Whoever decided square was the perfect word to describe a snooze fest certainly wasn’t staring one of these brilliant baddies in the face.
Square-shaped diamonds are some of the most stunning, sparkly, show-stopping rocks, and we cannot get enough. They give any silhouette a shake-up worth standing for, and each little glitter cube has its own personality.
If you’re looking to find your four-sided fantasy, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get into the sparkle, the set, and the unforgettable vibe of all things square and shiny.
Squared Off
We love angular gems, and while they all can’t have the boxy moxie of a princess cut, cushions and Emeralds can also fall into the square zone. Sure, they each have their quirks, but they all fall into the same square fam.
The thing that holds them all together is that sweet little 1:1 ratio. While Emeralds and cushions can often be elongated, we’re here to chat about their even-sided sisters.
Pure and Simple Princess
Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the squarest of them all? The pretty little princess cut is the quintessential square-cut diamond, and it’s packing all the sparkle.
Also known as a modified square brilliant, the princess was designed after the round brilliant and features similar facets. This gives it that high-key brilliance that makes the round numero uno in the sparkle game.
People like to drag the princess cut because of the delicate corners, but you can’t keep a good princess down. Those sharp corners need a little extra love, but they’re easily protected with prongs or bezels.
Princess cuts add an unexpected quality to almost any silhouette, making them a real standout. They also happen to be the second most sparkly diamond of all–if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Penelope with a 3 carat Princess cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
Purely Plush
Cushions are the softies of the square fam. They have soft rounded corners, hence the pillowy name, and all kinds of shiny sparkle–and we mean all kinds. Cushions also come in two varieties with two types of sparkle, brilliant and crushed ice.
Brilliant cushions have a similar sparkle to a round brilliant or a princess cut. Long facets with lots of light bouncing back. They’ve got large sparkles and plenty of them–think classic diamond sparkle.
Crushed ice cushions have oodles of tiny sparkles. They’re cut with small facets, and a lot of them, giving them the look of crushed ice glimmering in the sunshine.
Both cuts have benefits; crushed ice has a more white face-up look which some enjoy. While brilliant has more dimension and depth, similar to other brilliant cut stones. In the end, it all comes down to which pillow you prefer.
Classy and Glassy
Emeralds have their own vibe, and while they’re usually spotted in their longer rectangular form, there is something special about the square. Maybe it’s those sleek edges with the corners lopped off. Perhaps it’s the dazzling hall of mirrors, either way, we’re here for it.
Unlike most diamonds, emeralds give off flashes of light instead of sparkle. This is because of their step-cut facets. But don’t worry, you won't miss the glitter cause Emeralds bring on a different type of glitz and glam.
While traditional Emeralds have a more elongated look, squares have a different stunning shine. The hall of mirrors effect is amplified, giving it an almost hypnotic vibe.
The table on an Emerald is like a big glassy window down to the center of the lolly pop. It’s truly a stunning view, showing off every inch of the stone, good and bad, but we’ll get into that later.
The Michelle with an Emerald cut Moissanite im White Gold
Ready, Set, Square
Ok, so here’s the deal. You can pop a square diamond into any setting, but some settings make a square pop.
Whether you are going for a more classic look or a totally modern feel, there’s a square setting that fits the bill, so let us help you find it.
One thing is for sure. These angular rocks look stunning in a solitaire. They're already an out-of-the-box shape, so even the most simple settings look super unique. However, we love to double down.
The curving branches of The Twig create a rad composition with soft curves bringing your eyes to each corner of that pretty little princess.
It could be the juxtaposition of the flowing natural feels with the cool edges of the diamond. Still, we can’t get over the combo.
The Twig with a 2 carat Princess cut Diamond in White Gold
Some salty people like to drag a princess for her corners. But those are literally what we love about the cut. Sure, you chip a corner with some blunt force, but the same can be said for any diamond.
