What is a princess cut diamond?

Answer 1

A princess cut diamond is basically a square or rectangular oblong-shaped diamond that falls under the category of brilliant cut, intended for ultimate sparkle. It features sharp, uncut corners and comes with a commonly faceted pavilion, which has been made to reflect light. Therefore, this cut is quite popular in engagement rings, as it gives a modern yet elegant look to the ring.

Answer 2

A princess cut diamond is a type of diamond cut that is known for its modern, square shape and exceptional brilliance. The cut is relatively new compared to traditional round brilliant cuts, having been created in the 1960s. It has since become one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Here’s a detailed look at what makes a princess cut diamond unique:

Shape and Faceting

1. Shape:

The princess cut is typically square or rectangular with sharp, uncut corners. Its geometric shape gives it a contemporary and stylish appearance, contrasting with the classic round cut.

2. Faceting:

The princess cut is a brilliant-style cut, meaning it is designed to maximize the diamond's sparkle through multiple facets. It usually has between 57 and 76 facets, arranged to enhance the stone's fire and scintillation. The facets are typically triangular and kite-shaped, contributing to the diamond’s brilliance.

History and Origin

The princess cut was developed in the 1960s by Arpad Nagy, a London-based diamond cutter. Initially called the “Profile Cut,” it gained popularity in the 1970s and was eventually renamed the princess cut. The cut was further refined by Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar, and Israel Itzkowitz in 1980 to the form we recognize today.

Popularity and Uses

The princess cut's combination of modern aesthetics and exceptional brilliance has made it a favorite for engagement rings. Its square shape offers a different look from the traditional round brilliant cut, appealing to those seeking a more contemporary style.

Optical Performance

1. Brilliance:

The princess cut is known for its high level of brilliance. The multiple facets are arranged to reflect light from various angles, creating a dazzling effect.

2. Fire:

The cut’s design enhances the dispersion of light into the spectrum of colors, known as fire. This quality is highly sought after in diamonds, as it adds to the stone's overall appeal.

3. Scintillation:

Scintillation refers to the flashes of light and dark as the diamond moves. The princess cut’s faceting pattern provides significant scintillation, contributing to its dynamic sparkle.

Cutting and Proportions

The cutting of a princess cut diamond requires skill and precision. The diamond's proportions, including the depth and table percentage, significantly impact its overall appearance and light performance. Ideal proportions can vary, but generally, a depth percentage between 64% and 75% and a table percentage between 58% and 75% are preferred.

Durability and Practical Considerations

1. Durability:

The sharp corners of a princess cut diamond are more prone to chipping compared to rounded cuts. To mitigate this risk, many princess cut diamonds are set with prongs that protect the corners.

2. Setting Styles:

Princess cut diamonds are versatile and can be set in various styles, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings. The choice of setting can enhance the diamond's appearance and protect its corners.

Cost and Carat Weight

1. Cost:

Princess cut diamonds are often less expensive per carat compared to round brilliant cuts. This is because the cutting process retains more of the rough diamond, leading to less waste.

2. Carat Weight:

Due to their faceting and shape, princess cut diamonds can appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This makes them an attractive option for those seeking maximum visual impact.

Conclusion

In summary, a princess cut diamond is a modern and brilliant choice for fine jewelry, especially engagement rings. Its square shape, exceptional brilliance, and contemporary appeal make it a popular alternative to traditional round brilliant cuts. With proper care and an appropriate setting, a princess cut diamond can provide a lifetime of beauty and sparkle.

Answer 3

A princess cut diamond is a popular and modern diamond shape known for its square or rectangular outline and sharp, clean lines. It features a unique facet pattern that creates a brilliant sparkle similar to that of a round cut diamond. This cut maximises the diamond's brilliance and fire, making it a stunning choice for engagement rings and other fine jewellery. It was first introduced in the late 1970s and has since become one of the most sought-after cuts for its contemporary look and exceptional light reflection.

Answer 4

A princess cut diamond is a popular gemstone shape known for its contemporary, square or rectangular design with pointed corners. It features a brilliant-cut faceting pattern that maximises sparkle and fire. Ideal for modern engagement rings, it combines elegance with a unique geometric style.

