The princess cut is a relatively new diamond cut, having been created in the 1960s. It falls under the category of fancy diamond shapes, contrasting with the traditional round cut diamonds. This cut is characterised by its square to rectangular shape with sharp, uncut corners, which differentiates it from other square or rectangular cuts like the emerald or cushion cuts. The princess cut is designed to maximise sparkle, with its unique facet pattern that reflects light brilliantly.
Key features of a Princess Cut Diamond include:
Brilliance and Fire: One of the most notable features of princess cut diamonds is their exceptional brilliance and fire. The cut is designed with a specific facet pattern that amplifies the diamond's ability to reflect light, making it one of the most sparkling diamond cuts available.Shape and Design: The square shape with sharp corners gives the princess cut a modern and elegant appearance. This geometric precision allows for a variety of setting styles, from classic solitaire to more contemporary designs.
Versatility: Princess cut diamonds are incredibly versatile in terms of styling. They look stunning when set in a ring, but they're also equally captivating in earrings, pendants, and other jewellery pieces.
Efficiency: When it comes to cutting a rough diamond into a princess cut, there is less waste compared to round cut diamonds. This efficiency can sometimes translate into a lower price per carat for consumers, making princess cut diamonds a value-efficient choice.
Choosing the Right Princess Cut Diamond
When selecting a princess cut diamond, consider the following factors:
-
Cut Quality: The cut is crucial for a princess cut diamond because it affects the brilliance and sparkle. Look for diamonds that are well-proportioned and symmetrical. The quality of the cut will influence how light is reflected and refracted within the diamond.
-
Colour: Princess cut diamonds can exhibit more colour on their corners, so choosing a diamond with a higher colour grade may be preferable if you’re looking for a stone with no discernible colour. Generally, a colour grade of G or higher is recommended for a princess cut diamond set in white gold or platinum.
-
Clarity:
Because of their facet pattern, princess cut diamonds can hide certain types of inclusions better than other cuts. However, the corners of a princess cut are prone to chipping and can highlight inclusions, so it’s wise to look for diamonds with no visible inclusions near the corners.
- Carat Weight: The size of the diamond you choose is largely a personal preference and budget consideration. However, due to its shape, a princess cut diamond may appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
Princess Cut Guide
Princess Cut Ratio
*This image is indicative and for illustrative purposes.
If you would like any advice or guidance, contact us and we can guide you through the selection process and help you find the perfect princess cut diamond.
