Princess cut and radiant cut diamonds have incredibly similar faceting patterns and silhouettes, though they have noteworthy differences.

The corners tell all. Princess cuts have crisp, sharp corners. In contrast, radiant cuts have cropped corners akin to those found in emerald or Asscher cuts. This subtle rounding enhances the stone's durability against chipping and lends a softer look to the shape.

Additionally, a princess cut is always going to be a perfect square. Meanwhile, a radiant cut will feature a rectangular silhoutte, and its ratio will vary from stone to stone. Each brings its own flair to the table, and either shape may be perfect for your forever ring.

The princess cut may be relatively young in the diamond world, but it has quickly captured hearts since its creation in the 1960s. It did peak in the late 1990s and early aughts in popularity, and has seen a bit of a dip in popularity in recent years. But we still love it to bits, and we have countless clients seeking the striking shape and glimmer of a princess cut for their engagement rings.

Pro tip: if you’re shopping for a princess cut diamond and examining grading certificates, don’t expect to see “princess cut” listed by name. Instead, you’ll find it labeled as “square modified brilliant.” Don’t let this technical terminology throw you off—it’s just how gemologists officially classify this shape. Hopefully, this piece of insider information will help you in your search for the perfect princess cut diamond.

Princess cut diamonds dazzle with intense light play. However, unlike the round diamond., princess cuts—and all other fancy diamond shapes—lack a standardized industry cut grade. This makes selecting a high-quality princess cut a bit more of an art form.

When hunting for that perfectly sparkly princess cut, aim for a depth percentage and a table percentage both within the 68%-75% range. These percentages are key indicators of a well-proportioned diamond that balances brilliance with dimension. A diamond within these parameters is likely to exhibit a powerful sparkle and an aesthetically pleasing shape.

Excellent polish and symmetry are also crucial. These factors ensure that the diamond's surfaces are finished to a high standard and that its facets align correctly to optimize light return. This meticulous attention to detail will mean finding the sparkler of your dreams.

Shaped like an inverted pyramid, princess cut diamonds are a unique shape that stands out from others with its clean lines and sharp pointed corners. This shape offers a ton of sparkle, looks quite modern, and costs around 20-40 percent less than round diamonds of the same characteristics.

Princess cut diamonds suit many modern engagement ring designs. The most important factor in setting a princess cut is to ensure that the diamond's delicate pointed corners are protected, either with prongs or a bezel wall. If you want your stone to really stand out, a princess cut solitaire is beautiful. The Frank Darling signature half bezel princess cut ring is a unique modern alternative.

Princess cut diamonds typically cost about 20-40% less than round diamonds of comparable quality and size. So, you can achieve a luxurious, sophisticated look with a princess cut center stone with a more modest budget. And, if you opt for one of our many lab-grown princess cut diamonds, you will be able to stretch your dollar even further.

When setting a princess cut diamond, keep in mind its delicate pointed corners, which are susceptible to chipping if left unprotected. Protective v-tip prongs or a bezel wall can safeguard these vulnerable corners, preserving the beauty and integrity of the stone.