The princess cut diamond shape may contain anywhere from 53 to 144 facets - but it all depends on the overall shape of the princess cut (perfect square vs. elongated square) and the way the underside of the diamond (known as the pavilion) is cut. Most princess cuts include 58 or 76 facets - cuts with less than 50 facets will not achieve the high brilliance and fire qualities that the princess is so famous for.


Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

One of the biggest pros to this type of cut is that the princess is a very forgiving cut. Unlike other types of cuts which may accentuate even a minor inclusion, blemish or color tint - like the emerald or Asscher cut - diamonds with less than perfect color and clarity ratings will still look fabulous in a princess cut, because this type of cut will camouflage small imperfections.

As a forgiving cut, couples have more leeway when choosing princes cut engagement rings and wedding bands as diamonds with slightly lower clarity and color characteristics - which are much more affordable - are a terrific option here.

Princess cuts also look amazing in small to large carat sizes because of the exceptional fire and flash qualities the cut yields.

And the clean square princess shape compliments any number of engagement ring styles including the ever popular princess cut solitaire diamond ring, three stone rings, and decorative channel set princess cut wedding bands with smaller princess diamonds set around the bands.

If you are interested in colorful gemstone engagement rings, this type of cut also looks stunning on gemstones. Popular princess cut gemstone styles include the princess cut aquamarine ring and the princess cut emerald ring - but really, any type of gemstone looks absolutely delicious in princess styles.

What about the cons?

The biggest con to this type of cut is the extremely delicate corners on the square shape. The corners can be prone to chipping, even in diamonds, if they are not protected in the right type of setting.

The only other con has to do with the sometimes limited amount of high quality princess cut diamonds available. While it is pretty easy to find so-so princess diamonds - the really fabulous ones with a high facet numbers that really sparkle and flash are not so common.


Best Settings for Princess Cut Wedding Rings

The best settings for princess cut wedding rings and engagement rings are the 4-prong setting and the channel setting. The 4-prong setting is best for the center princess cut gemstone - for example in a princess cut solitaire diamond ring - and the channel setting works best for smaller princess cut gemstones or diamonds wrapped around the band. 

Whatever style you choose, just make sure the delicate corners are protected.