By reuvenveksler
November 25, 2022
5 min read

Princess cut diamonds: the ultimate buyer’s guide

Princess cut diamonds: the ultimate buyer’s guide
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What is a Princess cut diamond?

A squared stone with exceptional fire and inner brightness is a princess cut diamond. This particular fancy diamond form is one of the most brilliant of all of them. It is hence a well-liked option for engagement rings.

The princess cut diamond is fashioned after the rough diamond’s inverted pyramid. Since the majority of the rough stone is preserved throughout the cutting process, this cut is less expensive per carat than round cuts.

There are also rectangular princess cut stones, which is an interesting feature. But because they don’t display as much brilliance, they are less in demand.

History of a Princess cut

In the 1980s, Jewelers Israel Itzkowitz and Betzalel Ambar created the first princess cut diamond. This form was a substitute for the traditional round cut diamond.

The early so-called “french” cut diamond was an inspiration for the princess cut. It has several chevron facets in the sides of the diamond, which when viewed from above, form a recognizable cross pattern.

Pros and Cons of princess cut diamonds

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Naturally, we prioritize our personal tastes and perceptions of beauty when selecting a diamond’s cut for a custom jewelry piece. But, more helpful advice and information are always important. In this section we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a princess cut diamond.

Sparkle

Of all the fancy shaped stones, princess cut diamonds have the most brilliance. Nevertheless, their success in this regard is not total. The truth is that a princess diamond will never be as dazzling as a perfect round cut diamond, no matter how brilliant it may be.

Price

You can purchase a princess diamond for a lot less money than a round one, as we have already mentioned. This is because, in the process of cutting a round diamond, artisans must remove a greater amount of rough stone than they do when cutting a princess diamond. This is part of the higher price of a round stone. A princess diamond often costs 30% less than a round gem of equivalent quality.

Size

The round stone has a slightly larger face-up surface area than the princess one. However, princess cuts can appear larger due to their large diagonal measures.

Durability

A princess-cut diamond’s corners could snag and break as a result. To lower the possibility of damage, it is crucial to use prongs to protect their corners.

Round diamonds don’t have any weak, important areas that are prone to chipping, even though they can still chip.

The most popular questions about the Princess cut

Do princess cut stones look bigger than round cut ones?

That is true. The princess cut diamond appears larger than the round cut stone of the same carat weight because of the size of the table and the smaller pavilion (the bottom part of the stone).

How many facets does a princess cut diamond have?

The same number of facets as a round diamond. An average princess cut diamond has 58 of them. The total number of chevrons on its lower half influence the general appearance of a princess diamond. 

Are princess cut diamonds less expensive than round diamonds?

It’s also true that princess cut diamonds are less expensive than round ones.

This is because, when cutting a princess shape, artisans lose only around 20% of the original raw stone. In contrast, cutting a round stone might result in the loss of up to 50% of the stone. Princess diamonds are therefore more affordable for diamond cutters, which explains the higher price.

How much does a 1 ct princess cut diamond cost?

A 1 ct princess cut diamond can range from $1,000 to $8,000. It depends on the 4C criteria: its cut, color and clarity grades. 

What are the best settings for a princess diamond?

Regarding the setting, we would like to remind you that diamonds have delicate corners. It is important to maintain the proper setting to prevent damage to the stone.

Solitaire setting

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The most traditional setting for an engagement ring is a solitaire. Its name indicates that the design only contains one stone. This stone sits on an understated ring that accentuates the diamond’s splendor. The princess diamond can take center stage in the solitaire setting, reflecting the most light possible.

Channel setting

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In the channel setting, jewelers arrange tiny stones in a row within a channel rather than being put into the metal one at a time. Smaller stones therefore capture the attention and direct it toward the center. A row of jewels in this setting creates the flawless light flow. It is another reason why channel setting is highly expensive.

A traditional yet elegant channel configuration provides stability for the princess cut.

Halo setting

In the halo setting smaller stones surround a center one maximizing the visual impact of the primary diamond. It’s excellent for highlighting the splendor of a center diamond and elongating smaller gems.

In halo engagement rings, the main stone gives an impression that it is larger because of the surroundings.

Vintage setting

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The princess cut also looks great with rings in an antique design. They are ideal choices for custom princess cut diamonds. Elaborate and distinctive features make a mesmerizing effect. 

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In the halo setting smaller stones surround a center one maximizing the visual impact of the primary diamond. It’s excellent for highlighting the splendor of a center diamond and elongating smaller gems.

In halo engagement rings, the main stone gives an impression that it is larger because of the surroundings.

Vintage setting

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The princess cut also looks great with rings in an antique design. They are ideal choices for custom princess cut diamonds. Elaborate and distinctive features make a mesmerizing effect. 

Subscribe to discover the world of diamonds and gems. If you have any questions, please let us know