A four-prong setting is enough to keep it safe. But if you’re wild with the hand gestures, you can always go with a halo or bezel setting if it makes you feel a little more secure.
Cushions are super versatile. The soft edges look great with smooth lines, while the square feel adds an exciting twist to any silhouette.
Check it out: The Angelina looks fantastic with a cushion. The split shank flows right into the smooth center stone. All that added sparkle of the pavé looks excellent with crushed ice or brilliant cut. You really can’t go wrong with a soft sparkly landing.
The Angelina with a 2.5 carat Cushion cut Moissanite in White Gold
Cushions are a bit of a deep cut, meaning they can look a bit smaller carat for carat than a round. But that doesn’t stop them from being the absolute most. The Natalie amps up the sparkle with a high setting that lets in every bit of light, maximizing shine. Add a diamond bridge and a hidden halo, and you’ve got some pretty glorious sparkle from each and every angle.
The Natalie with a 4 carat Cushion Moissanite in White Gold
Emeralds have a distinct sparkle, and while they play well with others, they look extra fab paired with one of their own.
The Liv has two step-cut baguette shoulder stones making it the perfect flashy match to any Emerald. It’s a clean combo that feels forever fresh. It’s modern meets timeless mash-up that seriously slays.
If, on the other hand, you like the mix-and-match sparkle situation, Emeralds sure look fantastic with a pavé band. For that matter, they’re pretty stunning with a simple solitaire. Basically, there’s no wrong way to wear an Emerald.
The Liv with a 2.5 carat Emerald cut Moissanite in Yellow Gold
Emeralds certainly have an old-world eleganza, but getting those vintage vibes means giving up the sparkle. Or does it?
In true opposites attract fashion, these flashy gems look stunning in a modern setting like The Charlotte.
Its smooth modern lines and minimalist appeal give an Emerald an utterly contemporary feel. A hidden halo adds a sparkly pop to the whole deal. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
The Charlotte with a 3 carat Emerald cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
Make it Snappy
Want a few quick tips on how to snag the perfect stone? We’ve got you. You can check out our education center if you’re into a more in-depth look at the whole 4Cs situation. But if you’re into the short of it, here are a few tips to save you big on these shiny squares.
Number one, and this goes for all diamonds. The cut comes first. Always go for a well-cut stone. It’ll ensure you get a bright shiny rock instead of a sad little hunk of carbon. It makes a huge difference.
The Kamellie with a Cushion Cut Diamond and The Liv with a Princess Cut Diamond
Princesses and Cushions are both brilliant cuts which are great because all that sparkle hides a lot of imperfections, so you can save a bit on color and clarity.
Clarity: Look for an eye-clean diamond with no visible inclusions. Check out the SI1-VS range to save some money.
Color: You want a diamond that appears colorless, but you can get a colorless diamond in the G-H range.
If you’re getting a crushed ice cushion, keep an eye on color. Those tiny facets will still hide inclusions but bounce back loads of light, so they tend to hold their color. You should still be good in a G-H. Just keep an eye out for any color showing through.
Step cuts are stunning but leave all their flaws on the table. No really. The large table acts like a window, showing off every little imperfection. So, make extra sure your Emerald is eye-clean.
Clarity: Emeralds don’t have to be flawless or even a VVS. You can easily find an eye-clean diamond in the VS range. It’ll save some cash and still look stunning.
Color: Emeralds are crystal clear, so look for something that appears colorless. You should be able to find an ideal Emerald in the G-H range.
Sold On Sparkle Squares?
It’s all about the simple stunning square, and no matter your favorite flavor of sparkle, it’s truly glam.
That squared-up shape has been around long enough to give it a classic look. Yet the whole four-cornered vibe is like a breath of fresh air. So, are you partial to the princess, all about the Emerald, or falling for that dreamy cushion?
Squares bring some seriously incredible energy to the engagement game. They are switching up silhouettes and creating eye-catching compositions that have us falling head over heels. And best of all, you can make it 100% Y.O.U.
