Princess Cut vs Cushion Cut Diamonds: Which Should You Buy?

The princess and cushion cuts sit at the top of the “fancy-cut” family, and when you compare two lab-grown diamonds that share the same carat weight, color, clarity and a Super Ideal cut grade, the price gap is razor-thin. On the day we checked the listings, Brilliant Earth priced a 2.07 ct E VVS2 princess at $3,920 and a near-identical 2.08 ct E VVS2 cushion at $3,940. That $20 difference means you can choose the shape you love without a dramatic cost penalty, but the decision still hinges on visual preference, setting compatibility and how each silhouette reads at the same carat weight. In short, both cuts offer high-grade sparkle; the cushion is a hair pricier, while the princess remains the marginally more economical option.

How We Chose These Options

Our methodology leans on three pillars:

1. GIA’s fancy-cut framework - GIA classifies both princess and cushion as “fancy cuts” and evaluates cut quality by light performance rather than a numeric grade, which lets us compare Super Ideal cut grades across shapes on an even footing ​GIA.
2. Same-day verification - We captured live pricing and specifications from Brilliant Earth’s lab-grown diamond search on 2026-09-05 ​Brilliant Earth and With Clarity’s engagement-ring collection on the same date ​With Clarity.
3. Shape isolation - By selecting diamonds that match on carat (≈2 ct), color (E) and clarity (VVS2) while differing only in cut shape, we isolate the price impact of the princess versus cushion silhouette.

The five items below represent the best-value loose stones and the most versatile settings we could verify in a single day.

2.07 ct Princess Lab Grown Diamond (Brilliant Earth)

What it is - A 2.07 ct lab-grown diamond cut in the princess style, graded E color, VVS2 clarity and a Super Ideal cut grade. The stone is sold loose, meaning you’ll need to pair it with a setting of your choice.

Who it’s for - Buyers who prioritize a large, high-clarity princess cut and are comfortable selecting a separate setting. The Super Ideal cut grade ensures maximum light return, making the stone sparkle intensely even at a larger carat weight.

What we would change - The offering does not include a setting, so shoppers must budget for a mounting separately. Pairing this stone with a setting that showcases its sharp corners, such as a classic solitaire or a halo, will preserve its geometric appeal.

Verdict - At $3,920, this is a high-grade 2 + carat princess cut that delivers premium sparkle for a price that undercuts many natural-diamond counterparts.

2.08 ct Cushion Lab Grown Diamond (Brilliant Earth)

What it is - A 2.08 ct lab-grown cushion cut diamond, also graded E color, VVS2 clarity and Super Ideal cut grade. Like the princess stone, it is offered loose without a setting.

Who it’s for - Buyers who want to compare cushion against princess on a level playing field. The identical grading profile isolates shape as the sole variable, making this stone ideal for side-by-side visual tests.

What we would change - As with the princess stone, you’ll need to source a setting. A setting with soft shoulders or a low-profile bezel can accentuate the cushion’s rounded corners and slightly larger visual footprint.

Verdict - Priced at $3,940, the cushion runs $20 above the equivalent princess cut, confirming that the two shapes are virtually price-par when specifications are matched.

The Fulton Ring (With Clarity)

What it is - A setting-only option that supports a wide range of shapes, including both standard and elongated cushion cuts. It is crafted in 14k or 18k gold or platinum and is listed at $3,162.

Who it’s for - Shoppers who have already selected a cushion-cut diamond (or plan to) and want a high-quality mounting that can accommodate the shape’s broader silhouette. The ring’s flexibility makes it a solid choice for those who value design adaptability.

What we would change - Because the product is sold without a diamond, the total cost will depend on the stone you pair with it. Ensuring the chosen cushion stone matches the setting’s dimensions will avoid any fit issues.

Verdict - At $3,162, this cushion-ready setting offers a marked-down price point compared with its original listing, providing a strong value for cushion-cut buyers.

Fine Vela Classic Pave Diamond Engagement Ring (With Clarity)

What it is - The most affordable setting in this comparison, priced at $800. It supports a broad palette of shapes, including both princess and cushion cuts, and is available in platinum, yellow gold or rose gold.

Who it’s for - Budget-conscious shoppers who want the freedom to choose either shape without purchasing a new setting. Its pave detailing adds sparkle around the central stone, enhancing the overall brilliance.

What we would change - The product page does not display a regular versus sale price, so the $800 figure is the only price we can verify. Pairing this setting with a high-grade stone will maximize its visual impact.

