Do Round or Princess Cut Diamonds Look Bigger

When comparing the size of round and princess cut diamonds, the math says round is larger, but visual optics are another thing. So which one looks bigger?

Round and princess cut diamonds are the two most popular shapes. While round diamonds are classic, the square-cut princess gives a modern flair.

But which shape gives you the biggest bang for your buck?

Find out which shape looks bigger and how to choose the best look for your lifestyle. Compare the cost, brilliance, size, of princess and round-cut diamonds below.

What is a Round Cut Diamond?

Round diamonds are the most popular choice, with 47% of brides rocking a round center stone. The shape is timeless and looks great in just about every style ring.

Round diamonds are the most brilliant of all diamond shapes. The modern round diamond we have today has 58 facets. It's perfectly designed to reflect the maximum light.

Because it's so sparkly, round diamonds can hide flaws and mask colored tints better than other shapes. You can save some money by opting for lower grade color and clarity.

Round Cut Diamonds Pros & Cons

What is a Princess Cut Diamond?

Created in 1980, the square princess cut is one of the newest diamond shapes. It's the second-most popular shape, with 14% of brides choosing this cut.

Most princess cuts have 55-58 facets and have an X pattern when viewed from the top. Just like the name, they're stylish and trendy, yet feminine and delicate.

When it comes to brilliance, the princess cut is second only to round diamond. It can also hide some flaws and color tints.

Princess Cut Diamonds Pros & Cons

Is Round or Princess Cut Bigger?

© CreditDonkey

Now let's talk math.

• A 1 carat round diamond has a diameter of 6.4 mm. This is a surface area of 32.17 mm².

• A 1 carat princess diamond is 5.5 mm x 5.5 mm. This is a surface area of 30.25 mm².

Based on the math, round diamonds have a larger face-up area. It's about 8% bigger in surface area.

Princess diamonds are cut deeper than round diamonds. More of the weight is in the bottom part under the surface, where you can't see.

But which one looks bigger? Read on.

Do Round or Princess Cut Diamonds Look Bigger?

Even though the surface area of round diamonds is larger, the corner-to-corner length of princess diamonds is longer.

For a 1-carat princess cut diamond, the diagonal length is 7.78 mm, while the largest cross measurement is only 6.4 mm for a round diamond. This can make the princess cut diamond appear larger than a round diamond.

The prongs placement can also help a diamond look larger. Take the classic 4 prong round solitaire setting vs princess solitaire (below). The claws help add to illusion of more diagonal length, which makes the princess seem larger.

Which is More Brilliant?

If you're looking for the sparkliest stone possible, a round diamond is the undisputed winner. Round diamonds are unmatched when it comes to brilliance and sparkle.

But princess cuts are no dud either. It's the most brilliant cut of the fancy shapes. However, a well-cut round diamond will still exhibit more brilliance and fire.

The brilliance of a well-cut diamond can also make it appear larger, since so much light is reflected back.

Which One is Better Value?

If we're talking budget, a princess cut diamond will give you more bang for your buck. Round diamonds are the most expensive of the diamond shapes because they're the most popular.

On top of that, round diamonds also require a more intensive cutting process. This is factored into the higher price.

Princess diamonds don't cut away as much of the diamond, which makes it more affordable

If all factors are equal (carat, color, clarity, cut, certification), a round diamond will cost about 30% more than a princess diamond.

For the same budget, you can get a larger princess cut diamond. For the cost of a 1 carat round, you can get a 1.2 carat princess cut - which will look significantly larger.

Princess vs Round Cut: Which is Better?

Still not sure whether to choose round or princess diamond? Here are some things to consider.

• Lifestyle: If you are very active and do a lot with your hands, round may fit your lifestyle more. Princess cut diamonds have sharp corners, which can snag on things. Or worse, the diamond can even chip if you knock it just right.

• Budget: If you're looking to maximize budget and size, a princess cut diamond offers the best value.

• Personal taste: Ultimately it comes down to preference. If you love the trendy square princess cut now, think about whether you may still like it in 10 years. Or if the ever-timeless round is a better choice?

Bottom Line

Both round and princess diamonds are beautiful. They both look lovely in a variety of engagement ring settings.

If your biggest priority is maximizing budget, then a princess cut diamond is the more affordable option. But if sparkle is the most important, nothing can match the brilliance of a round diamond.

Ultimately, the choice will come down to what you like. Don't worry too much about which one looks bigger. Make the choice that you will love 10, 20, or even 50 years from now.