How to choose the best princess cut diamond ring for your bride-to-be?

If you’re on the lookout for a fancy princess cut diamond ring, you’ve come to the right place. One of the most celebrated diamond cuts, a princess cut diamond is traditionally square shaped. What makes it popular is the fact that this cut has excellent fire and brilliance. Among the most called for cuts in the diamond industry, it’s a popular choice for an engagement ring. But how can you define its quality? Let’s grab a look. 

Features To Consider For a Princess Cut

The princess cut, introduced back in 1980 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz, is an acclaimed diamond cut amongst modern couples. It’s the next best choice to the round cut diamond that’s attained its popularity owing to its flexibility. This cut works for almost every ring type and showcases a magnificent radiance that’s appealing and eye catching. A quality princess cut:

• Four sided pyramid shaped diamond with 50 to 58 facets
• Features two or four seamless zig-zag patterns for rings
• Cost per carat is lesser as compared to round cut diamonds
• Also known as rectangular/square modified brilliant diamond

Some Facts About the Princess Cut Diamond

An astonishing fact about the princess cut is that you can get two similar sized cuts shaped from the same diamond. Offering a high yield, the princess cut is indefinitely any diamond cutter’s dream project. Even after cutting a rough diamond, craftsmen are able to retain 60% of the weight of the original stone. This makes the princess cut an extremely valuable piece despite sometimes having a rectangular shape. The more squarish the formation is, the costlier the diamond. A princess cut diamond is capable of hiding inclusions but they feature sharp corners. This makes the cut prone to chipping especially if it’s present in any of the four corners of the stone. 

Since the princess diamond cut has a chevron design, it can either be two or four patterned. With a two patterned chevron cut, you’ll notice bold white and colored flashes. A four patterned chevron offers more scintillation. This is the kind of sparkle that’s well worth the time, effort and investment. To make this simpler, imagine a round cut diamond. To get a 1 carat stone, a round cut yields 40% of a rough diamond weight. But a princess cut, you’ll get an average 60% to 80% yield that qualifies for two separate cuts. 

When you’re trying to understand a quality cut diamond, it’s always important to consider imperfections. This round of inspection will give you the clarity you need about a princess cut that’s poorly or exquisitely fashioned. Eye cleaning for a princess diamond cut is seamless which means there are inclusions that remain invisible to the naked eye. If the inclusions are spread out, transparent or white in color then they’re a preferred choice. Believe it or not, the princess diamond is a remarkable combination of color, cut, clarity and brilliance. 

How To Define a Princess Cut Diamond Ring?

A princess cut can either be tapered or rectangular in shape. It features an upside-down pyramid frame that holds most of the weight in the pavilion. A finished diamond’s face-up appearance could appear smaller in this case. It is the symmetry of the diamond cut that attracts most brides to be. Since the princess diamond cut features symmetrical facets, it’s a desirable choice for many couples. When you’re deciding on clarity, we recommend VS2 or I1 clarity diamonds that are eye-cleaned. 

Princess cut diamonds look larger than round cuts since the top portion of the diamond is larger compared to its pavilion. The most beautiful princess cut features an ideal cut grade with excellent polish and symmetry. These details are usually provided for in a grading certificate so make sure you review one before a purchase. Generally consumers opt for a Very Good cut grade since these diamonds have great brilliance and are affordable. If you’re looking for more definition, here are a few things to consider.

• Diamond Rough

While GIA gives you substantial details about a diamond’s quality, it’s usually not enough. Since this cut has been introduced to enhance diamond yield, there are very few parameters that account for its quality. They are cut to fit the shape of a rough diamond unlike round cuts. This means if you want a diamond rough to have ideal proportions, it will most likely end up as one. 

• Depth Recommendation 

Ideally your princess diamond cut should have depth between 65% to 75%. The lower the percentage the better it is. A recommended option is choosing a cut that falls within a depth range of 68% to 73%. This is if you’re looking for a large princess cut but for smaller diamonds the depth percentage should be between 74% to 77%. 

Since the crown surface area of this cut is 10% less as compared to a round diamond cut of the same carat weight, it appears larger in size. The corner to corner measurements usually end up being 15% greater than the diameter of a round cut diamond. 

• Length to Width Ratio

While studying length to width ratio, for a princess cut if this parameter is 1.05 or less, it appears square shaped. It is traditionally a square shaped cut but buyers prefer rectangular angles since that reduces cost per carat. The length to width ratio for this cut ranges between 1.05 to 1.12 and depending upon buyer preference, the diamond is shaped accordingly. A brilliantly cut princess is one of the few cuts that rivals the brilliance and fire of a round cut but at an affordable price. 

• Color

Many consumers prefer warmer tones for a princess cut so they go for color grading between G-H unlike the cooler undertones of a D-F diamond cut. This is because princess cuts with D-F color grading are premium and have a very high price. In a round brilliant cut, the light transmission is greater compared to a princess cut. This means the diamond cut hides away imperfections without revealing the true color of the stone. For the best value, you should pick either an I or H color graded diamond if they are proportioned well. Even if you’re looking for white color tones on a princess cut, it isn’t a great choice when you’re running on a budget. 

