princess cut diamond ring

What Is a Princess Cut Diamond?

Whether you’re considering different types of engagement rings or designing a custom piece of jewelry to surprise a loved one, you can’t go wrong when you top it off with a princess cut diamond. This enchanting shape is ranked as the second most popular diamond shape in the United States. It accounts for about 21 percent of all diamonds sold and ranks only after the round brilliant cut diamond in terms of popularity. When you zoom in with a microscope — or, in this case, a loupe — you’ll see exactly why. Princess cut diamonds are positively stunning and endlessly brilliant with a classic flair!

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All About the Princess Cut Diamond

What are princess cut diamonds, exactly? Simply put, they are square-shaped fancy cut diamonds which feature four beveled sides, giving them plenty of sparkle and depth. When viewed from above, the diamond boasts a clean square or rectangular shape. When viewed from the side, it looks like an inverted pyramid, giving it that classic diamond shape. Princess cut diamonds feature sharp corners, which give them their characteristic geometric style, but which also makes them more prone to chipping or damage in day-to-day life.

Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds

There’s a reason why the princess cut diamond is the crown jewel, so to speak, in so many gorgeous diamond engagement ring settings. Not only is it absolutely breathtaking to look at, but this shape also comes with some distinct advantages when compared with other cuts. Here are a few of the pros and cons to help you decide.

  • Pro: Affordable — Like any stone shape, princess cut diamonds vary widely in price based on size, color, quality and other factors. However, when you compare the price-per-carat to other stone shapes, it does tend to ring up for less. Because of the nature of the way diamonds are split, these produce less waste than round or oval shaped diamonds, which saves money. 
  • Pro: Exceptionally Sparkly  There’s no denying it: the many facets of the princess cut diamond make it one of the most radiant and sparkly, allowing it to catch more glimpses of light and fire than other stone shapes. However, no fancy cut diamond has more sparkle than the round brilliant cut, so if your M.O. is glitz above all else, the princess cut may come in as the runner-up. Get some styling ideas for how to showcase your sparkly princess cut with our variety of eye-catching dazzle of semi mount ring settings.
  • Pro: Always a Classic We all know that jewelry trends change often, much like handbags and other accessories. If you’re looking for a ring that has staying power and will remain in style for years to come, the princess cut is probably a safe bet. Its square shape, sparkle and overall charm make it an obvious choice for a wide variety of reasons, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. 

hand wearing princess cut diamond ring

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  • Pro: They Can Look Bigger and More Flawless — If size is a big consideration for you when shopping for your crown jewel, the princess cut is an excellent choice. Compared with other diamonds, it has a larger diagonal measurement, which means it may appear bigger than other cuts of the same carat weight. On the same token, you might find that the princess cut better hides blemishes than other shapes, which means you can find a more beautiful diamond potentially at a lower price.
  • Con: Not as Durable — By far the biggest downfall of this cut is that it can be a bit fragile, especially for those with active lifestyles. The sharp, thin edges create a gorgeous geometric shape, but they also put the ring at risk of chipping or catching. The sharp edges can get caught on things or scrape things as you go about your day-to-day life. Because of this, they are typically set within a bezel or strong support prongs to keep the ring in place and protect the corners from damage.

princess cut diamond ring on box

A Choice Cut Made for Royalty

No matter if you’re designing an engagement ring or simply want to understand the lingo when discussing them, understanding a thing or two about this breathtaking diamond shape can help you understand more about jewelry as a whole. If you opt to use the princess cut diamond in your next piece, you can rest assured that you’re choosing something stylish, enchanting and long-lasting.