What is a princess cut diamond? 

What is a princess cut diamond?

When it comes to diamond cuts, the princess cut stands out as a modern and sophisticated choice, beloved for its brilliance, contemporary style, and geometric elegance.

With its clean lines and sharp angles, the princess cut diamond has quickly become a favourite for engagement rings and fine jewellery alike. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the princess cut so special, get into its pros and possible cons, and discuss the ring styles that showcase this beautiful diamond to its fullest potential. 

What defines a princess cut diamond? 

The princess cut diamond is a fancy diamond shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut diamond with a square or rectangular silhouette. Introduced in the 1960s, it’s a relatively new addition to the world of diamond cuts, but it has swiftly gained popularity. This makes it a great contemporary choice, for anyone who wants a truly ‘modern’ ring. The princess cut is characterised by its pyramid shape, with four bevelled sides, and features between 50 to 58 facets – which makes it a very ‘sparkly’ option. 

Pros of princess cut diamonds: 

If you’re a princess cut lover, find out more about the shape’s positives characteristics: 

• Amazing sparkle: One of the most notable characteristics of the princess cut is its outstanding brilliance, rivalling even that of the classic round cut diamond. 
• Contemporary appeal: With its clean lines and modern geometry, the princess cut offers a contemporary aesthetic for modern jewellery lovers. 
• Versatility: The princess cut’s shape makes it versatile, allowing it to fit seamlessly into a variety of ring settings and styles. 

Cons of princess cut diamonds: 

There aren’t many drawbacks to princess cut diamonds, but here are some things to consider: 

• Slightly more prone to chipping: The sharp corners of the princess cut can be prone to chipping or snagging, if the setting is not protective enough. It may also be useful to consider whether a princess cut diamond ring suits your lifestyle, if you use your hands in your profession much, or have small children. 
• Requires high clarity: The brilliance of the princess cut can sometimes highlight inclusions, which means you may need a higher clarity grade for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
• Can retain colour: The princess cut can retain colour, especially at the corners, so a higher colour grade might be needed for a completely colourless appearance. The less colour a diamond has = the more expensive it’ll likely be. 

Best ring styles for princess cut diamonds 

Decided a princess cut is the perfect choice for you? Here are the ring settings that highlight the cut’s beauty the best. 

• Solitaire Setting: A classic solitaire setting allows the geometric beauty and brilliance of the princess cut diamond to take centre stage. 
• Channel Setting: A channel setting, with diamonds set into the band, complements the clean lines of the princess cut, enhancing its modern appeal. 
• Pavé Setting: A pavé-set band adds an extra layer of sparkle, highlighting the brilliance of the princess cut diamond and making the ring extra modern and glamorous. 

Choose for yourself

Take a look at our beautiful selection of princess cut diamond engagement rings here – perfect for a fairytale proposal. Or, chat to our customer service team and personal shoppers, for extra help choosing ‘the one’.