Princess Cut Engagement
Rings
Princess cut engagement rings feature a cut which comes in at a close second to the number one round brilliant cut. It is one of only two square shaped cuts (the other is the radiant cut) which almost matches the fire and brilliance of the stunning round brilliant. Below you will find helpful info about this cut including characteristics, pros and cons, best settings and shopping tips to help you decide if the princess is the cut you are looking for. Characteristics of the Princess Cut: The princess cut is a newer type of cut which was created in the 1970s. It is a type of ‘mixed diamond cut’ or ‘modified brilliant’ which combines the techniques used to create modified brilliant cuts and step cuts.
The princess cut diamond shape may contain anywhere from 53 to 144 facets, 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 famous for. Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Engagement Rings: The princess cut is a very forgiving cut. Diamonds and gemstones with less than perfect color and clarity ratings will still look brilliant in a princess cut, because this type of cut will camouflage small imperfections. Princess cuts will also look fabulous in small to large carat sizes, and the clean square princess shape compliments a number of engagement ring styles including the princess cut solitaire diamond ring, three stone rings, and decorative channel set wedding bands with smaller princess cut diamonds around the bands. If you are interested in princess cut gemstone engagement rings, this type of cut also looks stunning on a number of gemstones. Popular princess gemstone styles include the princess cut aquamarine ring and the princess cut emerald ring.
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.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. Just make sure the 4-prongs protect each corner of the stone.
Shopping Tips and Precautions:Because the princess cut can hide blemishes, inclusions and less than stellar color characteristics, shoppers need to make sure that they are paying the right price for their ring. All princess cut engagement rings should come with a GIA or AGS grade certificate. Keep in mind though that GIA does not offer a grading report on the princess cut – only the clarity and color characteristics of the cut. But clarity and color grades will help you to determine if the ring is made with a superior or average diamond/gemstone. The AGS grading report will include grades on clarity, color and cut characteristics for a princess cut diamond. Always purchase your ring through a reputable company, and make sure you have at least a 30-day no-nonsense refund policy with the purchase of your ring.
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