UPDATE: - Jewel-Craft will not have Customer Service staff available for calls or emails on Tuesday, 12/24 through Thursday 12/26.
Princess Perfect
July 9, 2024

A Guide to Princess Cut Diamonds

The most popular fancy shape diamond, the princess cut diamond has captured the hearts of many with its timeless elegance and modern appeal. Let’s explore the history of the princess cut, why people might prefer it over other shapes and discuss the variations within this captivating cut. At Jewel-craft, we have an extensive gemstone collection that includes princess cut diamonds. We know diamonds, and we can work with you to provide the perfect stone for any project.

A Brief History of Princess Cut Diamonds

The princess cut, characterized by its sharp, square or rectangular shape and brilliant facets, evolved from the French cut square diamond, and the table cut before it, which originated in the 1400’s. Diamond historians believe that the term “princess cut” is relatively new, probably originating in the 1960s, and note that the style was fully embraced by diamond lovers by the 1980s.

 

The princess cut’s sophisticated facet diagram efficiently reflects light back to the eye and prioritizes clean, straight lines. It’s often cut with 57 facets (21 on the crown, 4 on the girdle, 33 on the pavilion) that allow for exceptional light reflection, giving it a brilliance that rivals that of the round brilliant cut. Today, the princess cut appeals to those seeking a modern, edgy look compared to traditional round or oval cuts.

Why Choose a Princess Cut Diamond?

There are several reasons why your client might prefer a princess cut diamond over other shapes:

 

Brilliance and Sparkle: The princess cut is known for exceptional brilliance. Its numerous facets reflect light beautifully, creating a dazzling, eye-catching sparkle.

 

Modern Aesthetic: The geometric shape of the princess cut gives it a sleek, contemporary feel. It’s perfect for those seeking a modern look for their engagement ring or stud earrings.

 

Versatility: Princess cut diamonds look stunning in a variety of settings, from solitaire to halo to three-stone rings. Their shape complements both classic and modern designs.

 

Maximized Carat Weight: The princess cut retains more of the rough diamond’s carat weight compared to round cuts. 

 

Affordability: Because princess cut diamonds use more of the rough diamond, they are often less expensive per carat than round brilliant diamonds. Because of the octahedral shape of a rough diamond, gem cutters can split a rough diamond in half and cut two princesses with little waste; meaning your client can get a larger-looking diamond at a lower price.

 

Unique Shape: The square or rectangular shape of the princess cut sets it apart from more traditional round shapes, making it a popular choice for those who value a look that stands out.

 

Durability: The princess cut’s square corners can be more prone to chipping, but when set in protective prongs or a bezel setting, they can be quite durable and suitable for everyday wear.

 

Timeless Appeal: Despite being a relatively new cut, the princess cut has a timeless quality that continues to appeal to new generations.

Variations on the Princess Cut

While the classic princess cut is the most common, there are several variations and similar cuts that offer unique takes on this popular shape:

 

French Corners Versus Bezel Corners: The crown of a princess cut diamond can either have French corners, with star facets that point to the corners; or bezel corners characterized by diamond-shaped facets extending from the table corners to the stone corners. Bezel corners are typically more durable.

 

Number of Chevrons: On the princess cut’s pavilion, chevron shapes are responsible for the diamond’s brilliance, and a stone can have two, three or four chevrons. While two chevrons produce large, bold flashes of light, four chevrons scintillate more, but with smaller facets. Stones with three chevrons exist in a middle ground.

Your Project is Our Priority

The princess cut diamond offers a unique blend of modern style, exceptional brilliance and versatility for your client, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Whether they’re drawn to its geometric shape, its sparkling facets, or its cost-effective nature, the princess cut is a timeless option that continues to enchant diamond enthusiasts around the world.

 

For three generations, and over seventy years, we’ve been cultivating our inventory of gemstones and diamonds, including popular diamond shapes like the princess cut. Once we’ve matched your stone, we’ll fit it and set it securely for you. All of our expert services are done under one roof at our headquarters in Erlanger, Kentucky.

 

Related Article: Crafting Dreams: The Art & Process of Custom Jewelry Design

First batch of jobs just came back from Jewel-Craft, and we are VERY pleased! Excellent communication, quality work, quick turnaround, reasonable prices. Everything we hoped for! Thanks Ross!
Dan Hacker, Hacker Jewelers
I received my most recent repair work this morning and wanted to reach out before time and the season get away from me. I've been in the jewelry business for nearly 25 years and I've seen "the good, the bad and the ugly" come out of the repair shop. You and your staff have given me an opportunity to compete for repairs with quality service I can promote with confidence. Thank you so very much.
Carol Taylor, Forever Knot in Jackson, TN
We LOVE Jewel Craft. Their customer service and quality of work is why we have been using Jewel Craft for over 15 years. We use them for repairs as well as custom design and they really do make dreams come true for our customers.
Margaret, Engelberts
We have been working with Jewel Craft for over 20 years and I continue to use them because they are reliable. It’s like having my own 30,000 sq. foot shop, that’s how easy they are to work with. Expectations are always met and but most importantly, they are met in a timely matter.
Greg, Windsor Jewelers
I just wanted to take a minute to express “Much Thanks” to the team of people that take care of me on a daily basis. Alyssa, Stephanie, and Lisa are always on top of things for me. For the last couple of weeks, after I told them that I’m preparing to go on my first vacation in over a year, I’ve noticed that they’ve been working very hard to meet (and usually beat) my deadlines to help ensure that I can vacation worry-free about my jewelry repairs. That means so much to me.
Michael, Williamsburg Jewelers
I am a goldsmith but do not have all of the tools and time to do my own custom work, so I work directly with Jewel Craft to make it easy for me and perfect for my clients. If I need a shank that is 2.35mm wide and provide my own diamonds, Jewel Craft follows all of my design details and makes the ring 2.35mm wide and sets the diamonds to perfection.
Raime, Raime Weber Jewelry
Jewel Craft makes it easy. I have goldsmiths on staff but when they are on vacation or we have overflow, I can count on Jewel Craft to get our repairs done so we don’t miss a beat. I also use them for custom design jobs due to their high level of technology and efficiency.
Donna, Boyle Jewelers
ijo member jewelers by trade member jewelers of america member american gem society member mjsa member polygon member rjo member womens jewelry association member