? Princess Shape

Modern Edge, Regal Brilliance

✨ Introduction: A Contemporary Classic

If you love sparkle but crave something sharp, bold, and modern, the princess cut might be your perfect match. Known for its crisp square shape and brilliant sparkle, the princess cut is a favourite for engagement rings that blend elegance with edge.

It’s the second most popular diamond shape after round brilliant—and for good reason. It captures the light, flatters every finger, and brings a sleek, architectural feel to any ring design.

? It’s called the “princess” cut for a reason—it’s graceful, radiant, and commands attention.

?️ History of the Princess Cut

The princess cut is relatively modern, designed to offer the brilliance of a round cut in a square shape. The first versions appeared in the 1960s, but the modern princess cut was perfected in the 1980s by Israeli diamond cutter Betzalel Ambar.

? Timeline Highlights:

• 1960s: “Profile cut” and “Barion cut” introduced—early princess cut styles
• 1980: Modern princess cut developed for maximum sparkle
• Today: Loved for sleek, modern rings and high brilliance in geometric form

? The princess cut was created to offer modern sparkle with a royal twist—and it’s only grown in popularity.

? Why Choose a Princess Cut Diamond?

• ? Exceptional brilliance – second only to the round brilliant
• ? Square silhouette – modern, structured and eye-catching
• ? Maximises rough stone – less waste in cutting = more carat for your cost
• ? Versatile in settings – sleek in solitaires, striking in halos or three-stone
• ? Symmetry & sparkle – perfect for those who love clean lines and big sparkle

? Celebrities with Princess Cut Diamonds

Plenty of stars have fallen for the princess cut’s geometric glamour:

• ? Hilary Duff – received a large princess cut solitaire in her engagement
• ? Sherri Shepherd – wore a princess cut centre in a classic pavé halo
• ? Kate Bosworth – known for wearing square-cut diamonds in vintage-style settings

✨ The princess cut is stylish and structured—ideal for trendsetters and modern romantics alike.

? Square vs Slightly Rectangular Princess Cuts

While most princess cut diamonds are nearly square, slight rectangular variations do exist.

⚖️ Stick to a near-1:1 ratio for the most balanced, brilliant appearance.

? Princess Cut in Ring Designs

? The princess cut plays well in both ultra-modern and vintage-style settings.

? Buying Tips & Quality Considerations

Princess cuts hide inclusions well thanks to their brilliant-cut facets, but their corners are vulnerable to chipping if not protected.

✅ What to Look For:

• Cut: No official GIA grade—opt for excellent symmetry and polish
• Clarity: VS2–SI1 often appears eye-clean
• Colour: Slight colour shows more in corners—G–H is ideal for white metals
• Setting: Ensure prongs protect all four corners (v-prongs or bezels are best)

? Princess vs Other Square Shapes

? FAQs – Princess Cut Diamonds

✅ Pros & Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds

✅ Pros:

• Bright, modern sparkle
• Excellent value for money
• Perfect for clean, geometric ring designs
• Versatile in contemporary and classic styles
• Available widely with lots of setting choices

⚠️ Cons:

• Corners are more prone to chipping
• Colour and flaws can show in corners
• No official cut grade—requires expert guidance

Mitigation Tip: Prioritise secure corner protection, and opt for slightly higher colour and clarity if the corners are more exposed.

? Final Thought: Clean Lines, Clear Brilliance

The princess cut is a dazzling blend of modernity and sparkle. If you love sharp lines, structured style, and serious brilliance, this shape might just be your perfect crown jewel.

Whether as a minimalist solitaire ring or an ornate halo, the princess cut shines with confidence, clarity, and contemporary flair.

Martin Commins

More Articles – Education

• Choosing the right Diamond Shape
• Engagement Rings of the Rich and Famous
• What diamond shape suits my hand?
• Side-Stone Engagement Rings
• Beyond the 4 Cs – Diamond Polish & Symmetry