Shop for Princess Cut Diamonds

The princess cut is a style of diamond that was developed in the 1960s and features brilliant and step facets and a distinctive square shape. Unlike the Marquise cut diamond (allegedly), the princess cut diamond was not invented to pay homage to well-princesses. Instead, the cuts inventor, Arpad Nagy, set out to create a diamond shape that could rival the brilliance of the round brilliant cut white taking full advantage of rough octahedral diamonds.

An octahedral diamond is a raw diamond shape that looks a little bit like two pyramids stacked with their bottoms touching the other. Nagy realized that by splitting the rough diamond in two at the point where the pyramids met, he could be left with enough raw diamond material to make two square shaped diamonds. From there in 1980, Betazel Ambar, Ygal Perlman, and Israel Itzkowitz perfected the princess cut as we know and love it today

The following are all characteristics of the perfect princess cut: Four Pointed Corners:

Princess cut diamonds feature elegant pointed corners that create a distinctive angular shape. While beautiful, these corners can be fragile, and like any other shape that ends in points, are more susceptible to breaking. As a result, it might be useful to consider a bezel or prong setting that safely secures these points to prevent damage from unnecessary bumps.

Chevron Facets: Princess cuts usually contain 57 facets and most notable of these facets is the chevron. These fascinating V-shaped facets stretch across the pavilion of the diamond with the first chevron facet creating an X-like shape that makes up the pavilion's main facet. The X is then filled out with more chevrons, usually with a minimum of two and a maximum of four. If your princess cut contains two chevrons you can expect a flashier diamond thanks to the broad facets that reflect equally long flash. Likewise, more chevrons equal shorter facets with bursts of sparkle.

French or Bezel Facet Corners: Ok, we’re back to talking about those beloved corners and now we’re getting into the real nitty gritty. Princess cut diamonds will usually have either a French or bezel corner facet. Bezel corners, which feature diamond shaped facets extending from the table to the end, create a more angular faceting look while French corners, which feature a star facet, will have a broader center. As with our discussion of the corners above, it is vitally important to protect these corners, whether you choose a French or bezel corner facet.

Ever elegant and seriously sparkly, princess cut diamonds could not be more in style. In fact, the only diamond shape that is currently more popular than the princess cut diamond is the round brilliant. Seriously, princess cut diamonds are so undeniably ‘in’ right now.

Take fashionable cues from the Hollywood elite. Hilary Duff, when married to retired NHL player Mike Comrie, sported a 14-carat princess cut stunner that was sandwiched between two baguette stones. Allegedly, Comrie spent around $1 million for the ring. If you’re looking for a princess cut diamond with the same vibe but a very different price point (and we don’t blame you) consider lab grown diamonds. Despite being chemically and physically identical to naturally mined diamonds, lab diamonds are 20-40% more affordable, allowing you to find and purchase a bigger rock.

Hilary Duff isn’t the only celeb who chose a princess cut that made her feel like an actual princess. Jersey’s own “princess” Snooki also has sported the popular cut, opting for a 3.02-carat sparkly stunner set on an eternity band. Unlike Duff, who separated from her husband in January of 2014, Snooki and her beau have stayed strong and she still primps with her princess cut engagement ring to this day.

Of course, style trends tend to come and go, and while still wildly popular, princess cut diamonds have yet to return to the peak of popularity that they achieved in the 1980s and 1990s. But hey, this means that they’re just due for a comeback. And if you’re concerned about choosing a diamond that is not currently in style, take heart-diamonds are really never our style. What varies most often, is the style of setting of the engagement ring itself. So don’t be afraid to reach out to Frank Darling when choosing your engagement ring. We can walk you through princess cut settings and styles that will last you an eternity and look good while doing it.

In a toe-to-toe comparison, princess cut diamonds will appear larger than round brilliant cut diamonds.This has everything to do with the table size of the diamond shape. A diamond’s table is the flat facet on the top of the diamond-called the table facet. This facet plays an integral part in the overall sparkle of your diamond by absorbing light and directing it downwards into the pavilion where it is bounced among the facets and back out, creating the sparkling effect that diamonds have become known and loved for.

And we don’t just love princess cut diamonds because they appear larger than round brilliants. In addition to their table size, princess cut diamonds embrace modernity with a striking square shape that further maximizes the illusion of size. Imagine this: light is gracefully cascading into your ring and tumbles deep within before ending its mesmerizing journey in a dazzling display of sparkle. We don’t know about you but we just can’t get enough of it.

