What To Consider When You Choose the Perfect Princess Cut Diamond

23 February 2024

Princess Cut engagement ring on top of another ring

Choose the perfect princess cut diamond for a significant engagement ring choice; these diamonds are renowned for their beauty. Blending timeless elegance with contemporary style, princess-cut diamond rings are highly sought-after in diamond jewelry. Their distinct geometric allure sets them apart from round diamonds. While round diamonds are classic, princess-cut diamonds exude modern sophistication with their angular lines.

Whether you’re drawn to the sparkle of round-cut diamonds or the contemporary elegance of princess-cut diamonds, each carat of a princess-cut diamond is meticulously crafted from a rough diamond to maximize its brilliance. Making a choice between these iconic diamond shapes for engagement rings symbolizes a love as enduring as the diamond itself.

Understanding The Princess Cut Diamond

Carat Weight of the Princess Cut

The precise carat weight often links to the allure of a princess-cut diamond, shaping its size, aesthetic, and cost. For instance, a 1.00-carat princess-cut diamond generally spans about 5.5 mm, though this can fluctuate based on the specific cut and proportions, including the length-to-width ratio.[1]

Here’s an insightful breakdown of various carat weights and their typical dimensions:

0.25 ct: 3.25 mm
0.50 ct: 4.5 mm
0.75 ct: 5 mm
1.00 ct: 5.5 mm
1.25 ct: 6 mm
1.50 ct: 6.5 mm
1.75 ct: 6.75 mm
2.00 ct: 7 mm
2.50 ct: 7.5 mm
3.00 ct: 8 mm
3.50 ct: 8.5 mm
4.00 ct: 8.75 mm
4.50 ct: 9.25 mm
5.00 ct: 9.5 mm [2]

Princess Cut Diamond Size Chart from Orbis Gems showing carats from 0.50 to 4.00 and their corresponding millimeter dimensions, to help choose the perfect princess cut diamond

These dimensions are general. The cut quality is paramount; a meticulously crafted princess diamond maximizes light reflection, amplifying its brilliance.[3] It’s known that princess cuts tend to mesmerize with their unique sparkle, especially when well-cut.

As princess-cut diamonds grow, their rarity and value increase, intertwining price with carat weight.[4]However, the visual expanse, or the “face-up” size, can deviate from the actual carat weight, a phenomenon influenced by the diamond’s cut. [5]The journey to selecting the perfect carat weight is personal, swayed by individual taste and budget.[6]

Elegant princess cut diamond engagement ring with pavé band set on a rustic wooden surface, showcasing how to choose the perfect princess cut diamond, by Orbis Gems

Characteristics of the Princess Cut

The princess cut diamond, renowned for its contemporary elegance and dazzling brilliance, is often called a ‘square modified brilliant.’ [7] Its distinct geometric shape characterizes this cut,[8] making it a beloved choice for those seeking a modern yet timeless aesthetic for engagement rings.

Shape

The princess diamond boasts a square or rectangular face-up appearance, reminiscent of an inverted pyramid when viewed from the side. This unique shape, coupled with two to four chevron patterns gracing its underside, contributes to the cut’s distinct character and the way princess-cut diamonds sparkle. [9]

Facets:

Engineers designed the princess cut with up to 78 facets to maximize light reflection, placing it among the most brilliant diamond shapes. This cut’s ability to capture and reflect light is comparable to the esteemed round brilliant, making both cuts popular choices for engagement rings. [10]

Durability:

The sharp corners of princess diamonds are a signature trait but require protective settings to mitigate the risk of snagging or chipping. This consideration ensures the longevity and enduring beauty of the princess-cut diamond ring. [11]

Cost:

Princess cut diamonds are typically 30% more affordable than round diamonds, owing to an efficient cutting process that preserves more rough stones. This cost-effectiveness does not compromise the cut’s brilliance, making it a sought-after option for engagement rings. [12]

Optimizing the Rough Diamond:

The cutting process for princess cuts is designed to minimize waste, often resulting in a larger surface area than round-cut diamonds of the same carat weight. This efficiency enhances the cut’s value and presents a more significant visual impact to the naked eye. [13]

Carat Weight:

A princess-cut often appears more prominent due to its surface area, offering a grand visual appeal.[14] While rectangular princess cuts are available, those seeking heightened brilliance often opt for square shapes.

Note on shape: Square princess cuts with a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 – 1.05 are considered of higher quality due to enhanced brilliance, although rectangular princess cuts are available. [15]

A hand displaying a princess cut diamond ring with side stones, emphasizing the clarity and cut to help choose the perfect princess cut diamond, from Orbis Gems.

