A Guide To Buying Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess Cut

Looking for Princess Cut Diamonds but are not sure how to go about it?

Buying anything other than a round cut diamond can be a challenge.  With rounds, there is a ton of information on how to choose a stone.  GIA even assigns a cut grade to rounds, but not to any other cuts.  With this guide, we want to educate you a little on what to look for with Princess Cut Diamonds.  Some of the info we provide is good for any shape of diamond, so it can be applied more broadly.

Princess Cut Diamond engagement rings are the second most popular cut after the round brilliant cut.  However, even with that designation, the selection at your local jeweler will be 75% round brilliant cuts.  So the dearth of stones choices can be a hindrance right off the bat.  But hopefully this information will help you find the perfect stone for your engagement ring.

Princess Cut Diamonds

This is a crossover princess cut solitaire engagement ring.  Plain, simple, and beautiful.  We also have one where the crossover has a gap in between it.

What Factors Should You Consider When Buying An Engagement Ring

When buying an engagement ring, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to determine your budget. Engagement rings can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend.

Next, you should consider the four Cs of diamonds: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. These factors will determine the overall quality and value of the diamond. It’s important to find a balance between the four Cs that fits within your budget. GIA is the standard for diamond grading. Click HERE to see their guide to the 4 C’s.

Lastly, think about the style of the ring. Do you want a classic solitaire setting or something more unique? Consider the metal type, such as gold or platinum, and any additional details like engravings or side stones.

After doing some brainstorming, visit a few jewelry stores to get an idea of what is out there.  Look at and try on ring styles.  Have multiple diamonds shown to you so you can get an idea of what you get for your money.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Overall, buying an engagement ring is a big decision and requires careful consideration of your budget, the diamond’s quality, and the ring’s style.

Hummingbird Engagement Ring

This is our hummingbird engagement ring.  We originally made it for a princess cut, but it can also fit cushions, asschers, and round cut diamonds.

What are Princess Cut Diamonds?

Princess cut diamonds are a popular diamond shape that was first introduced in the 1980s. They are characterized by their square shape and pointed corners, which give them a unique and modern look. Princess cut diamonds are typically cut with 58 facets, which allows them to reflect light in a way that maximizes their brilliance and fire.

The name “princess cut” for diamonds originated in the 1960s. It was created by Arpad Nagy, a diamond cutter who worked for the company A. Nagy & Sons. The cut is a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners and is designed to maximize the brilliance and fire of the diamond. The name “princess” was chosen to reflect the elegance and sophistication of the cut. Today, the princess cut is one of the most popular diamond cuts in the world.

One of the benefits of princess cut diamonds is that they can be less expensive than other diamond shapes, such as round or oval. This is because they are able to retain more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, which means less waste and a lower cost. Additionally, princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings because of their modern and elegant look.

When shopping for a princess cut diamond, it is important to pay attention to the cut quality. A well-cut princess diamond will have a balanced and symmetrical shape, with sharp corners and a consistent pattern of light reflection. It is also important to consider the other 4Cs of diamond quality: carat weight, color, and clarity. By choosing a high-quality princess cut diamond, you can ensure that you are getting a beautiful and valuable piece of jewelry.

Lab Vs Natural Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular in the jewelry industry. They are created in a lab setting, using advanced technology to mimic the natural diamond-growing process. One of the biggest advantages of lab-grown diamonds is that they are more affordable than natural diamonds. Additionally, they are often considered more ethical, as they do not require mining and are not associated with the environmental and social issues that can come with traditional diamond mining.

However, there are also some drawbacks to lab-grown diamonds. They may lack the emotional significance that natural diamonds hold, as they are not formed by the earth over millions of years. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds may not hold their value as well as natural diamonds, as they are not as rare or unique. Some people may also prefer the natural imperfections and variations in color that natural diamonds possess.

Overall, the decision between lab-grown and natural diamonds ultimately comes down to personal preference and values. While lab-grown diamonds offer affordability and ethical advantages, natural diamonds hold a certain emotional and symbolic value that cannot be replicated.

