Selecting an engagement ring is exciting. There are so many shapes and styles that you can easily get lost. Yet, some of them remain timeless and continuously win brides’ hearts. Princess cut engagement ring is one of those eternal designs. Its square shape and unmatched sparkle made it the second most purchased diamond cut across the globe.
Brides often choose the princess cut. Millennials and Gen Z couples love its simple lines and unique shine. Celebrities and social media influencers drive the popularity of this cut - jewelry brands say this style sells very well in recent years. This shape dominates red carpets and bridal boards. Check out Hilary Duff's chic solitaire or Meghan Markle's palace-style ring. The princess cut has become the embodiment of an ageless expression of modern romance. Read on to discover more about this engagement ring design, its meaning and features and learn what to pay attention to when buying such a stone cut.
What Is Princess Cut Diamond Ring?
Princess diamond ring shape is one of the most loved and eye-catching shapes. It has a clean geometrical shape – you see a well-cut square with pointed corners if you look at it from above. But when you turn it to its side, you will see an upside-down pyramid. And this fancy shape helps the stone achieve an ideal light reflection. It’s cut so that its multiple facets bounce light at any angle.
Originally, this diamond shape was known as French cut, and later, many jewelers tried to rearrange the stone facets to let them sparkle more. There are still debates about who invented the modern princess cut design. In 1961, English diamond cutter Arpad Nagy made a square diamond and called it the “princess cut.” It looked different from today’s version and was later renamed the “profile cut.”
In 1971, South African cutter Basil Watermeyer created the “Barion Cut,” a mix of step and brilliant cuts designed to reduce light loss in elongated diamonds. Inspired by this, Israeli cutters Betzalel Ambar, Ygal Perlman, and Israel Itzkowitz developed the simpler “Quadrillion cut” in the early 1970s. They refined it further into the modern princess cut, debuting in 1979 with 50–58 chevron facets. Since then, many variations and patents have appeared.
Today, the princess cut is among the best diamond cuts. It's clean, shining and classy. A ring set with such a diamond is classy, eye-catching and memorable.
Princess Engagement Rings Meaning
Every diamond shape says something, and the princess cut says something of its own. Its sharp, pointed corners say strength, courage, and confidence. They're nothing like round diamonds, which are secure and traditional to wear. The princess cut winks and gets a point across—it's new, it's bold, and it's full of attitude.
The square shape is also symbolic. Four equal sides represent balance and stability. These are the things that everyone hopes to achieve in a long-term relationship. The smooth lines also talk about unity and eternity. They remind us that love, as the shape, can have no beginning or end.
Aside from symbolism, the princess cut is also nice-looking. Its many small facets reflect and reflect light back. It makes an illusion of fire glow, which the round cut doesn’t have.
What does a princess cut say about its wearer? She values clarity, modern style, and elegance. She is earthy but has no hesitation about making a statement. The diamond of this shape is a symbol of a deep and passionate love.
Benefits of Princess Engagement Rings
Rings in this style are so much loved for a good reason. They offer features other cuts lack.
Unmatched sparkle. This diamond cut is designed to catch and reflect light from every angle. Its angled facets create a sparkle that can rival even a classic round diamond. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any engagement ring.
Modern look. A princess cut has a geometric square shape – it’s contemporary, but its beauty and luster have a vintage touch. It’s the couple's first choice for something contemporary yet everlasting.
Cost advantage. The stone is cut to leave its bigger part intact. It means you can get a larger-looking diamond for the same price compared to a round cut.
Versatile settings. The princess cut can be differently styled. Such a diamond looks equally good in a classic four-prong setting, a glamorous halo, or a romantic three-stone design.
Cons of Princess Cut Engagement Rings
Princess cut diamonds are popular, but be aware of some of their drawbacks before you buy a ring.
Delicate corners. The pointed corners are the most vulnerable spot on the diamond. Rounded shapes easily withstand a hard knock, but a princess cut can chip. That's why so many of them are mounted in V-prongs or a bezel for safety. Those settings have the tendency to cover up the clean lines of the stone or snag on clothing, especially when you wear sweaters or thin fabrics.