Evaluating the Quality Of A Princess-Cut Diamond

Princess Diamond’s Cut Quality

Choosing the perfect princess-cut diamond can be challenging, especially when evaluating its cut quality. Princess cuts are more complex than round diamonds, where the GIA provides a transparent grading system. [16] The GIA only grades the polish and symmetry for these diamonds, leaving buyers to assess the cut quality themselves.[17]

Artisans create princess cuts to maximize the rough diamond’s yield, requiring standardized parameters for the perfect amount. Each princess-cut diamond is unique, shaped to preserve as much of the original stone as possible. Therefore, personal preference and the diamond’s overall brilliance and beauty become key deciding factors when selecting a princess cut. [18]

Clarity Of Princess Cut Diamonds

When buying a princess-cut diamond, clarity is a crucial aspect to consider. Clarity refers to the tiny imperfections, known as inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external marks), found in diamonds. For princess cuts, VS clarity diamonds, including VS1 and VS2 grades, are highly favored, comprising 48% of all purchases. Buyers often opt for these grades as they offer an excellent balance between quality and cost. [19]

The brilliant nature of the princess cut plays a significant role in the visibility of these imperfections. The cut’s distinct facets and angles can mask inclusions and blemishes effectively, making them less noticeable than in other diamond cuts. Therefore, when selecting a princess cut diamond, a VS clarity grade can often provide a visually flawless appearance without the premium price tag of higher clarity grades, offering both beauty and value. [10]

Color Of Princess Cut Diamonds

Choosing the right color in a Princess Cut Diamond is pivotal. Diamond color refers to the hue present, with yellow often being noticeable. [11] Princess cuts reveal color more distinctly than round diamonds, but acquiring the highest color grades is optional for a stunning piece. A notable characteristic is their enhanced beauty with a purple undertone, a unique aspect that adds to their allure. [12]

The setting also influences the diamond’s appearance. H or I color diamonds are ideal for white gold or platinum settings, offering a harmonious blend of quality and price. For those considering alternative options, rose and yellow gold settings provide rich contrast and accentuate the diamond’s natural tones, making each piece distinct and visually appealing, ensuring every buyer finds their perfect match [13]

Depth Percentage Of Princess Cut Diamonds

When buying a Princess Cut Diamond, considering the depth percentage is essential. We calculate it by dividing the depth of the diamond by its width. Ideally, a princess cut should have a depth percentage between 60% and 70%. [14] However, diamonds with percentages of 58%-64% and 75%-80% are also deemed attractive. [15]

The depth percentage impacts the diamond’s visual appeal. Shallower diamonds can appear smaller and lackluster, while deeper ones might have a large culet, making them appear less bright.

Table Percentage Of Princess Cut Diamonds

The table percentage is pivotal in determining its clarity in buying a Princess Cut Diamond. It’s the table’s width ratio to the diamond’s overall width. Buyers often seek a table between 60% and 69% for optimal clarity and brilliance. [16] However, 69% to 75% is also acceptable, offering flexibility while ensuring the diamond’s visual appeal remains captivating. [17]

Length-to-Width Ratio Of Princess Cut Diamonds

The length-to-width ratio is integral to the stone’s clarity and overall appeal when purchasing a Princess Cut Diamond. Ideally, a ratio of 1.00 indicates a perfectly square cut, enhancing the diamond’s brilliance.

However, a range of 1.0 – 1.05 is generally acceptable, as such diamonds appear square to the untrained eye. Even slightly rectangular princess cuts, with ratios of 1.05 or less, maintain their aesthetic allure, offering buyers various beautiful options. [18]

Girdle Thickness of the Princess Cut Diamond

Selecting a Princess Cut Diamond requires a keen eye on the girdle thickness, a factor crucial to the gem’s clarity and durability. The girdle, the diamond’s outer edge, is measured as a percentage of the diamond’s diameter or categorized as medium, thick, or thin.[19]Avoid very thin girdles to reduce the risk of chipping.[20] For princess cuts, a thickness between 69-75% is optimal for light return and durability.[21]

Extremely thin girdles create a ‘knife-edge’ at the facets’ junctions, a weak point susceptible to damage. Given the princess cut’s chippable corners, a medium girdle thickness is safer. For diamonds with thinner girdles, bezel or drill settings offer enhanced protection.[20]

While girdle thickness is vital, one element, like cut, color, and carat weight, contributes to a diamond’s overall quality. It would be best if you considered each factor to ensure your chosen diamond exemplifies a balance of clarity, brilliance, and resilience. [21]

