Is a diamond princess cut engagement ring a good choice?

Quick Navigation

• What is a Princess Cut Diamond?
• History of the Princess Cut
• Key Features of Princess Cut Diamonds
• Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Engagement Rings
• Comparing Princess Cut to Other Diamond Shapes
• Best Settings for Princess Cut Diamonds
• Care and Maintenance of Princess Cut Rings
• Cost Considerations for Princess Cut Diamonds
• Celebrity Princess Cut Engagement Rings
• Conclusion: Is a Princess Cut Right for You?

What is a Princess Cut Diamond?

The princess cut diamond is a square or rectangular shaped diamond with pointed corners and a brilliant facet pattern. Created in the 1960s, this relatively modern cut has quickly become the second most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, trailing only behind the classic round brilliant cut. Unlike many other fancy shapes, the princess cut retains much of the fire and brilliance of a round diamond while offering a contemporary geometric appeal.

The distinctive feature of princess cut diamonds is their inverted pyramid shape, with four beveled sides. This design maximizes the diamond’s natural brilliance by allowing light to enter from the top and reflect from the pavilion facets. The typical princess cut diamond has between 57 and 76 facets, depending on how the pavilion is cut, creating excellent light dispersion and that coveted sparkle so many desire in their diamond engagement rings.

History of the Princess Cut

While many diamond cuts have centuries of history, the princess cut is relatively new. Its origins can be traced to the “Barion cut” created by Basil Watermeyer in the 1970s and the “Quadrillion cut,” a similar design developed around the same time. The modern princess cut as we know it today evolved from these earlier designs and was perfected in the 1980s.

Since its creation, the princess cut has revolutionized the engagement ring market by offering an attractive alternative to the traditional round brilliant cut. Its rise in popularity coincided with growing interest in more contemporary jewelry styles, making it perfect for those who appreciate both tradition and modern aesthetics. Today, it remains a top choice for classic engagement rings with a contemporary twist.

Key Features of Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds possess several distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other diamond shapes:

• Square or Rectangular Shape: While most princess cuts are square, some have a slightly rectangular shape with a length-to-width ratio between 1.0 and 1.5.
• Pointed Corners: Unlike emerald cut engagement rings, princess cuts feature sharp, pointed corners that require protective settings.
• Brilliant Facet Pattern: The facets are arranged in a pattern similar to that of a round brilliant cut, creating exceptional sparkle.
• Good Yield from Rough Diamonds: The shape allows cutters to preserve up to 80% of the rough diamond’s weight, making it more efficient than round cuts.
• Versatility: Princess cuts work beautifully in various setting styles, from solitaire engagement rings to halo engagement rings.

When examining a princess cut diamond, pay close attention to its cut quality, as this significantly impacts its brilliance and overall beauty. A well-cut princess diamond will display excellent symmetry and proportions, maximizing its light performance and visual appeal.

Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Advantages

• Exceptional Brilliance: Princess cuts offer nearly as much sparkle as round brilliants, making them a dazzling choice for diamond engagement rings.
• Modern Appearance: The geometric shape appeals to those who prefer contemporary engagement ring settings.
• Cost-Effective: Princess cuts are typically 20-30% less expensive than round diamonds of similar carat weight and quality.
• Versatility: They pair beautifully with various metals, from white gold engagement rings to rose gold engagement rings.
• Flattering Appearance: The square shape can make fingers appear longer and more slender.

Disadvantages

• Vulnerable Corners: The pointed corners can be prone to chipping and require protective settings.
• Shows Color More: Princess cuts may reveal slight color tints more readily than some other shapes.
• Shows Inclusions: Certain inclusions may be more visible than in round engagement rings.
• Requires Regular Cleaning: The facet arrangement can trap dirt and oils more easily than some other cuts.
• Less Vintage Appeal: Those seeking vintage engagement rings might find princess cuts too modern.

Comparing Princess Cut to Other Diamond Shapes

Princess Cut vs. Round Brilliant

While round solitaire engagement rings offer maximum brilliance, princess cuts provide a more unique shape while still delivering impressive sparkle. Round diamonds typically cost 20-30% more than princess cuts of equivalent quality and carat weight.

