Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds are a square brilliant cut diamond with sharp (un-cropped) corners.  Princess cut diamonds are one the most popular diamond shaped for engagement rings today.  They were developed to fulfil a desire for square shaped stones with more brilliance than a traditional cut emerald or square diamond.   The princess cut diamond is associated with personality traits like independence, audacity and confidence.

Princess cut diamonds history dates back about thirty years.  It was originally developed back in the 1970’s and was patented as the Quadrillion diamonds.  This particular shape of diamond has been embraced by the public because of its clean and modern lines.  It is also popular amongst diamond cutters are it has the highest yield from diamond rough.  A princess cut diamond has about 76 facets for greater brilliance and is usually referred to as a “square modified brilliant” on lab reports and grading certificates.  The end result of the princess cut diamond is a diamond that has all the brilliance of the round brilliant but with a different overall appeal.

One of the main appeals of a princess cut diamond is the cost saving.  They are as brilliant as a round brilliant cut diamond but are less expensive per carat.  Another way costs are saved is in the cutting process.  The cutting process of a princess cut diamond follows the natural structure of the diamond more effectively than with other diamond shapes.  Because the cutter follows the crystalline structure it allows for a higher yield of the rough carat weight to be retained, thus lowering the cost of the diamond.  Compared to a round brilliant cut diamond of a similar weight the princess cut tends to be 20% to 33% less expensive.  The princess cut diamond’s lower costs along with its beautiful shape and brilliant shine are the reasons for its popularity especially as the stone set into a solitaire engagement ring.

You will never need to find an excuse to buy or wear a princess cut diamond.  They always look good on your finger and there is never a bad time for a diamond ring.  Rings that are set with princess cut diamonds are elegant in their look and are not overly flashy.  Whether you are out for the night with your girlfriends or attending a formal occasion a princess cut diamond will always look great and will compliment the beauty you already possess.  

When you decide to buy a princess cut diamond there are several factors that will need to be considered.  In a princess cut ring H or I color will give you the best value.  Another important factor is the clarity.  Your best choice is VS2 or SI1 clarity as this will also provide the best value.  Princess diamonds that have an SI1 clarity are very rare because of the high quality of diamond rough that they are cut from.  The third thing to take into consideration is the cut parameters.  Ideally the depth of the diamond should be 65% to 75%.  The polish/symmetry of the diamond should be Good, Very Good or Excellent and its length/width ratio should be between 1.00 and 1.05 for a good quality princess cut diamond.

More about Princess Cut Diamonds

Next to round brilliant cut diamonds the princess cut is the second most popular cut shape for a diamond.  The princess cut is sometimes referred to as a square modified brilliant but although it displays the same high degree of brilliance, its faceting style is unique and completely different from the round brilliant cut.

The princess cut diamond was developed in the 1960’s and makes use of a brilliant style of diamond cutting rather than the traditional step-cut of traditional squares like and emerald.  Because of the extra faceting princess cut diamonds have more natural brilliance and scintillation.  This type of cut also hides inclusions and makes the colour less noticeable.  It is really just a square version of the round brilliant cut diamond.  A princess cut diamond appears to look like an upside down pyramid and has 76 facets.  These facets give a diamond more sparkle when cut perfectly.

Princess cut diamonds work very well in a many designs and are a very popular selection when it comes to wedding rings.  Eternity rings that are set with a princess cut diamond can be set in one continuous line with no gaps, as can sometimes occur with a round stone.  The use of a princess cut diamond allows for different looks and can easily stand alone or be combined with other shaped stones.

Any sharp point on a square diamond is a vulnerable point and it is for this reason that the setting process is absolutely critical and should only be done by a skilled professional.  Some manufacturers are now producing clipped corners princess diamonds to improve the durability of the diamond without changing the shape of the stone.  Princess cut diamonds can be produced without losing too much of the carat weight in the cutting process.

Princess cut diamonds are the most popular choice when it comes to engagement rings.  Since they were introduced in the late 60’s they have steadily become more and more popular.  The main appeal is the lower cost.  Princess cut diamonds are just as brilliant as a round brilliant cut diamond but are less expensive per carat.  Also, the shape of a princess cut diamond allows the cutting process to follow the natural crystalline structure of the diamond which means the cutter of the diamond can retain higher yields of the rough carat weight also lowering the diamond’s cost.  The princess cut diamond’s lower costs and attractive shape and brilliant sparkle and shine are the reasons why they are so popular in solitaire engagement rings.

Remember when you are shopping for a diamond, you must take into account the four C’s.  Colour, clarity, carats and cut.  Also be sure to select a setting that will protect the corners of your princess cut diamond.