demand for them. That universal appeal helps round cuts hold their value a little better if you ever decide to trade up or redesign your ring down the road.

• Princess cuts tend to cost less upfront, which is great for your wallet now, but they usually don’t have quite the same resale strength as rounds. Because they’re a bit trendier and less in demand, they can be trickier to resell at a higher price later.

That said, most people choose a diamond for love, not resale, and both shapes are timeless enough to shine for decades.

Diamond Cut Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick at-a-glance guide to help you see how these two stack up:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which diamond cut sparkles the most?

The round cut diamond’s brilliance wins the sparkle showdown. Their 58 facets are designed to bounce light like crazy, giving you that brilliant, fire-filled shine.

What is the best setting for a princess cut diamond?

Because princess cuts have those beautiful, sharp corners, they do best in a four-prong or bezel setting that keeps the edges protected without hiding their sparkle. A halo setting is another great pick. It adds extra shimmer while shielding the corners.

Are princess cuts more fragile?

They can be. Those sharp corners are beautiful but more prone to chipping. A protective setting, like a bezel or halo, helps keep them safe.