Crafters cut princess diamonds into a square shape with a brilliant facet structure, ensuring ample sparkle. This angular, sharp-lined shape remains a top pick for engagement rings, delivering a contemporary aesthetic coupled with remarkable brilliance. Originating in the 1970s, the princess cut diamond embodies modern elegance with its sleek appearance, making it an ideal match for minimalist, refined ring designs.
Why choose a princess cut diamond ?
While several rectangular and square diamond shapes exist, the princess cut diamond stands out for its uniquely sharp and sparkly quality. Unlike Asscher and emerald cut diamonds, which are square but lack the same level of sparkle, and radiant and cushion cuts, which have a similar shape but lack the sharp-edged, pointed corners, the princess cut offers unparalleled brilliance.
Opt for a princess diamond if you desire a bold, intensely sparkly square-shaped diamond. Princess diamonds are among the most economical diamond shapes due to their resemblance to uncut diamond crystals, resulting in minimal wastage during the cutting process. As a result, you’ll find that your budget can accommodate a higher carat weight compared to round or cushion cut diamonds.
What’s the best cut ratio for my princess diamond ?
While princess cuts can be found in more elongated, rectangular proportions, they are typically square in shape. Aim for a ratio between 1.00 (perfectly square) and 1.05 (still appearing square to the eye).
For a high-quality princess cut diamond, prioritize Excellent or at least Very Good symmetry. Given its angular, geometric nature, focus on selecting princess cuts with impeccable symmetry. A square diamond should exhibit four lines of perfect symmetry, with facets that accurately reflect those on their opposite side.
How do I choose a princess diamond colour ?
Princess cut diamonds feature a brilliant cut, emitting abundant white light and sparkle that helps to reduce the visibility of any yellow or brownish tints present in diamonds. However, princess cut diamonds tend to retain slightly more color compared to round diamonds. Therefore, aim for color grades within the colorless range of D to F, if possible, or H at the lowest.
As a general guideline for platinum rings, target color grades between D to F. For yellow or rose gold rings, consider diamonds graded between D to H.
How do I choose the clarity of a princess diamond ?
Diamonds acquire tiny, natural flaws during their formation, making a flawless diamond exceptionally rare and expensive. Therefore, it’s wise to compromise on the clarity of your princess cut diamond. The facet structure, similar to that of a round diamond, generates intense sparkle and effectively conceals inclusions in diamonds graded as low as SI1. Look for eye-clean princess cut diamonds between VS2 to SI1 for the best value.
The location of inclusions within your princess diamond is crucial. The pointed corners are susceptible to chipping or breakage. Avoid princess diamonds with inclusions situated within the corners, as they can weaken these vulnerable points.