The ‘Cut’ of a diamond is considered by many to be the most important of the 4′c’s. It is the overall cut of a diamond that is the major contributing factor determining brilliance and scintillation. Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes however the most popular shapes today are the Round Brilliant cut and the contemporary square look of the Princess cut.
What is the Princess Cut?
A princess cut diamond, also known as “square modified brilliant”, has pointed corners and is square or rectangular in appearance- displaying a faceting style that is quite unique and completely different from that of the more traditional round brilliant.
The princess cut diamond is only a relatively new diamond cut, having been created in the 1960s. Princess diamonds are gaining more and more popularity as they are one of few cuts that display a degree of brilliance similar to a round brilliant but offer lots of versatility and a modern edge- enabling thier use in a varity of jewellery including rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
The square princess cut diamond is also usually slightly cheaper than round brilliant cut diamonds of the same carat weight. This is because they retain about 80% of the rough diamond, as opposed to the round brilliant which retains only about 50%.
The Princess Cut Ring- The Choice of Modern Brides
Princess cut diamonds and princess cut diamond engagement rings are increasing in popularity with many brides. Offering a more contemporary look, many brides like the flexibility and diversity offered by the princess cut- either choosing to have a single princess cut diamond solitaire, a 3 stone princess cut diamond setting with two smaller stones either side of a larger stone or even coupling princess cut diamonds with round brilliants for a completely different look.
Notes about choosing a Princess Cut diamond:
Unlike round brilliant diamonds, there is no universal definition of what measurements make an ideal princess cut. Many diamond manufacturers market ideal diamonds with differing facet patterns and angles as “ideal cut”- it is importance to do your research when choosing a princess cut diamond and deal with a reputable diamond wholesaler.
In most cases, the squarer the diamond the better- for a princess diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer more of a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.10.
The princess cut diamond may have faceted corners on the top of the diamond that can be slightly weaker than a round diamond if they are very thin- they usually require a solid setting such as a four-pronged setting or a bezel set for protection.
