- Introduction
- History of Princess Cut Diamonds
- Understanding the Princess Cut Diamond
- Pros and Cons of Round Cut Diamonds
- The 4Cs of Princess Cut Diamonds
- Popular Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Styles
- Popular Princess Cut Diamond Metal Choices
- Popular Princess Cut Diamond Band Styles
- Princess Cut Diamonds vs Other Shapes
- Price Considerations
- Care and Maintenance
- Princess Cut Diamonds in Pop Culture
- Final Buying Tips
- Conclusion
Introduction
When it comes to modern diamond cuts, few can rival the bold beauty of the Princess Cut Diamond. With its sharp edges, stunning sparkle, and regal charm, this shape has become a favorite among those who want a mix of classic brilliance and contemporary design.
Since its introduction in the 1960s, it has gained immense popularity for engagement rings, second only to the round brilliant. It offers a fresh, geometric twist without sacrificing fire or brilliance.
History of Princess Cut Diamonds
The princess cut was first conceptualized in 1961 by diamond cutter Arpad Nagy, who called it the “profile cut.” A few years later, it was refined into the square-shaped diamond we know today by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz.
Their design featured brilliant-style faceting, allowing more light return than traditional step cuts like emerald or Asscher. The result was a diamond that combined the sparkle of a round brilliant with the crisp geometry of a square shape—a perfect marriage of brilliance and symmetry.
Understanding the Princess Cut Diamond
A princess cut diamond is typically square with a pyramid-like shape and four pointed corners, creating extraordinary sparkle. Princess cut diamonds are often set with protective prongs or bezels to guard their corners, which are slightly more vulnerable to chipping due to their pointed structure.
- Shape: Square or rectangular outline with sharp corners.
- Facets: Usually 57–76, depending on cutting style.
- Brilliance: High, second only to the round cut.
- Symmetry: Critical for balanced light return.
- Depth: Typically deeper than round cuts.
Princess cut diamonds are often set with protective prongs or bezels to guard their corners, which are slightly more vulnerable to chipping due to their pointed structure.
Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds
Weigh the pros and cons to make the perfect choice.
- Brilliant Fire: Excellent light performance similar to round brilliants.
- Modern Appeal: Sharp, contemporary lines.
- More Affordable: 20–30% less expensive than round cuts per carat.
- Versatile: Stunning in solitaires, halos, and channel-set bands.
- Fragile Corners: Needs protective prongs or bezels.
- Deeper Cuts: Can look smaller than rounds of equal carat weight.
- Shows Color and Inclusions More: Requires careful selection for clarity and color.
The 4Cs of Princess Cut Diamonds
What to prioritize when choosing your perfect stone.
1. Cut (Most Important)
Prioritize an Excellent or Very Good cut to maximize sparkle and fire. Always prioritize cut over carat — a well-cut 0.90ct will outshine a poorly cut 1.00ct.
2. Color
A G-H grade offers the best value, appearing near-colorless. For yellow or rose gold settings, an I-J grade can add beautiful warmth and contrast.
3. Clarity
Look for VS1-VS2 for a typically eye-clean stone. A carefully selected SI1 can also be a great value buy with no visible inclusions.
4. Carat Weight
This cut retains more rough material, offering better value per carat. Consider a 0.90ct stone to save 15–20% over a full 1.00ct without noticeable size loss.
Popular Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Styles
Princess cut diamonds are adored for their modern geometry and radiant sparkle. Solitaire rings showcase the diamond’s sharp lines and brilliance, creating a bold yet timeless statement. Halo rings add extra dazzle with a surrounding circle of smaller diamonds, amplifying the princess cut’s fire and symmetry. Channel set rings offer a sleek and contemporary design, with accent diamonds neatly embedded along the band for a refined, continuous sparkle. Three-stone rings beautifully represent past, present, and future, highlighting the princess cut’s elegant shape and deep sentimental value.
Popular Princess Cut Diamond Metal Choices
Princess cut diamonds pair perfectly with a range of metal options that emphasize their modern elegance and clean lines. White gold engagement rings enhance the diamond’s sharp brilliance with a contemporary, radiant finish. Yellow gold engagement rings add a touch of timeless warmth and classic charm that contrasts beautifully with the diamond’s crisp edges. Rose gold engagement rings infuse a soft, romantic glow that complements the princess cut’s sophisticated geometry. Black gold engagement rings deliver a striking, modern contrast for a bold and distinctive look. For lasting luxury and strength, platinum rings provide a luminous, durable setting that highlights the princess cut’s refined sparkle.
