If you go to a jeweler and tell them you want a square cut diamond, they’ll probably ask you what type. Many people ask, “What is a square cut diamond called?” but the answer is there isn’t really a square cut diamond: there are just a few types of diamonds that are square shaped and honorary square cuts. These are what the types of square diamonds look like and what makes them special.

Princess Cut

Princess cut diamonds are square-shaped diamonds (though not technically called a “square cut”). The princess cut is the only true square of all the square cuts because it’s the only one with sharp corners. Princess cut diamonds are also known as the square version of the round brilliant cut. It’s a popular diamond shape that allows for maximum sparkle. If it's a great cut, it can sparkle just as much as a round diamond. Princess cuts are also typically cheaper than round cuts as well because the princess yields 80% of the original diamond, whereas a round cut only yields 50%. That’s why princess cuts are such a popular diamond choice.

Cushion Cut

A cushion cut takes the classic princess cuts and rounds out the corners and sides for a soft look. It looks like a cushion, which is where the name comes from. Very often, cushion cut diamonds are used around a princess cut square diamond to create a gorgeous halo. The cushion cut diamond was particularly popular in the early 20th century, so it’s a great retro cut today that looks great in engagement rings as a center diamond.

Royal Asscher Cut

The Royal Asscher cut is one of the only diamond shape with a designer label, but luckily, it’s not patented anymore, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra. The Royal Asscher is a unique take on the square as it has a small table, a high pavilion, and deep crown. The cut currently has 74 facets (with the 58-cut version available in antique shops). It has cut corners and creates a unique vintage look that no other diamond cut matches.

Honorary Square Cuts

Princess, cushion, and Asscher cuts are really the only true “square” cuts, but there are some others that are considered honorary squares. The radiant cut diamond is sparkling and multi-faceted—dazzling—in a rectangular shape with smooth corners. An emerald cut diamond is also rectangular. These diamonds are step cut, which gives them a unique art deco look.

In general, square cut diamonds aren’t more expensive than other kinds of diamond cuts. In fact, they’re often cheaper because they retain more of the original diamond (less lost diamond means cheaper prices). But the exact price of the diamond is going to depend on the exact square shape diamond you choose.

A 1-carat princess cut diamond might cost you anywhere from $1,000–$2,000. A cushion cut is also very similar. Emerald and Radiant cuts are within the same window. But an Asscher cut of the same weight could cost you upwards of $1,500–$2,500 because of its facets and unique cut. So when you’re considering the price of a square cut diamond, remember that the type of square diamond you choose can affect the price slightly. The 4 C’s will naturally affect the price more than the shape you choose, but if the price is important to you, keep in mind that the Asscher could bump your price a bit. Lab-grown diamonds are a great way to get the diamond shape you love with a smaller price tag.

Square-shaped diamonds are a beautiful choice for an engagement ring as they are filled with beautiful brilliance. Although the square cut is a popular diamond shape, many people still choose round diamonds, but there are so many reasons to choose a square shaped diamond.

Square diamonds are less common, so it is reasonable that most people choose other diamond shapes. While many people choose the common round diamond shape, you can set yourself apart from the crowd by choosing a brilliantly sparkling square cut diamond.

Another great reason to choose a square cut diamond is that you have so many shapes to choose from. With a round cut diamond, there’s only one look. But with the square cut diamonds, you have about five choices of the exact shape you can go with. Each individual square style has its own flavor, and you can’t go wrong with any of the beautiful square cuts. When you decide you want something square shaped, you’re giving yourself so many options to choose from.

Finally, a square cut diamond is cheaper than a round cut diamond, and you get the lower price without losing any sparkle. The square diamonds can be exquisitely dazzling and facet-filled while being priced lower. A lab grown square cut diamond can be one of your most affordable diamond options.

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