Cut quality and grading. Princess cuts don’t have a cut grade by the GIA; they have only polish and symmetry grades. So, it is harder to tell the overall brilliance and proportions by report alone. The pattern of facets also varies (two, three, or four chevrons), and it has an influence on how radiant the diamond appears.
Color visibility. Princess cuts show more of their body color than round diamonds. To have a near-colorless appearance, buyers opt for a higher color grade, usually H or better.
Princess Cut vs. Round Cut Engagement Rings
Every bride hesitates between princess vs round engagement ring. Both are impressive, so how to choose?
Look. Round diamonds are the classic choice. They are ideally symmetric and elegant. Princess cuts are modern and bold. Their sharp, clean edges give a strong, stylish statement.
Sparkle. Round diamonds have a steady, even sparkle. Princess cuts shine differently - they have a lively, fiery sparkle with flashes of light and dark.
Cost. Round diamonds are often more expensive because cutting them wastes more of the original stone. Princess cuts are usually 20–30% cheaper per carat.
Fit. If you love classic elegance, choose a ring with a round diamond. If you want something more distinct, a princess cut is the right. Princess cuts are for those who want a modern, bold look.
Popular Settings for Princess Cut Rings
Once you stop on the princess cut for your engagement ring, you should think about the stone setting. Here are three favorite settings brides choose most often:
Prong Setting
This is the most classic choice for a princess cut. Four small metal prongs hold the diamond securely at its corners. The stone is open, and light freely passes through and creates an amazing sparkle. The simple design represents the shape of the diamond in the most winning way.
Halo Setting
If you love extra shine, consider a halo setting. The center stone is circled by smaller stones, and together they create a glowing “halo”. This design visually enlarges the middle diamond. It’s a great choice if you want your ring to catch attention.
Channel Setting
The channel setting looks really sleek. In this setting, small diamonds are set side-by-side into a metal groove. There are no prongs to snag – it looks refined but is also practical for daily wear. It’s often used for wedding bands or the sides of engagement rings.
Tips for Choosing a Princess Cut Engagement Ring
Every bride deserves the best ring. If you choose this particular shape, you should know what defines the best princess cut engagement rings and how to choose yours. Here are a few tips.
- Check the shape and symmetry. A well-cut princess diamond must have a perfect square shape. The best length-to-width ratio for this shape is between 1.00 and 1.05. If you prefer a slightly rectangular look, the ratio can be a bit higher. The main thing is symmetry, as evenly aligned facets provide the best shine from every angle.
- Know the 4 Cs
- Cut. This matters most. Look for excellent polish and symmetry for the best look.
- Clarity. Choose VS2 or higher to avoid visible flaws, especially near the corners.
- Color. Go for an H grade or better so the diamond looks ideally colorless.
- Pick a protective setting. Princess cuts have delicate corners. A V-prong or bezel setting keeps them safe from chips and everyday damage.
- Shop wisely. Always buy from a reputable jeweler who provides GIA certificates for diamonds. Also, visually inspect the stone in the bright light. When it comes to the cost, the stone should be around 60% of your ring budget. And if you want to save money, you can look at lab-grown diamonds. They’re real diamonds but usually cost less and have a smaller environmental impact.
Wrapping up
The princess cut stone ideally combines classical features of a diamond and a modern twist. Its square shape and sharp edges will make a great ring for a bride who is a true trendsetter. It’s bold, elegant, and full of personality – just like the one who chooses it.
This cut is great for those who want something unique yet timeless. It looks bigger than it actually is and gives you great value for your money. Plus, it pairs well with both simple and detailed ring settings. You may have a classic or modern style, or even somewhere in between – the princess cut will fit ideally.
The princess cut engagement ring has become a modern classic. It’s strong, sparkling, and full of meaning. It’s a symbol of confident love that will last.
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