Floral Engagement Ring

Here is one of our floral themed engagement rings with a princess cut halo.

Why Princess Cuts Are Popular

Princess cut diamonds are one of the most popular diamond shapes in the world. They are known for their sharp, clean lines and brilliant sparkle. One reason for their popularity is their versatility. Princess cut diamonds can be set in a variety of styles, from classic solitaires to more modern and unique designs.

Another reason for their popularity is their affordability. Princess cut diamonds tend to be less expensive than other diamond shapes, such as round or oval. This is because they retain more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, resulting in less waste and a lower cost per carat.

Finally, princess cut diamonds are popular because of their modern and sophisticated look. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces. Their clean lines and geometric shape make them a perfect choice for those who appreciate a contemporary and stylish aesthetic. Overall, princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for those who want a beautiful and affordable diamond with a modern and sophisticated look.

Princess Cut Diamonds

This is our awareness ribbon engagement ring.  Any shape of stone could be used, but the person we created this for wanted a princess cut.

Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds

One of the main advantages of princess cuts is their exceptional brilliance. This is due to their faceting, which allows for maximum light reflection and creates a dazzling sparkle. Additionally, princess cut diamonds tend to look larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, making them a great option for those who want a bigger-looking diamond without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, one potential drawback of princess cut diamonds is their sharp corners. These corners can be prone to chipping or breaking, especially if the diamond is not properly set or cared for. Additionally, because of their popularity, princess cut diamonds may be more expensive than other diamond shapes of the same size and quality.

While princess cuts offer exceptional brilliance, they do come with the potential risk of chipping or breaking, and may be more expensive than other diamond shapes.  The reason for this is that they are bottom heavy.  Princess cuts carry a lot of their weight in their pavilion.  This is underneath the face of the stone and so you don’t see it.  Consequently, princess cuts look smaller for their carat weight than rounds. For example, a 1 carat round brilliant cut will measure between 6.2-6.5mm.  A 1 carat princess cut will measure 5 to 5.75mm.  This can make princess cuts seem more costly than other cuts.   However, the decision to choose a princess cut diamond should ultimately be based on personal preference and budget.

What Types Of Settings Work Best With Princess Cuts

When it comes to choosing the perfect setting for a princess cut diamond, there are a few factors to consider.

First, consider the prongs. Princess cut diamonds have sharp corners, which can be prone to chipping if not properly secured. A four-prong setting is recommended for princess cut diamonds, as it provides the necessary support while still allowing plenty of light to enter the stone.

Second, think about the metal. Platinum and white gold are popular choices for princess cut diamonds, as they complement the diamond’s bright white sparkle. However, yellow gold and rose gold can also be beautiful options, providing a warm contrast to the diamond’s cool sparkle.

Finally, consider the style of the setting. A simple solitaire setting can showcase the diamond’s beauty, while a halo setting can add extra sparkle and dimension. A three-stone setting can also be a beautiful option, allowing the princess cut diamond to be flanked by two smaller stones.

A four-prong Tiffany style setting in platinum or white gold, paired with a simple solitaire is a classic.  Solitaires make beautiful choice for a princess cut diamond.  We also like the halo style with princess cuts.   However, personal preference and style should always be taken into consideration when choosing a setting for this stunning diamond cut.

Give Us A Shot!

You can view our portfolio of custom engagement rings to look for ideas.  Or you can contact us with your own idea for a Princess Cut Engagement ring or custom jewelry.  Why go to the mall or local big box store when you can have a custom engagement ring with any Princess Cut Diamonds that we have access to.  At those places, you are limited to the mass produced rings on hand and just a few princess cut diamonds.  We can search a worldwide database for the perfect stone.  We can also create an engagement ring that shows your style and personality.  Or, make one that has a sentimental theme.  Either way, you will have a much more meaningful ring if you go the custom route.

A Guide To Buying Princess Cut Diamonds

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