Princess Cut vs Round Brilliant: Which Diamond Shape Sparkles More?

The Two Most Popular Diamond Shapes

If you are choosing an engagement ring, chances are you are deciding between a round brilliant and a princess cut. Together, these two shapes account for over 70% of all engagement ring diamonds sold. But they are very different — in sparkle, in appearance, in price and in personality.

Here is an honest, head-to-head comparison to help you choose.

Sparkle: Round Brilliant Wins

The round brilliant is the most sparkly diamond shape in the world. Its 58 facets are mathematically engineered to maximise light return — the way light enters the diamond, bounces off the internal facets, and returns to your eye. No other cut comes close.

The princess cut is also brilliant-cut (meaning its facets are arranged to maximise sparkle), and it is the second-most brilliant shape. But it cannot match the round. If maximum sparkle is your priority, round is the answer.

Winner: Round Brilliant

Size Appearance: Princess Cut Appears Larger

Because of their square shape, princess cut diamonds spread their carat weight across the full face of the stone. A 1-carat princess cut measures approximately 5.5mm × 5.5mm, while a 1-carat round measures 6.5mm in diameter. The round is actually wider — but the princess cut's straight edges and corner-to-corner measurement can make it appear more substantial on the finger.

In practice, the size difference is subtle. Both 1-carat stones look like 1-carat stones. But if you want a diamond that looks slightly bigger for its carat weight, the princess cut has a slight edge.

Winner: Princess Cut (marginal)

Price: Princess Cut Is Better Value

Round brilliant diamonds are more expensive to cut because more of the rough diamond is wasted in the cutting process — a round cut typically loses 50% of the rough crystal's weight. Princess cuts waste less rough (around 40%), making them less expensive per carat.

A 1-carat princess cut of equivalent colour, clarity and cut quality will typically cost 15–25% less than a 1-carat round brilliant. If you want the most diamond for your money, princess is the better choice.

Winner: Princess Cut

Durability: Round Brilliant Is Tougher

Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, but they can still chip — particularly at the corners. Princess cut diamonds have four pointed corners that are vulnerable to chipping if the ring is knocked against a hard surface. A round brilliant has no corners, making it more durable for everyday wear.

This does not mean princess cuts are fragile. A well-set princess cut in a protective setting (bezel or V-prong) is perfectly safe for daily wear. But if you work with your hands or have an active lifestyle, round is the safer choice.

Winner: Round Brilliant

Style and Personality

This is where the comparison becomes subjective:

• Round brilliant is timeless, classic and universally flattering. It suits every hand, every setting and every style. If you want a ring that will never look dated, round is the safe choice.
• Princess cut is modern, geometric and bold. It has a contemporary edge that appeals to those who want something a little different without straying too far from tradition. Princess is for the modern romantic.

Winner: It is a tie — this is personal taste

Setting Options

Both shapes work in almost every setting style, but they suit different aesthetics:

• Round brilliant looks beautiful in solitaire, halo, three-stone, pavé and bezel settings. Its symmetry makes it versatile.
• Princess cut looks striking in a solitaire or channel setting, where its geometric lines are on full display. It also works in a halo, though the square halo is a more distinctive look.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose round brilliant if:

• Maximum sparkle is your top priority
• You want a timeless, classic look
• You have an active lifestyle and want maximum durability
• You do not mind paying more for the most brilliant cut

Choose princess cut if:

• You want a modern, geometric look
• You want the most diamond for your budget
• You love the clean lines of a square shape
• You want something slightly different from the classic round

See Both Side by Side at Jewellove

The best way to choose is to try on both shapes in person. Book a private appointment at our Blantyre atelier and we will show you round brilliant and princess cut diamonds side by side, in a range of settings, so you can see the difference for yourself.