Polish and Symmetry of Princess Cut Diamonds

When choosing princess-cut diamonds, the polish and symmetry are pivotal in evaluating the stone’s clarity. The polish refers to the smoothness of the diamond’s surface post-cutting, influencing its sparkle. Gemologists assess polish quality under 10x magnification, identifying any remaining imperfections. [23]

Symmetry, on the other hand, pertains to the alignment and uniformity of the diamond’s facets. Gemologists assess it by examining the shapes and sizes of the facets, the alignment of the crown and pavilion, and the culet’s placement relative to the table. The GIA grades only the polish and symmetry of princess cuts, while the AGS grades the amount based on the stone’s light performance. [24]

These factors significantly influence the diamond’s price. Shifting from Excellent to Very Good in polish and symmetry can result in a 10-12% price difference. While these elements are crucial, they are part of a broader evaluation matrix. [25]

Financial budget planning spreadsheet with sections for monthly net income, additional income, monthly expenses, and planned expenses, alongside a calculator and pen, from Orbis Gems.

Budgeting for Your Diamond Engagement Ring

Price of the Princess Cut Diamond

The price of a Princess Cut Diamond is influenced significantly by its clarity, alongside other factors like cut, color, and carat weight. The average price for a 1-carat princess-cut diamond is around R68,062. [26]However, specific grades can lead to variations, with an average of R66,774 and a range between R60,520 and R74,684. [27]

For a larger 1.3-carat size, expect prices to range from R57,834 to R23,0916 averaging at R115,522. Clarity is pivotal in these price variations, directly impacting the diamond’s visual appeal and value.[28]

Are Princess Cut Diamonds Cheaper Than Round Diamonds?

Princess cut diamonds typically cost 20-35% less than round cuts[29], offering a cost-effective option with maintained clarity. The cost efficiency stems from the cutting process; about 80% of the rough diamond is utilized in princess cuts, minimizing waste to 20%.[30]

In contrast, round cuts waste approximately 60% of the original diamond. This efficient use of the rough diamond makes princess cuts a budget-friendly choice without compromising the gem’s clarity and brilliance. [31]

Choosing the Right Setting

Ring Settings for Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Solitaire:
- Description: The solitaire setting features a single Princess Cut diamond mounted on a band, offering a classic, timeless appeal.
- Visibility: Maximizes the diamond’s visibility, allowing light to enter from various angles to enhance brilliance.
- Security: The prongs securely hold the diamond; however, the corners of a Princess Cut require careful protection to prevent chipping.
- Available In: white, yellow, and rose gold.
- Price: start at R9,197; specific designs like a 2mm Scroll Shank Design can range between R12,692 – R27,960. [32]
Channel:
- Description: The halo setting surrounds the Princess Cut diamond with a circle of smaller diamonds, amplifying its size and sparkle.
- Visibility: Enhances the center diamond’s visibility and perceived size.
- Security: Offers additional security as the halo of diamonds provides a protective barrier around the center stone.
- Price: starts at R45,988; designs like a PAVE CHANNEL SET range between R69,902 – R1,676,363. [33]
Halo:
- Description: The halo setting surrounds the Princess Cut diamond with a circle of smaller diamonds, amplifying its size and sparkle.
- Visibility: Enhances the center diamond’s visibility and perceived size.
- Security: Offers additional security as the halo of diamonds provides a protective barrier around the center stone.
- Price: from R1,076 on Etsy [29] to R1,687,768 on Diamond Mansion. [34]
V-Prong:
- Description: The V-Prong setting is characterized by its distinct V-shaped prongs that gracefully hold the corners of a Princess Cut diamond, combining elegance with enhanced protection.
- Visibility: This setting elevates the diamond, allowing ample light to permeate and accentuate the stone’s brilliance and fire from multiple angles.
- Security: The V-Prong specifically guards the vulnerable corners of the Princess Cut, reducing the risk of chipping or damage, and ensuring the diamond’s longevity and aesthetic integrity.
- Price: the estimated price for a Princess Cut in V-Prong is R103,013. [35]
Bezel:
- Description: The bezel setting encases the diamond’s perimeter in a metal rim, offering a modern, sleek look.
- Visibility: Can slightly reduce the diamond’s visibility but offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
- Security: One of the most secure settings, ideal for protecting the Princess Cut’s corners.
- Price: range from on Etsy from R1,287 on Etsy [36] and at Brilliance, a 1 Carat is priced at R147,070. [37]

Metal Types for the Princess Cut

The journey to buy a princess-cut diamond engagement ring is as much about the metal as the diamond shape. The metal not only serves as the bedrock of the ring but also plays a pivotal role in amplifying the sparkle of princess-cut diamonds and round diamonds alike. Here, we delve into three popular metal types[38], each offering unique attributes to complement the dazzling allure of your chosen diamond.