Verdict - For just $800, the Fine Vela Classic Pave offers the cheapest entry into both princess and cushion styles, making it an attractive option for couples prioritizing cost efficiency.

The Windsor Ring (With Clarity)

What it is - A setting-only design priced at $2,040 that features a hidden-halo layout and supports cushion-cut diamonds (among other shapes). It is offered in 14k or 18k gold or platinum.

Who it’s for - Cushion-cut shoppers who appreciate a hidden-halo aesthetic, which can add extra sparkle without overtly increasing the setting’s size.

What we would change - The Windsor Ring does not list princess as a supported shape, so it is unsuitable for those who decide on a princess cut after selecting this setting.

Verdict - At $2,040, this mid-range hidden-halo cushion setting delivers a distinctive look for buyers who have already committed to a cushion stone.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	2.07 ct Princess (Brilliant Earth)	2.08 ct Cushion (Brilliant Earth)	The Fulton Ring (With Clarity)	Fine Vela Classic Pave (With Clarity)	The Windsor Ring (With Clarity)
Price	$3,920	$3,940	$3,162	$800	$2,040
Shape	Princess	Cushion	Cushion (setting)	Princess / Cushion (setting)	Cushion (setting)
Carat (stone)	2.07 ct (loose)	2.08 ct (loose)	N/A (setting only)	N/A (setting only)	N/A (setting only)
Color / Clarity	E / VVS2	E / VVS2	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cut Grade	Super Ideal	Super Ideal	N/A	N/A	N/A
Metal Options	N/A (stone only)	N/A (stone only)	14k/18k gold, platinum	Platinum, yellow gold, rose gold	14k/18k gold, platinum
Supports Both Shapes?	No (stone only)	No (stone only)	Cushion only	Yes (both)	Cushion only
Notable Feature	Highest-grade princess at sub-$4k	Cushion only $20 higher than princess	Supports elongated cushion	Lowest-price versatile setting	Hidden-halo design

The table underscores that the price difference between the two matched loose diamonds is negligible, just $20, while the settings vary widely in price and shape flexibility. If you already own a stone, the choice of setting will drive the final cost more than the cut itself.

Your Top Questions Answered

Is a princess cut or cushion cut diamond more expensive?
When carat, color, clarity and cut grade are held constant, the cushion cut we examined was $20 pricier than the princess cut ($3,940 vs. $3,920). This tiny margin indicates that, at the high-grade level, neither shape commands a substantial premium over the other.

Does GIA grade cut quality for princess and cushion diamonds the way it does for round?
GIA treats princess and cushion as “fancy cuts” and evaluates cut quality based on light performance rather than assigning a numeric cut grade like it does for round brilliant diamonds ​GIA. The Super Ideal designation on both stones reflects a top-tier light return within the fancy-cut grading system.

Which setting styles support both princess and cushion cuts?
The Fine Vela Classic Pave setting explicitly lists both princess and cushion among its supported shapes, making it the only versatile mounting in this guide. The Fulton Ring and Windsor Ring focus on cushion (standard or elongated) and do not list princess as an option.

Does shape affect how big a diamond looks at the same carat weight?
While the fact pack does not provide measured visual size data, industry consensus holds that cushion cuts often appear slightly larger than princess cuts at identical carat weights because of their softer, rounded corners and broader silhouette. This perception can be a deciding factor for couples who want a larger-looking stone without increasing carat weight.

What We Would Buy

If the priority is pure sparkle and a proven Super Ideal cut, the 2.07 ct princess from Brilliant Earth delivers the lowest price for that performance level. However, if you prefer the softer, more romantic outline of a cushion and are comfortable spending the modest $20 premium, the 2.08 ct cushion offers an equally high-grade alternative. For couples who have already selected a stone and need a setting, the Fine Vela Classic Pave provides the most flexible, budget-friendly mounting that accommodates either shape. Should you lean toward a cushion stone with a distinctive hidden-halo look, the Windsor Ring presents a stylish mid-range option, while the Fulton Ring offers a higher-priced but highly adaptable cushion-focused setting.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to aesthetic preference and whether you value a single-shape focus (princess or cushion) or the freedom to switch between them later. All five products meet the high standards set by GIA’s fancy-cut framework and are verified on the same day, giving you confidence that the price you see reflects current market conditions.

Related Reading

• Round vs Oval vs Cushion vs Emerald Cut 2026
• How to Choose Diamond Cut Quality 2026
• Engagement Ring Settings Guide 2026