Diamond Cut Buying Guides
Princess Diamond Buying Guide
Princess cut diamonds offer a contemporary alternative to traditional round cuts, featuring a square shape with impressive fire and brilliance. Known for their efficient use of rough diamond material, princess cuts provide greater affordability compared to round diamonds. However, their sharp corners necessitate secure and protective settings to prevent chipping.
When selecting a princess cut diamond, prioritize colors between H and I and clarity ratings from VS2 to SI1 for maximum value and visual appeal. Princess cuts have between 50 and 58 facets, typically displaying two to four chevron patterns, influencing the intensity and type of sparkle. A length-to-width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 is ideal for a balanced, attractive square shape.
It is important to select a diamond where most of the carats are visible on the face of the diamond, and not 'hidden' in the pavilion of the diamond. Two diamonds can have the same carat weight, but one can appear much larger than the other when viewed from above. It is also important to find diamonds with excellent symmetry and polish.
Recommended Princess Cut Diamond Proportions:
| Grade | Table % | Depth % | Girdle | Cutlet | Length/Width Ratio |
| Excellent | 63-69 | 69-76 | Thin - Slightly Thick | None | 1.00-1.02 |
| Very Good | 57-75 | 60-78 | This - Slightly Thick | Very Small | 1.00-1.05 |
Evaluate princess cut diamonds visually, especially focusing on clarity to ensure eye-clean quality and avoid visible inclusions. Ensure the corners are protected in the chosen ring setting, and consider matching the center diamond's color with any accent diamonds to maintain cohesive beauty.
