Princess cut diamonds were first called “Profile cut” and introduced in 1960 by A. Nagy of London. The current “princess cut” diamond was created by Betazel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz around 1980, with a more square shape than the earlier profile cut.
A princess cut diamond is considered a fancy diamond shape. Ideally, this diamond shape comes in a square or rectangular form, usually with 57 to 58 facets. It is considered the second most popular diamond shape after the round cut diamond.
Features of Princess Cut Diamonds
- It is the square version of the brilliant round cut diamond, with a typical length-to-width ratio of 1.0 to 1.05.
- Its pyramidal shape is popular for both solitaire engagement rings and earrings.
- It is also referred to as Square Modified Brilliant or Rectangular Modified Brilliant.
- Although the princess diamond can appear larger than a round diamond, it typically has slightly less sparkle.
- These diamonds are generally more affordable than round cut diamonds.
Practical Considerations for Princess Cut Diamonds
Price:
Princess-cut diamonds are generally less expensive than round cut diamonds and can cost significantly less than a round diamond of equivalent carat weight.
Size:
Princess cut diamonds can appear larger because of their large diagonal measurements and efficient use of the rough diamond.
Sharpness:
Since the corners of a princess cut diamond are sharp, they are typically protected with prongs to reduce the risk of damage or chipping.
Recommended Settings:
Princess cut diamond rings can look beautiful in gold or platinum settings. Because of their square shape and pointed corners, four-prong settings are commonly used to protect the corners of the diamond.
Below table will help you understand the anatomy of a Princess Cut Diamond:
| Characteristic | Recommended Range / Information |
|---|---|
| Depth Percentage | Limit the depth percentage to 60-70%. |
| Table Percentage | It describes how large the top facet is. Keep the table percentage to 70% and below. |
| Length-to-Width Ratio | For a square appearance, consider a length-to-width ratio of 1.05 or below. A ratio of around 1.2 or higher gives the diamond a more rectangular appearance. |
| Girdle Thickness | Make sure the girdle is sufficiently thick to provide appropriate support and protection for the setting. |
| Clarity | SI1 or VS2 can provide good eye-clean options while offering a balance between clarity and price. |
| Color | H or I color can provide a good balance between appearance and budget. |
| Polish | Excellent to Good |
| Symmetry | Excellent to Very Good |
| Crown Height | 8-13% |
Princess Cut Diamond Sizes
Princess cut diamonds can look larger than some other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. The visible size of a diamond depends on its proportions, cut, and length-to-width ratio. This is one of the reasons why princess cut engagement rings are a popular choice.
Buy Princess Cut Diamonds Online
When buying a princess cut diamond online, always choose a reputable and well-known online store that provides clear return or exchange policies. It is also important to compare the diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat characteristics before making a purchase.
With Diamond Hedge, you can compare a large selection of diamonds based on important characteristics and find options that match your preferences and budget.
One of the renowned online sources to buy quality loose diamonds is Diamond Hedge. It is an Augmented Reality diamond search engine that allows consumers to virtually try on diamond rings and compare more than 1 million diamonds from leading diamond companies. They provide loose diamonds and diamond engagement rings at competitive prices.
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