When choosing an engagement ring, the shape of the diamond or main stone is often where the design journey begins and the entire structure of the ring is usually created to compliment the center stone. The evolution of cuts and technology has given us an extraordinary array of shapes to choose from including the princess cut, which is traditionally a square diamond cut that offers excellent fire and brilliance.
What is a Princess Cut Diamond?
A princess cut is characterized by its geometric, sharp square shape. It has angular, strong lines and an inverted pyramidal shape with a square or rectangular base and four beveled edges. The princess is one of the newer diamond shapes created in 1980 by Betazel Ambar and Israel “Izzy” Itzkowitz; they were the first to use a brilliant faceting arrangement on a square diamond. The princess cut has now become the most popular cut after the round brilliant.
Sometimes referred to as a “square modified brilliant” because it combines a square shape with the brilliance of a round cut, the princess boasts 50-58 facets. Princess cuts typically have two to four chevron patterns, which are cross patterns that can be seen when viewing the diamond from above. With two chevron patterns, the diamond reflects bolder flashes of white and colored light, with four, the diamond has more scintillation resulting in smaller flashes of white and colored light that can be seen when the diamond moves.
The princess is a unique shape because of the combination of geometry and brilliance. Often angular shapes such as emerald or asscher cuts don’t contain a high level of scintillation. The princess cut is unusual because it’s a geometric square cut, yet it has a spectacular amount of fire similar to a round or cushion cut. Of all the geometric square cuts, the princess has the most brilliance.
Why Choose a Princess Cut Engagement Ring?
The princess cut is a modern one that also feels classic. The geometric nature and brilliance means it can be set in various styles and is a great option if you’re looking for a diamond that combines a more linear, contemporary shape with exceptional light performance. Due to its pyramidal shape, the princess is less expensive than round brilliant and many other diamond shapes because most of the rough stone is maintained in the cutting process.
Due to its sharp angular corners, a princess cut is more vulnerable so the corners of the gemstone should be protected with prongs to reduce the risk of the stone chipping. A channel set or four-prong offers protection without masking a diamond’s beauty, and a bezel will offer the most protection. A solitaire setting allows the stone to shine all on its own, or you could choose a halo to add even more sparkle to its already dramatic essence.
If you’re designing a ring with side stones, the princess works well with angular cuts on the side of the main gemstone. Smaller princess cuts or baguette side stones would be complementary. The balance of brilliance and geometry in a princess would also pair perfectly with fancier shapes like a step cut bullet or step cut trapezoids to ensure the sharp, angular lines are complimented throughout the entire engagement ring.
Princess cut diamonds aren’t only for engagement rings, they’re also a popular choice for earrings and pendant necklaces, too. Let us help you design the perfect piece of custom jewelry. Give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule an appointment!