One thing to be aware of, though, is that while the princess cut diamond appears larger than a round brilliant cut diamond, it may still seem smaller when compared to other fancy shaped diamonds of the same carat size. Again, this is because of the face-up size of the diamond. Consider diamond shapes with elongated sides, such as the Marquise, oval, or pear cut diamonds. This elongated shape stretches the table in a way that square shapes, like Asscher or princess cuts, can’t beat. Still, the undeniable beauty, regalness, and sparkle of the princess cut diamond takes the cake.

Another thing to consider if you really want that big diamond forward look is the halo setting. As its name suggests, halo settings feature a halo of diamonds that surround the center stone and create an illusion of a larger solitary diamond. When combined with princess cuts, the halo setting exudes elegance and delivers a dazzling sparkle that is simply unmatchable.

All settings are sure to make you feel like a princess when you wear your princess cut diamond, but some ooze that royalty realness more so than others. Let’s start with the obvious. A solitaire setting. Consisting of a single stone set atop a (usually) bare band, solitaire settings allow your princess cut diamond to shine as the main attraction. When you wear a princess cut solitaire engagement ring, you are announcing to the world that you are an eternal class-act. Take for example, our Harper Princess. Here, four claw prongs graciously keep your diamond in place while protecting its delicate corners. A barely there band wears comfortably and further draws attention to your diamond-resulting in ooh-la-la sparkle that you can reign over daily.

Another solitaire option we love is The Clutch. This unique half-bezel ring effortlessly floats your diamond off of your finger with an airy sculptural shank. Half-bezel in form, a thin bar encases the sides and corners of the diamond, making it a supremely secure setting for anyone who leads a more active lifestyle but doesn’t want to compromise on substance.

If you like a little added flair, a halo or hidden halo may be perfect for you. As we described above, a halo setting consists of a circle of smaller diamonds that surround your center princess cut stone. These delicate diamonds add textural and visual appeal to your engagement ring while creating the illusion of a larger center stone. Win-win! A hidden halo is a bit more understated, with the halo of diamonds hidden away from top view and usually only visible from the side. Our Hidden Halo engagement ring is a perfect example of the lustrous sparkle and undeniable beauty of hidden halos and is a perfect choice to compliment any princess cut stone.

While we’re discussing flair, we would be remiss to not talk about cluster settings. This joyful engagement ring setting features clusters of diamonds that surround your princess cut stone on either side. With delicate Marquise, round, and pear diamonds, The Primavera is a perfect pairing for your princess cut.

Last but certainly not least is the split shank setting. An exciting twist on the standard engagement ring, split shank settings feature a shank that has been split in two before meeting at your center stone. This distinctive setting is an excellent choice for unconventional brides looking to stand out from the crowd. Plus the split shank can be combined with other styles of settings. Our Link Pave, for example, features a wide open split shank diamond studded setting with a hidden halo.

While less expensive than round cut diamonds, princess cut diamonds can still be more costly than other fancy diamond shapes. Princess cut diamonds are less expensive than round brilliant cut diamonds for a variety of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, round brilliant diamonds create the most raw diamond waste from their cutting and faceting process. All rough diamonds are strategically cut to maximize the rough diamond. Or, if there is enough rough diamond left over, to create another diamond from that material. However, round diamonds use most of the rough diamond up and produce diamond scraps that are unable to be utilized in a different shape. Because of this waste, round diamonds fetch a higher price than princess cut diamonds.

In addition to diamond waste, princess cut diamonds tend to be more affordable than round diamonds thanks to the current market demand. Remember, while supremely popular, princes cut diamonds fall behind round brilliants in the public eye. Fortunately, for those who prefer princess cuts, this means a lower price point as market demand will ultimately raise cost.

Now when compared to other fancy cut diamonds, the princess cut tends to be more expensive and interestingly princess cuts are expensive for the same reasons that round brilliants are more expensive, waste and demand. Because while princess cut diamonds create less rough diamond waste than round brilliants, there are still other fancy shaped diamonds that create even less waste. And as you might imagine, the same is true for market demand.

But don’t fret, if you have your heart set on a princess cut diamond we can help. Frank Darling has thousands of diamonds available that range in price. Our diamond concierge is here and excited to help you find the diamond of your dreams so reach out now!