Dreaming of a sparkler that reflects her modern spirit and timeless elegance? Look no further than the princess cut engagement ring. A favorite of celebrities like Kate Bosworth and Emily Ratajkowski, these dazzling beauties deliver incredible sparkle and a touch of royalty.
So, if you’re ready to make her say “yes” to your princess proposal (pun intended), we’ve crafted the ultimate princess cut engagement ring buying guide, packed with expert tips to help you find the perfect piece. Plus, you can explore our curated collection of stunning princess-cut diamond and gemstone rings – there’s a sparkler for every love story!
Princess Cut Engagement Rings: The Basics
Unlike other shapes that have been around for quite a few years, princess cut rings are relatively newer; they’ve been around since the 1980s. These rings are categorized under fancy cuts and have a square (or rectangular) shape with pointed corners. Princess cut rings have two to four chevron patterns and a distinctive fire thanks to their faceting.
Yes, a typical princess cut ring has anything between 50 to 58 facets (depending on how it is cut), which enhances the gem’s natural radiance and makes it appear larger and more vibrant than other cuts of the same carat weight. (Read: 4Cs of a diamond) No wonder it is a modern ring choice for anyone who wants a unique and super shiny ring!
Princess Cut Engagement Rings: The Pros
1. Exceptional Brilliance: Princess cut rings are super sparkly. The unique faceting pattern captures and reflects light in a way that the stone radiates maximum brilliance. So, it is certain that your princess cut ring will sparkle and shine with every hand gesture you make.
2. Modern Aesthetic: With its clean lines and modern geometry, princess cut rings blend classic and contemporary styles. They’re perfect for couples who want something timeless, new and one-of-a-kind.
3. Versatility: Princess cut gems are highly versatile and are available in various ring styles from classic solitaire to extravagant halo. This adaptability ensures you’ll easily find a ring that matches your taste and preference.
4. Cost-Effective: Princess cut rings typically cost less per carat compared to round cut diamonds. This is because the cutting process for a princess diamond results in less waste from the original rough stone, making it a more economical choice without compromising on beauty. Neat, huh?
See: The Complete Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Princess Cut Engagement Rings: The Cons
1. Prone to Chipping: Princess cut stones have sharp, pointed corners which makes them more susceptible to chipping or snagging. However, you can minimize the risk by opting for protective settings like bezel and prong. Wearing your princess cut ring while performing physical activities like gardening, cleaning, etc. is not recommended.
2. Visible Inclusions: Princess cut tends to show inclusions (flaws) more easily than other shapes due to its large, open facets and the way light interacts with the stone. So, you may need to invest in a higher clarity grade to ensure an eye-clean diamond or gem, which can increase the overall cost. (See the complete princess cut diamond buying guide to understand this better.)
3. Shows More Color: Color can be more noticeable in princess cut diamond engagement rings. The facet arrangement can highlight any tints or hues present in the diamond, especially at the corners. Therefore, we urge you to choose a higher color grade (H or better) if you’re looking for a perfectly white diamond ring.
NOTE: This may not be so much of an issue with colored gems. You can also see diamond vs non-diamond to make a more informed center stone choice. In another article, we have also highlighted key differences between princess cut vs. cushion cut.
If you’ve made it so far and decided that princess cut cuts it for you, then let’s look at some of the most popular ring styles. Once you decide on a setting and stone, you can customize your ring according to your preferred metal type on Angara. Pick a yellow gold or rose gold princess cut engagement ring if you prefer a warmer finish. Or select white gold and platinum princess cut engagement rings if you want an icy look. No matter what you narrow down on, ensure it matches your lifestyle. And don’t worry about going over your budget. We’ve also got lab-grown princess cut ring options so you can go big on both style and sparkle!
Ready to shop for the princess cut engagement of her dreams? Let’s go!
Also Read: Aquamarine Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Princess Cut Engagement Rings: Top Picks
1. Go Classic
Princess cut rings with solitaire and side-stone designs are great options for the classic brides-to-be. A solitaire setting puts the spotlight on the princess cut gem and showcases its beauty. They are perfect if she’s a minimalist. But if you’re up for a little more sparkle, you can go for a side-stone style ring. It’s just as timeless but has that little extra oomph!
Shop Classic Princess Cut Engagement Rings
2. Consider Halo
Perhaps ‘more is more’ is your mantra. In that case, we highly recommend you go for a princess cut halo engagement ring. In this setting, the center stone is surrounded by smaller accent diamonds. Not only does this provide you with extra brilliance, but the halo also maximizes the size of the center stone, making it appear larger. It’s quite an eye-catching and glamorous style if you ask us!
Also Read: Guide To Buy Hidden Halo Engagement Ring
3. Make It Meaningful
Want a ring that sparkles more and is also super romantic? Then consider a three-stone princess cut engagement ring. In this style, the center stone, which represents the couple’s present, is flanked by two smaller diamonds or gems that symbolize their past and future, spelling eternal love on the whole. Now, who can say no to this ring?
Shop Three-Stone Princess Cut Engagement Rings
FAQs
1. What is a princess cut engagement ring?
A princess cut engagement ring features a diamond with a square or rectangular shape and pointed corners.
2. How does a princess cut differ from other diamond cuts?
A princess cut differs from other diamond cuts due to its shape and facet arrangement. Unlike other cuts, the princess cut is square or rectangular with pointed corners and a unique facet structure (50- 58 facets) that maximizes its brilliance.
3. How do I choose the best princess cut engagement ring?
The best princess cut engagement ring for you will depend on your style and setting preferences. However, we recommend you prioritize a high-quality cut for maximum brilliance and pick a gem of high color and clarity grades.
4. Are princess cut engagement rings more expensive?
While princess cut rings can be more expensive than other fancy-cut sparklers, they can be cheaper than round cut engagement rings.
