Ladies, there are a lot of ways to make a stunning statement with your jewelry. Yes, opting for a unique design is definitely one of them. But do you know what really makes a sparkler stand out? It’s the shape of the gemstone!
Think of it like this:
If gems have a unique identity, it is the shape that gives them a personality! And today, we’re going to throw the spotlight on a shape that is modern, high on style and ensures that you have eyes on you wherever you go – the princess cut.
So, if you’re thinking of buying a princess cut diamond ring (or pendant or earrings) and feel like you need to understand the shape better, here’s the ultimate princess cut diamond guide.
What Is a Princess Cut Diamond?
First introduced in the late 1970s, princess cut diamonds are one of the most popular shapes for engagement rings and earrings today. They are typically square-shaped stones with pointed corners and beveled edges that resemble an inverted pyramid. Due to their symmetrical square profile and remarkable brilliance, they are often referred to as ‘square modified brilliants.’
Now coming to the pros and cons list (yes, of course, we’ve made one) …
PROS:
1. The biggest advantage of opting for princess-cut diamonds is that they have a trendy yet timeless appeal and offer an edgy look to the jewelry piece.
2. Princess cut diamonds usually contain 50-58 facets and offer exceptional brilliance and fire. Simply put, if you prefer your diamonds to sparkle endlessly, this is a great option!
3. Princess cut diamonds are more affordable when compared to other shapes like round and heart. Why? Because it is easier to cut these gems as the shape of the diamond is quite similar to the shape of the rough diamond, and therefore there is minimal wastage.
4. Princess cut diamonds do an excellent job at hiding the inclusions and imperfections present in the diamond because they’re so faceted and deep. This means that even if you decide to drop down a couple of grades in terms of clarity and color, you will still have yourself a pretty perfect-looking stone.
CONS:
1. Princess-cut diamonds are more prone to chipping and will easily snag onto clothing items owing to their sharper angular edges. So, you’ll probably want to opt for a protective setting like a bezel or prong if you plan to wear your princess cut sparkler daily.
How Does the Princess Cut Diamond Measure Up Against Diamonds of Other Shapes?
Time to find out if a princess cut diamond is the best pick for you.
1. Princess-Cut vs Round Cut Diamonds
Princess-shaped diamonds offer a very contemporary look and are the second most popular shape today. Round-cut gems, on the other hand, exude a classic look but are slightly on the expensive side.
Both round diamonds and princess cut diamonds have a similar number of facets and are brilliant cut. However, round-cut diamonds exude slightly more brilliance and sparkle when compared to princess-cut stones. Princess cut diamonds appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat size because their diagonal length is longer.
Verdict:
If you’re on a budget and still want your jewelry piece to exude amazing fire and brilliance, princess-cut diamonds would be the best pick for you. However, if you do not mind spending a little more and are instead seeking to maximize the sparkle, round-cut diamonds are the way to go.
2. Princess-Cut vs Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion-cut diamonds are square, just like princess-cut diamonds. However, they have softer edges and exude a romantic vintage look. Cushion-cut diamonds have a softer gleam similar to that of sparkling water or crushed ice, whereas princess-cut diamonds have a brighter sparkle.
Secondly, Cushion-cut diamonds tend to look smaller than princess-cut diamonds of the same carat weight and can be slightly more expensive in comparison. However, since they don’t have sharp edges like the princess-cut diamonds, chances are they are less likely to snag onto your clothing.
Verdict:
Both princess-cut and cushion-cut diamonds exude similar levels of brilliance. Between these two diamond shapes, it comes down to your personal preference and the look you want for your piece. But if you want a diamond that looks bigger and gives a bigger bang for your buck, we’d say go for princess-cut diamonds.
3. Princess-Cut vs Emerald-Cut Diamonds
Emerald-cut diamonds are typically elongated and rectangular with step-cut faceting, whereas princess-cut diamonds are square and brilliantly cut. In terms of sparkle and brilliance, princess-cut diamonds are the clear winner.
Emerald-cut tends to emphasize the hue and the inclusions present in the diamond, whereas the princess-cut will minimize the existing inclusions in the stone. In terms of cost, emerald-cut diamonds tend to be cheaper than princess-cut diamonds.
Verdict:
Emerald-cut and princess-cut are both fabulous choices for diamonds. If your style is more fashion-forward and your main goal is utmost shine and sparkle, a princess-cut diamond is the better choice. However, if you are someone who prefers elegant shapes and your priority is clarity, then an emerald cut would be more suited for you.
Top 5 Princess-Cut Diamond Jewelry Picks
So, are you ready to include princess-cut diamonds in your jewelry box? Because we’ve picked our top 5 favorites for you. Take a look!
1. Princess-Cut Black Diamond Stud Earrings
You know what they say, everything is better in black, especially studs. These princess-cut diamond earrings are sophisticated, edgy yet cool and will add just the right amount of oomph to your everyday looks.
2. Classic Solitaire Princess-Cut Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring
Do you have something simple yet stunning in mind? If yes, we think this sparkler would be just right for you. It is classic yet feels so modern at the same time.
3. Prong-Set Princess-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
If ‘more is more’ is your style, this is just the ring for you. The glitz and the glam that this piece exudes will leave you feeling like a real-life princess.
4. Graduated Princess-Cut Diamond Vertical Bar Pendant
What’s better than one diamond? Three, of course! Our trendy princess-cut diamond pendant features diamonds in a graduating design, symbolizing your life’s journey. Beautiful, meaningful and the perfect ‘from me, to me’ gift.
5. Princess-Cut White & Blue Diamond Half Eternity Band
Sparkle, color, and style; all come together in this princess-cut white and blue diamond half eternity band. Just slip this on and let your hands do the talking, girl!
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Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Princess Cut Diamonds FAQs
- Are princess cut diamonds more expensive than round?No princess-cut diamonds are more affordable than round-cut diamonds. This is mainly because they are easier for the miner to cut, the yield is higher and they have a lesser demand.
- What is the best setting for a princess cut gemstone?Princess-cut diamonds tend to have sharper, angular edges and thus are more prone to chipping. To best protect your stone from damage, we recommend choosing a bezel or prong (preferably V-prong) setting.
- Are princess cut engagement rings in trend?Yes, princess-cut engagement rings are extremely popular. In fact, princess-cut diamonds are the second most popular diamond shape when it comes to engagement rings.
