The Ultimate Guide to Princess Cut Diamonds: Brilliance and Fire

As the fourth most popular diamond cut, the princess cut is a square-shaped diamond that offers a unique combination of brilliance and scintillation. With its sharp corners and triangular facets, this cut is designed to maximize light reflection and create a dazzling display of fire and brilliance.

Historical Origins

The princess cut, also known as the "square" or "quadrillion" cut, emerged in the early 1960s. It was created by Arpad Nagy, a diamond cutter from Antwerp, Belgium. Inspired by the clarity and brilliance of emerald-cut diamonds, Nagy experimented with a modified version featuring a square shape and a unique facet arrangement.

Characteristics of a Princess Cut Diamond

Here are the key characteristics that define a princess cut diamond:

• Shape: Square, with sharp corners and slightly cut-off edges (as opposed to the pointed corners of an emerald cut)
• Facets: Typically 58-76 triangular or kite-shaped facets arranged in a symmetrical pattern
• Symmetry: Ideal princess cut diamonds showcase perfect symmetry in the arrangement and proportions of their facets
• Fire and Brilliance: Renowned for exceptional light reflection and dispersion, resulting in a dazzling display of fire (rainbow colors) and brilliance (sparkle)
• Clarity: The princess cut's straight lines and sharp corners can accentuate inclusions, making clarity an important consideration

Advantages of a Princess Cut Diamond

• Versatility: The square shape of a princess cut diamond allows it to complement a wide range of jewelry styles and settings, from classic to modern
• Durability: Princess cut diamonds are among the most durable diamond cuts due to their sturdy square shape and lack of pointed corners
• Affordability: Compared to other popular diamond cuts, princess cut diamonds tend to be more affordable without compromising on brilliance and scintillation

Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond

When selecting a princess cut diamond, consider the following factors:

• Carat Weight: Affects the size and overall brilliance of the diamond
• Clarity: Inclusions can impact the diamond's appearance and value
• Color: Most princess cut diamonds fall within the near-colorless to colorless range
• Symmetry: A well-cut princess cut diamond will have a symmetrical and balanced appearance
• Facet Arrangement: Look for diamonds with evenly proportioned and well-aligned facets
• Certification: Consider a diamond with certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Comparison with Other Diamond Cuts

Princess Cut vs. Round Cut:

Princess Cut vs. Emerald Cut:

Popular Settings for Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds are well-suited for a variety of jewelry settings, including:

• Prong Settings: Classic four or six-prong settings provide a secure and elegant way to showcase the diamond's brilliance
• Bezel Settings: Surround the diamond in a protective metal frame, enhancing its durability and creating a modern look
• Pavé Settings: Tiny diamonds pave the band or halo around the center diamond, adding extra sparkle and sophistication
• Halo Settings: A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center diamond, enhancing its perceived size and brilliance

Tables

Table 1: Princess Cut Diamond Proportions

Table 2: Average Price Range for Princess Cut Diamonds

Table 3: Princess Cut Diamond Color and Clarity Grading

Stories and Lessons Learned

• The Princess Cut Engagement Ring: In 2010, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with a stunning 12-carat princess cut diamond solitaire engagement ring. This iconic choice helped popularize the princess cut among brides-to-be.

• The Unicorn Diamond: In 2018, a 10.86-carat princess cut pink diamond was sold at auction for $30 million, setting a new world record for a pink diamond. This remarkable diamond showcased the exceptional fire and brilliance of the princess cut.

• The Square Princess Cut: Some jewelers may refer to a square princess cut diamond as a "quadrillion" cut. The term "square" emphasizes the diamond's perfect square shape, while "quadrillion" references the diamond's four perfectly matching sides and overall symmetry.

Tips and Tricks for Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond

• Examine Symmetry: Pay close attention to the symmetry of the diamond's facets. Look for diamonds with well-aligned and evenly proportioned facets.
• Consider Clarity: Princess cut diamonds should be eye-clean, meaning inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
• Inspect the Culet: The culet is the small, pointed area at the bottom of the diamond. A well-cut princess cut should have a small or absent culet.
• Check the Finish: The diamond's finish should be polished to a high standard, enhancing its brilliance and reducing any imperfections.
• Get an Appraisal: Before making a purchase, consider getting an independent appraisal to verify the diamond's quality and value.

How to Clean a Princess Cut Diamond

• Use Mild Detergent: Create a solution of mild dish soap and lukewarm water.
• Soak the Diamond: Place the diamond in the solution and let it soak for 20-30 minutes.
• Brush Gently: Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush away any dirt or debris.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the diamond with clean water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.

FAQs

1. Is a princess cut diamond more expensive than a round cut diamond?

No. Princess cut diamonds are typically more affordable than round cut diamonds of the same carat weight and quality.

2. What is the difference between a princess cut diamond and an emerald cut diamond?

Princess cut diamonds have square shapes with cut-off corners, while emerald cut diamonds have rectangular shapes with pointed corners.

3. Is the princess cut diamond a good choice for an engagement ring?

Yes. Princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their durability, versatility, and exceptional brilliance and scintillation.

4. How do I choose the right princess cut diamond?

Consider the diamond's carat weight, clarity, color, symmetry, facet arrangement, and certification.

5. How often should I clean a princess cut diamond?

Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain the diamond's brilliance and sparkle. You can clean the diamond at home using mild detergent and a soft toothbrush.

6. How can I protect my princess cut diamond?

Store the diamond in a protective case or cloth-lined jewelry box. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or excessive heat.

Conclusion

The princess cut diamond is a captivating choice for those seeking a diamond that combines elegance, durability, and exceptional fire and brilliance. Its versatile square shape and unique facet arrangement make it suitable for a wide range of jewelry styles and preferences. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this guide, you can choose a princess cut diamond that will bring joy and sparkle for generations to come.