Best Setting For a Princess Cut Engagement Ring

The best setting for a princess cut engagement ring is the four prong setting that goes extremely well with a solitaire piece. You can also consider a channel setting or a three stone ring for added brilliance. Most consumers prefer a four prong setting since the princess cut has chipped corners. To keep it from getting scratched, diamond cutters improve the durability of the stone by placing it in a four prong setting, keeping those edges covered.  

• Solitaire: If you go for this setting, your princess cut is highlighted and becomes the central focus of the ring. This setting also allows maximum light to transmit through the stone thereby adding to its brilliance. 
• Channel: Another great option is a channel setting that focuses on stones along the shank such that they’re nestled against each other. Without a prong separation, the channel setting offers better security. 
• Halo: If your princess cut is smaller, a halo setting adds weight and aesthetic brilliance to the stone. This setting is perfect for a 1 carat princess cut especially when you’re experimenting with metals like platinum and rose gold. 

Princess Cut Diamond Ring Designs

A princess cut is a modern and aesthetically pleasing diamond that makes for the perfect engagement ring. This sparkler is both brilliant and budget friendly offering more for a lesser price. Its exquisite shape is a classic design that suits just about any bride to be. Featuring a crisp and clean frame, the princess diamond cut is both elegant and unique. Here are a few styles you can consider for an engagement ring:

• 2 Carat Princess Cut Petite Engagement Ring

The 2 carat central stone features an eye catching radiance owing to its miniature embellishments that are set in a U prong setting. The princess cut stone consists of clarity SI1 and color grading G that compliments both white gold and rose gold setting. Not only is it simple but incredibly elegant with a sharp edgy look. 

• Three Stone Princess Cut Ring

For a three stone setting that is placed on a U-prong, this princess cut features a central diamond, with two adjoining princess cut diamonds on the sides. The round cut diamonds that embellish the prong on each side add more radiance and scintillation. The carat size for this ring consists of diamonds weighing 0.4 to 0.5 that have SI1 clarity and color grading G. 

• Vintage Style Princess Diamond Ring

When you place a 1 carat princess cut diamond at the center that’s flanked by tiny sparkling stones and a milgrain outline, you end up with a masterpiece. Vintage designs compliment this cut especially when it features a channel setting that highlights a beautiful pattern of ruby gemstones along the sides. 

How much does a 1 carat princess diamond ring cost?

A 1 carat princess cut diamond ring featuring I color and VS2 clarity typically costs anywhere between $3000 to $4000 depending on cut quality. If you choose a 1 carat stone with a princess cut that has I color and VS1 clarity, the approximate price ranges between $2500 to $3000. 

What is the cost difference between princess cut & round cut diamonds?

It is a well known fact that princess cuts are less expensive compared to a round brilliant cut. For example if you’re picking a 1 carat, I color and VS1 clarity princess diamond, the average pricing is anywhere between $2900 – $3200. Round cuts give less yield which means diamond cutters lose most of the rough diamond while shaping one. While both cuts offer their unique advantages, princess cut is likely to suit your budget on the down low versus a round. 

Cushion cut versus Princess cut – Which is better?

Cushion cuts may showcase imperfections while a princess cut is likely to hide away these inclusions. Though a princess cut is slightly more expensive compared to a cushion, it’s a better choice when you’re looking for radiance and brilliance. When it comes to deciding between the two, it depends on your personal preference and budget. Both diamond shapes have a unique look and are compatible for many kinds of ring settings. 

What are princess cut diamond stud earrings?

Consumers don’t just want a princess cut for an engagement ring. This classic cut has become so popular that jewelers include the design for a range of accessories like diamond stud earrings. The style compliments formal and party wear outfits usually opting for diamonds with a carat weight anywhere between 0.25 to 1. Since diamond stud earrings are timeless, you can elevate your look by choosing a suitable carat weight that goes with the occasion. For a pair of everyday casual studs, you’ll want to look for smaller princess diamond cuts. For special occasions, opt for a bigger carat weight that is over 1. 

What metal looks best with princess diamond rings?

When you’re going for a solitaire princess cut ring, the ideal metal to consider will depend upon the cut, clarity and color of the central diamond. Usually the solitaire setting places your diamond parallel to the ring band. You can also set it lower with a bezel setting. But a unique solitaire design is frequently paired with white gold, yellow gold or platinum. While picking the setting, try to avoid extra prongs since that blocks the cut’s natural radiance. Apart from the four pronged setting, a V prong setting is also ideal for a solitaire princess diamond cut. 

To get the best value for your princess cut diamond, make sure you pick the right setting to maximize its aesthetic beauty and ensure a secure fit. Since the cut is not durable, you’ll want to lay major focus on a protective prong setting that uses less metal for a tight holding. Since princess cuts have amazing brilliance and hide imperfections, they’re the perfect choice for any consumer. This is one of the few cuts that looks great with a multi-toned ring that’s layered with gemstones.