Gold

Description: Gold, with its enduring charm, stands as a classic choice for those seeking versatility. Known for its adaptability, gold can be alloyed with other metals, unveiling a spectrum of colors including white, yellow, and rose, each offering a distinct backdrop to the princess diamond.[39]
Benefits: The color variety of gold caters to diverse styles and tastes. It’s an expensive option[40], but its a popular choice for those looking to balance elegance and affordability.
Considerations: Gold’s malleability, while a boon for craftsmanship, means it can be susceptible to scratches and wear. Regular upkeep is essential to maintain its radiant gleam.[41]

Platinum

Description: Platinum, characterized by its dense constitution and natural silver luster, is a premium choice for those eyeing durability and elegance. [42] It’s a favorite for showcasing the intricate facets of princess cuts and the classic round brilliant.
Benefits: Resistant to wear and tarnish[43], platinum promises longevity. Its white sheen accentuates the brilliance of any diamond shape, making it a coveted choice for engagement rings.
Considerations: It is typically more expensive due to its durability and rarity, so it’s a premium choice for engagement rings. [44]

Palladium

Description: Palladium, akin to platinum in durability and color but lighter in weight, offers a hypoallergenic solution with a natural white hue. It’s a contemporary choice for those seeking to frame their princess shaped diamond in elegance without the heft. [45]
Benefits: Palladium offers the luxurious appeal, being 15 times rarer than platinum. It is also resistant to tarnish and corrosion.[46]
Considerations: The durability and rarity of platinum come at a higher price point, positioning it as a luxurious option for those unafraid to indulge.

Comparison chart explaining different ring settings to choose the perfect princess cut diamond, detailing solitaire, channel, halo, V-prong, and bezel styles with visibility, security features, available materials, and price range.

Choosing the Right Metal

When selecting a metal for a princess cut engagement ring, consider the following:

Durability: Evaluate how each metal withstands wear and tear, especially for those with active lifestyles. [47]
Color Preference: Consider the desired aesthetic, as different metals offer distinct hues that can influence the diamond’s appearance.
Budget: Assess your budget, balancing the cost with the metal’s durability and appearance to find a suitable option.
Skin Sensitivity: For those with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic options like platinum and palladium are ideal. [48]

Jeweler assisting a customer trying on a princess cut diamond engagement ring, exemplifying personalized service to choose the perfect princess cut diamond, by Orbis Gems.

Where And How to Buy A Princess Cut?

Where to Buy a Princess Cut Diamond?

Knowing the right place to look is essential when purchasing a princess-cut diamond. One of the most reputable places to make this significant purchase is orbisgems.co.za. We offer diverse, high-quality, brilliantly crafted princess-cut diamonds tailored to various tastes and preferences.

Our high-quality and ethically sourced diamonds ensure you receive a piece as responsible as beautiful.

Buying Princess Cut Moissanite Online

In today’s digital age, convenience and accessibility are at the forefront of the shopping experience. Vis our Shop, we’ve streamlined the process of purchasing princess-cut diamonds online.

We designed our user-friendly website to provide a seamless browsing experience, offering detailed insights into each piece’s clarity, cut, and overall quality.

With a few simple clicks, you can explore our extensive collection, make an informed decision, and have your chosen diamond delivered safely to your doorstep. Every purchase is backed by our dedicated customer service, ready to assist at every step.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect princess cut diamond requires a blend of understanding and appreciation for its unique qualities. Renowned for its modern elegance, the princess cut stands out with its geometric shape and exceptional brilliance, offering a contemporary twist to traditional diamond aesthetics. Additionally, consider the setting and style of the jewelry, as the princess cut’s versatility makes it suitable for a range of designs, particularly engagement rings.

FAQ

What makes a princess cut diamond unique compared to other cuts?

The princess cut diamond is renowned for its square or rectangular shape and sharp, uncut corners, which create a modern and elegant appearance. This cut also features a unique facet pattern that offers exceptional brilliance and fire, making it a popular choice for those seeking a contemporary yet timeless look in their diamond jewelry.

How do I determine the quality of a princess cut diamond?

To assess the quality of a princess cut diamond, consider the four Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. The cut should be precise to enhance the diamond’s sparkle, while color and clarity grades indicate the absence of color and inclusions, respectively, and the carat weight reflects the diamond’s size.

Is a princess cut diamond a good choice for an engagement ring?

Yes, a princess cut diamond is an excellent choice for an engagement ring due to its versatility, modern elegance, and brilliant sparkle. Its geometric shape pairs well with various ring settings and styles, making it ideal for those who seek a balance of contemporary flair and classic sophistication in their engagement jewelry.

References

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