Princess Cut vs. Emerald Cut

Emerald cut engagement rings feature step-cut facets that create a “hall of mirrors” effect, whereas princess cuts offer more brilliance and fire. Emerald cuts have a more vintage appeal, while princess cuts have a contemporary edge.

Princess Cut vs. Cushion Cut

Cushion engagement rings feature rounded corners and a pillow-like appearance, offering a softer look than the geometric princess cut. Cushion cuts often have a more romantic, vintage feel compared to the modern princess cut.

Princess Cut vs. Oval Cut

Oval diamond engagement rings can make fingers appear longer and may look larger than princess cuts of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape. Both cuts offer excellent brilliance, but ovals have no vulnerable corners.

Princess Cut vs. Pear Shape

Pear engagement rings combine round and marquise cuts for a teardrop shape. While princess cuts offer symmetrical elegance, pear-shaped engagement rings provide a distinctive, asymmetrical look.

Best Settings for Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds can be showcased in various settings, each offering different advantages:

• Four-Prong Setting: This classic choice highlights the diamond’s square shape while protecting its vulnerable corners.
• Channel Setting: Perfect for three-stone engagement rings or bands with accent stones, this setting aligns multiple princess cuts flush with the band.
• Halo Setting: Halo engagement rings surround the center stone with smaller diamonds, enhancing its perceived size and adding extra sparkle.
• Bezel Setting: Bezel engagement rings offer maximum protection for the princess cut’s pointed corners and create a sleek, modern look.
• Cathedral Setting: This elegant option elevates the diamond, allowing more light to enter from the sides and creating a majestic profile.
• Tension Setting: For a contemporary, floating appearance, tension settings hold the diamond using pressure from the band’s metal.
• Hidden Halo: Hidden halo engagement rings place a circle of smaller diamonds underneath the center stone for unexpected sparkle.

For princess cut diamonds, settings that protect the corners are particularly important. V-prongs, which cradle each corner, provide excellent security while still allowing maximum light entry. Bezel set engagement rings offer the most protection but may slightly reduce the diamond’s brilliance.

Care and Maintenance of Princess Cut Rings

To keep your princess cut engagement ring looking its best:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your ring every two weeks using mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush.
• Professional Inspections: Have your ring checked by a jeweler every six months to ensure the settings remain secure.
• Remove During Activities: Take off your ring during rough activities, heavy cleaning, or when using harsh chemicals.
• Check Prongs Regularly: Since princess cuts have vulnerable corners, check that the protective prongs remain intact.
• Store Separately: Keep your ring in a fabric-lined box or pouch separate from other jewelry to prevent scratches.
• Insure Your Ring: Given its value, both financial and sentimental, proper insurance is essential.

Princess cut diamonds require slightly more careful handling than round or oval halo engagement rings due to their pointed corners. Being mindful of this vulnerability will help preserve your ring’s beauty for generations.

Cost Considerations for Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds typically offer excellent value compared to round brilliants of the same carat weight and quality. Here are some cost factors to consider:

• Cut Quality: Excellent cut princess diamonds command premium prices but deliver superior sparkle.
• Carat Weight: Prices increase significantly at popular weight thresholds (0.5ct, 1.0ct, 1.5ct, etc.).
• Color Grade: Princess cuts show color more readily than rounds, so consider H color or better for white gold engagement rings.
• Clarity: Princess cuts can hide inclusions well, making VS2-SI1 clarity grades often the sweet spot for value.
• Length-to-Width Ratio: Perfect squares (1:1 ratio) typically command higher prices than slightly rectangular princess cuts.
• Setting Complexity: Simple engagement rings cost less than elaborate designs with additional diamonds or intricate metalwork.

For budget-conscious shoppers, princess cuts offer a way to maximize the appearance of size while minimizing cost. A 1-carat princess cut will typically cost 20-30% less than a 1-carat round brilliant of equivalent quality, making it an excellent option for those seeking natural diamond engagement rings with maximum impact for their investment.

Celebrity Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Many celebrities have chosen princess cut diamonds for their engagement rings, adding to the cut’s popularity:

• Emily Ratajkowski: Her princess cut diamond features a unique two-stone design with a pear-shaped companion.