Whether you are considering an engagement ring purchase or are gearing up to give an amazing gift, a diamond is always an excellent option. Not only do these gifts last for centuries, but they are also a physical reminder of the love and care that you have for another person.
During your search, you’ve likely come across one of the most popular diamond cuts — the princess-cut diamond. If you’re considering the beautiful cut, it’s important to learn all you can about the princess-cut and this guide will help you do just that. Here’s everything you need to know about princess-cut diamonds.
Chapter Overview
A Brief History of the Princess-Cut Diamond
The princess-cut diamond is known for its sharp corners and square shape. It offers the wearer a distinct cut that suits pretty much any style preference. However, it’s a relatively new diamond cut!
It’s hard to give a date to the precise origins of the princess-cut, many place its conception around 1979 when it was patented under the name “quadrillion cut.” The biggest difference between this cut and a similar cut called the “Barion cut” patented in 1971, is the number of facets each cut features.
The Barion cut featured over eighty facets, whereas the Quadrillion cut featured less than fifty. It’s thought that the princess-cut came to be as early as 1961 when lapidary Arpad Nagy introduced the world to the “profile cut.”
Guide to Buying Princess-Cut Diamonds
Before diving into the world of princess-cut diamonds, it’s important to know exactly what to look for to create the perfect piece of jewelry. There are so many options that it can be difficult to choose the right one. Your best bet is to consider the 4 C’s of princess-cut diamonds.
- Cut – The cut of a diamond will determine how it interacts with light. There isn’t an official scale for rating princess diamonds, but if you have the opportunity to see your diamond in person, you can determine whether it sparkles enough for you.
- Carat – Diamonds are measured by weight in carats. Heavier diamonds will typically cost more than lighter ones. The princess cut uses more of the uncut stone, so it offers significant value.
- Clarity – A diamond’s clarity is rated based on the number of blemishes or inclusions it features. If your diamond is exceptionally clear, it will be rated VVS1 on the scale. Whereas a diamond with apparent flaws will be rated S12. Princess cut diamonds do a fairly good job of hiding inclusions and flaws. For that reason, it’s not absolutely necessary to go with the highest clarity grade.
- Color – The color rating of a diamond refers to a lack of color as opposed to an abundance of it. The rating goes from D-Z with D being a completely colorless diamond and Z having light coloring. Balancing the clarity and color of your diamond can help to get a gorgeous stone within your budget. For example, an H, VS1 diamond is going to give tons of stunning sparkle with little visual dissimilarities to an untrained eye than a D or E, VVS1 stone.
How to Style a Princess-Cut Diamond
When purchasing a princess-cut diamond, you should consider how you intend to style it. If you are purchasing an engagement ring, for example, you might consider factors like the band color and width, whether you want a halo and any accenting diamonds.
If you are purchasing a different piece of jewelry, the same rules apply. Be sure to think of the diamond recipient’s style. If they are relatively active or work with their hands, a solitaire princess-cut diamond ring likely wouldn’t be a great option, as it may get stuck on things.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason that stars like Sherri Shepard and Jamie Pressly have chosen to adorn their ring fingers with princess-cut diamonds — it’s simply a gorgeous cut. However, it’s not for everyone. Before you make a final decision regarding your purchase of a princess-cut diamond piece, be sure that you have taken all other important decisions into account.
Will you buy a lab-grown or mined diamond? Are you considering a rose-gold or platinum band? Each choice matters! Once you’ve made up your mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect princess-cut diamond piece for your needs!