Sparkle and Fire: Princess Cut Diamond Rings

If you have decided that princess cut diamond rings are just about the most beautiful things on the face of the earth because of the amount of sparkle and fire they have, you are not alone.  Second in popularity only to the round brilliant cut, princess cut diamonds are so beautiful that many brides-to-be have their hearts set on having one in their engagement ring long before they are even engaged.  Mens princess cut diamond rings and 3 stone princess cut diamond cut rings are also very popular. What is it about these diamond rings that is so special?

• Princess cut diamond rings feature a square (or sometimes rectangular) shaped diamond that has 4 beveled sides resembling a pyramid.
• A princess cut diamond with the same width as a round diamond will weigh more than the round diamond because the four corners on the underside of the diamond have not been cut off.
• Princess cut diamonds are generally less expensive than round brilliant cut diamonds carat for carat. The reason for this is that is because more of the rough diamond is retained when it is cut than with a round cut.  Almost 50% of the rough diamond is lost when a round brilliant diamond is cut, compared to only about 20% for the princess cut.
• Sometimes called a “square modified brilliant” cut, princess cuts have their origins in a French cut diamond, which has a cross shaped crown.  The princess cut utilizes a modified cross shape across the crown and facets that are shaped like chevrons in the pavilion of the diamond.
  

  Princess Cut Diamond Ring from Amazon.com

• Princess cuts are still considered to be a “new” cut, having been created in the 1960’s. They have an edgier, more modern look to them in comparison to other cuts, such as vintage-looking cushion cut engagement rings.
• A princess cut has 58 facets, just like a round brilliant cut diamond, although they are arranged in a very different pattern than a round cut’s are.
• Not all gem labs grade princess cut diamonds. So far, a universal definition of exactly what measurements constitute the perfect princess cut, and many lapidaries use their own measurements when they cut them.  As a result, many different patterns and angles are used when cutting princess cuts, and therefore, it is hard to determine just what is the ideal princess cut.  GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America does not grade them because they don’t feel that there is enough data collected on this type of cut to specify grading standards for them, and that in doing so, it would deceive customers who see grades of Excellent or Ideal for them.  The AGA, AGSL, and EGL-USA labs do grade princess cuts, however.
• White gold princess cut diamond rings are currently very popular, but if the rising price of gold has you down, take a look at a princess cut diamond in sterling silver or possible even titanium. Avoid cheap princess cut diamond rings, as the diamonds may be inferior, which means that there won’t be as much fire and sparkle as a better quality diamond will have.

When shopping for a princess cut diamond, it is important to shop with a trusted jewelry professional, because of the grading issue discussed above. Always buy the best quality diamond you can afford, and you will be sure to get a beautiful, heirloom quality piece of jewelry that can be treasured for years to come!

Happy Shopping!