Answer 5

A princess cut diamond is one of the most popular diamond shapes, known for its modern, square or rectangular appearance with sharp, clean lines. Unlike the round brilliant cut, which has a circular shape, the princess cut offers a more contemporary and edgy look while still delivering exceptional sparkle and brilliance. Here’s a detailed explanation of what makes a princess cut diamond unique:

1. Shape and Design

The princess cut diamond is typically square or slightly rectangular in shape, with four sharp, 90-degree corners. Its outline is simple and elegant, which makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of jewelry, from engagement rings to earrings. The face-up shape (the top view) of a princess cut is a square, but when viewed from the side, the diamond resembles an inverted pyramid, with a rectangular base.

2. Faceting and Brilliance

The princess cut is a brilliant-style cut, meaning it is designed to maximize the diamond’s sparkle through the way light is reflected and refracted within the stone. It generally has 58 facets, but the number can vary depending on the specific design and diamond size. These facets are arranged to produce a high level of brilliance and fire (the dispersion of light into different colors), similar to what is seen in a round brilliant cut.

3. History and Popularity

The princess cut was developed in the 1960s and has since become one of the most sought-after cuts for engagement rings. Its modern, geometric look appeals to those who want a diamond that combines traditional brilliance with a contemporary aesthetic. Over time, the princess cut has become a popular alternative to the more classic round diamond, especially for those seeking a unique and bold statement.

4. Cost Efficiency

One of the key advantages of a princess cut diamond is its cost efficiency compared to round brilliant cuts. This is because the cutting process for a princess cut typically results in less waste of the rough diamond. The square shape allows diamond cutters to use more of the original rough stone, which makes the price per carat lower compared to a round diamond of similar quality and size.

5. Durability

While the princess cut is stunning, its sharp corners can be more prone to chipping if not properly protected by the setting. This is why many jewelers recommend setting princess cut diamonds in a protective four-prong or bezel setting to safeguard the vulnerable corners.

6. Ideal for Various Jewelry Styles

The versatility of the princess cut makes it an excellent choice for various jewelry designs. It pairs well with both minimalist and elaborate settings, and its sleek lines complement other design elements, such as channel-set or pave diamonds in rings. The modern look of the princess cut also makes it a popular choice for people who prefer a less traditional diamond shape.

7. Comparing Princess Cut to Other Diamond Cuts

Princess Cut vs. Round Brilliant Cut: The round brilliant cut is known for its traditional circular shape and optimal light performance, while the princess cut has a more modern square appearance. The princess cut may offer more cost efficiency and a more unique aesthetic, while the round brilliant is the most classic and timeless.

Princess Cut vs. Cushion Cut: Both cuts have square or rectangular shapes, but the cushion cut has rounded corners and a softer, vintage look, whereas the princess cut has sharp, modern edges.

8. Considerations for Buying a Princess Cut Diamond

When choosing a princess cut diamond, buyers should focus on several key aspects:

Symmetry: Look for a well-proportioned diamond with excellent symmetry for optimal sparkle.

Depth and Table: The depth percentage and table size are important for the diamond’s light performance. An ideal depth is typically between 68-75%, and the table should be around 67-72%.

Clarity and Color: Due to its brilliant faceting, a princess cut can hide inclusions well, but buyers should still pay attention to the clarity grade. Color is also important, and while princess cuts tend to show less color than other shapes, higher color grades will still offer a brighter and whiter appearance.

Conclusion

A princess cut diamond is a brilliant and modern choice, perfect for individuals who want a combination of sparkle and clean, geometric lines. Its unique shape, cost efficiency, and versatile style make it a popular option for engagement rings and other fine jewelry, offering a contemporary take on diamond beauty.

Answer 6

The princess cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape and it’s the second most popular diamond shape after the round diamond. The princess cut is cheaper and more affordable than a round cut is due to the fact that the yield from the rough stone is 80-90%, whereas the round diamond yield is about 40%. The larger the yield is the more affordable the diamond is.

Answer 7

A princess cut diamond is a diamond cut in the shape of a square.