What Is a Princess Cut Diamond?

If you’re familiar with the types of diamond cuts and the difference between an oval vs round cut diamond, then you might have heard of the princess cut diamond. As its name might suggest, a princess cut diamond is an elegant and sophisticated stone with a streamlined fancy shape and an enchanting appearance. It sparkles, unlike any other diamond cut, whether this may be a natural diamond or a lab grown diamond. It appears larger per carat than many other cuts, and is incredibly versatile. It’s a beautiful choice for the center stone of an engagement ring or any piece of jewelry. Here, we’ll answer all of your pertinent questions about this royal diamond cut, including what is a princess cut diamond? What does a princess cut lab created diamond ring look like? And what is the best princess cut diamond to choose?

The History of the Princess Cut Diamond

The modern princess cut diamond didn’t truly surface until the 1980s, but its square-shaped ancestors paved the way. Before the princess shape, there was the French cut diamond, which was also square in shape, making it a popular choice during the Art Deco era when geometric designs were favored. The French cut diamond was popular well before the 1920s, though. This predecessor to the princess cut dates back to the 14th century. It was a popular cut then, and throughout history, because it utilized most of the raw diamond, letting little go to waste. 

Later, in the 1960s, the next iteration of square-shaped diamonds surfaced: the square modified brilliant cut diamond, which took advantage of new knowledge in diamond cutting. As diamond cutting techniques continued to advance, the princess cut diamond was born; a sparkling, square-shaped diamond with 57 brilliant facets. You can learn all about how diamond cut factors into shape, sparkle, and more in our diamond cut guide.

Today, the princess cut diamond is the second most popular diamond cut, after round cut engagement rings. 

Characteristics of a Princess Cut Diamond

• Shape: Typically square or slightly rectangular when viewed from above, with sharp corners that create a modern aesthetic.
• Faceting: Princess cut diamonds usually feature between 50 to 76 facets, contributing to their brilliant sparkle. The design allows for excellent light performance, rivaling that of round diamonds.
• Size Appearance: Due to their design, princess cut diamonds often appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight because more weight is distributed across the table (the top surface) rather than in depth.

What Does a Princess Cut Diamond Look Like? 

A princess cut diamond is square or slightly rectangular in shape with sharp edges and corners that give it a clean, modern look. Princess cut diamonds are particularly appealing when they have a ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 for square shapes or 1.06 to 1.12 for rectangle shapes. What makes this cut most captivating, though, is its incredible sparkle. Because they sparkle so beautifully, princess cuts can often disguise any imperfections or flaws in the stone. However, due to their sharp corners, princess cut diamonds are more vulnerable to damage if there are any flaws near the stone’s corners. Potential damage can be avoided, though, with secure settings such as a bezel setting or a four-prong setting.

A Princess Cut vs. Other Diamond Cuts

We’ve already touched on sparkle, which is a defining characteristic that sets princess cut diamonds apart from other diamond cuts, but it’s worth noting again. While all well-cut diamonds will give off some level of radiance, the unique cut of a princess diamond gives off more fire and brilliance than all other cuts except the round brilliant cut diamond. 

Princess cut is also a step above many other diamond cuts in both affordability and size relative to carat weight. As we mentioned, early square cut diamonds were popular because they used a relatively larger portion of the raw stone than other diamond cuts. The same can be said about the modern princess cut diamond. Because this cut utilizes more of the raw diamond, it is more affordable than many other cuts carat for carat. 

Where carat weight also plays a role is in how large the diamond appears. With princess cut diamonds, a large portion of the carat weight is distributed on the table or the portion of the diamond that is face-up. This means you see more of the stone than you would on diamond cuts that carry more weight in their depth, such as cushion cut engagement rings. At first glance, it can seem like one of the biggest diamond cuts.

How To Find the Right Princess Cut Diamond for You?

When selecting a princess cut diamond, consider the following factors:

• Cut Quality: Look for diamonds with excellent symmetry and polish. A well-cut princess diamond will have precise angles and facets that enhance its sparkle.
• Length-to-Width Ratio: For a square appearance, aim for a ratio between 1.00 and 1.05; for a rectangular look, consider ratios from 1.06 to 1.12.
• Color and Clarity: Opt for diamonds within the colorless range (D-F) to minimize visible color tints. Clarity should ideally be at least VS2 or higher to ensure brilliance without noticeable inclusions.

The princess cut diamond stands out not only for its beauty but also for its cost-effectiveness and versatility in various jewelry pieces. Whether as an engagement ring centerpiece or in earrings and pendants, it offers an elegant choice that combines modern aesthetics with timeless appeal.