The princess cut diamond is renowned for its modern flair and exceptional brilliance. Emerging during the 1960s, this style rose in popularity and became the second most chosen cut for engagement rings. Characterized by its sharp, unrounded corners and a square to slightly rectangular shape, the princess cut provides a contemporary alternative to the traditional round cuts. Its intricate faceting arrangement enhances both its fire and scintillation, making it distinctively vibrant compared to other diamond shapes. This guide will explore what exactly sets this dazzling gem apart in the vast realm of gemstones.
Understanding the Princess Cut Diamond
Princess cut diamonds have captivated the jewelry industry with their clean lines and modern, angular shapes. Renowned for its sharp corners and an overall square or slightly rectangular silhouette, the princess cut falls under “brilliant cuts,” designed to maximize sparkle. Its vertical faceting style defines this cut, which can vary slightly to optimize each diamond’s light performance.
Origins and Popularity
Introduced in the 1960s, the princess cut ascended to prominence within the diamond industry in the 80s, 90s, and again during the mid-2000s, becoming a favorite choice for those seeking a contemporary alternative to the traditional round brilliant cut. Its popularity is attributed to its modern aesthetic that does not compromise on brilliance, making it a preferred option for engagement rings.
Today we’re seeing celebrities like JLo and Lindsay Lohan loving their princess cut diamond engagement rings.
Comparison with Other Diamond Shapes
The princess cut offers a slightly lower yield from a rough stone than the round brilliant cut but often presents a more affordable price per carat. Its distinct square shape starkly contrasts the softer contours of round, cushion and oval diamonds and is more similar to the harsher lines of emerald and radiant cuts.
Practical Tips for Buyers
When exploring princess-cut diamonds, it’s important to consider settings and diamond quality. These considerations will guide your decision-making process, ensuring you make a well-informed purchase that balances quality and value.
Selecting the Right Princess Cut Diamond
Choosing the right princess-cut diamond involves more than selecting any sparkling stone. It’s essential to assess the cut quality, clarity, and color.
- Cut Quality: A well-cut princess diamond will exhibit significant brilliance and fire. Ensuring excellent cut quality maximizes the stone’s sparkle.
- Clarity and Color: Ensure the diamond has a high clarity grade since princess cuts can sometimes show inclusions more readily than other shapes. Also, consider the color grade; while slight color may be masked by the cut’s brilliance, opting for a higher color grade ensures the diamond remains radiant.
- Certification: Look for certification from reputable labs like GIA or AGS to verify the diamond’s attributes. This will provide assurance about the perfect diamond for your engagement ring.
Best Sylvie Engagement Ring Settings for Princess Cut Diamonds
The setting of a princess cut diamond is a matter of aesthetics and protection. Due to their sharp corners, princess cuts are more prone to chipping, so choosing a setting that shields these corners is crucial.
Choosing a classic pave setting, allows you to showcase a diamond while also having the added sparkle of diamonds down the band. The Braylin ring features a 2 carat princess cut diamond setting with 0.5 carats of micro pave round diamonds.
For a simpler setting, the solitaire setting puts your princess cut center stone at center stage. The Dominique ring features a 1.5 carat princess cut setting alongside a trio of hidden diamonds in between the prongs on both sides of the center stone, totaling 0.05 carats.
If you’re looking for a setting that enhances the size of your princess cut center stone, a halo or hidden halo setting is the perfect choice. The Athena presents a unique option with a 1.5 carat princess cut center stone setting and 0.57 carats of shared prong round diamonds that make up the halo and flow halfway down the band.
Another option is a three stone setting which presents a very geometrically aligned option. The Nicolette ring features a 2 carat princess cut center stone setting and 2 baguette side stones totaling 0.50 carats on each side of the center stone.
For those looking for an ‘iconic’ choice, Sylvie’s Shell Iconelle collection presents transformative engagement rings settings. The Elizabeth ring features our signature Shell Iconelle inlay in high polish gold, accented on the band by spaced, offset princess cut diamonds set flush.
Conclusion
Princess cut diamonds combine the allure of a brilliant cut with a modern square silhouette, making them a beautiful choice for an engagement ring.
Their unique shape allows for maximum brilliance comparable to round diamonds but offers a distinctive edge that sets them apart. Perfect for those seeking a blend of traditional sparkle and contemporary design, princess cut diamonds provide a stylish, cost-effective alternative without compromising on the visual appeal.
Whether set in a simple solitaire or a more elaborate halo design, a princess cut diamond ensures that your engagement ring will stand out with its bold, angular lines and stunning light performance.