Popular Princess Cut Diamond Band Styles
Princess cut diamonds pair beautifully with a variety of band styles that emphasize their clean lines and contemporary allure. Thin bands highlight the diamond’s sharp geometry, offering a refined and elegant appearance. Thicker bands provide a bold, modern statement with added strength and presence. Diamond wedding bands bring extra brilliance and sparkle, enhancing the princess cut’s radiant fire. For those who prefer a timeless touch, classic wedding bands create a sophisticated balance that perfectly complements the princess cut diamond’s modern charm.
Princess Cut vs Other Shapes
See how it stacks up against other popular diamond cuts.
Price Considerations
Princess cuts use about 80–90% of the rough diamond, while round brilliants waste up to 50%. This makes them more affordable without compromising beauty.
Smart Buying Tips
- Focus on cut and symmetry first.
- Stay just below popular carat marks (like 0.90ct).
- Choose G–H color and VS2 clarity for best value.
- Always request a GIA or AGS certificate for authenticity.
Care and Maintenance
- Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners unless advised.
- Check prongs regularly, especially around the pointed corners.
- Store separately to prevent scratching.
Princess Cut Diamonds in Pop Culture
Princess cut diamonds have graced the fingers of celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Hilary Duff, and Meghan Markle (in select custom jewelry pieces). Their modern geometry and radiant sparkle continue to symbolize confidence and sophistication.
Final Buying Tips
- Always prioritize cut quality over carat.
- Choose G–H color, VS2 clarity for excellent balance.
- Protect corners with a sturdy setting.
- Buy from a trusted jeweler offering certifications and warranties.
Conclusion
The Princess Cut Diamond represents everything modern luxury stands for — brilliance, precision, and bold elegance. Whether set in a minimalist solitaire or a sparkling halo, this cut’s distinctive geometry makes it an unforgettable choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
With the perfect balance of beauty and value, the princess cut remains a modern classic that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes a Princess Cut diamond unique?
The princess cut stands out for its sharp square shape, brilliant sparkle, and modern appeal. It offers the fire of a round diamond with a sleek geometric design that feels both elegant and contemporary.
2. Are Princess Cut diamonds more affordable than Round Cuts?
Yes! Princess cut diamonds retain up to 90% of the rough stone during cutting, making them 20–30% less expensive per carat than round brilliants — without compromising on sparkle.
3. How many facets does a Princess Cut diamond have?
Most princess cut diamonds feature 57 to 76 facets, designed in a brilliant-style pattern that maximizes light reflection and fire.
4. Do Princess Cut diamonds sparkle as much as Round Cuts?
Almost! Princess cuts are second only to round brilliants in sparkle and brilliance. A well-cut princess diamond delivers exceptional fire and scintillation.
5. Are the corners of Princess Cut diamonds fragile?
Yes, the pointed corners can be more prone to chipping. That’s why protective prongs or bezel settings are recommended to keep the diamond secure.
6. What’s the best color grade for a Princess Cut diamond?
For the best value and beauty, choose G–H color. These near-colorless grades offer a bright appearance without the higher price of D–F color stones.
7. What clarity grade should I choose for a Princess Cut?
A VS1–VS2 clarity grade is ideal — it ensures the diamond looks eye-clean while balancing cost and quality. SI1 can also work if inclusions are well-placed.
8. What are the most popular settings for Princess Cut engagement rings?
Popular choices include solitaire, halo, channel-set, and three-stone settings. Each highlights the diamond’s modern geometry in a unique way.
9. Which metal looks best with a Princess Cut diamond?
White gold and platinum enhance the diamond’s brilliance, while yellow or rose gold create a warm, romantic contrast — perfect for a vintage-inspired look.
10. How can I tell if a Princess Cut diamond is well-cut?
Look for excellent or ideal cut grades, precise symmetry, and minimal light leakage. A well-cut stone should have even brilliance across the entire face.
11. How do I clean and care for my Princess Cut diamond ring?
Clean it regularly with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and check the prongs frequently to protect the diamond’s corners.
12. Why are Princess Cut diamonds so popular for engagement rings?
Princess cuts symbolize modern elegance and strength, offering timeless sparkle with a bold edge. Their symmetry and brilliance make them a favorite among today’s brides.