Buying Guide for Princess Engagement Rings

Princess-cut diamonds have timeless appeal while also being modern and elegant. They're an ideal choice for diamond jewelry, especially engagement rings. This popular cut is sought after for couples who want a contemporary look with classic sparkle. If you're considering getting a square diamond ring but need to research, keep reading. We created a buying guide specifically for Princess-cut engagement rings.

What Is a Princess-cut?

Princess-cut diamonds have a square shape that's slightly rectangular with pointed corners making it a popular choice for engagement rings for its brilliance and symmetry. Its unique shape is sure to be a standout.

While it seems like the Princess-cut is newer, it's been around for a while. It was designed in the 1960s and gained widespread popularity in the 1970s as a modern alternative to the classic round brilliant cut. Evolving from earlier square-shaped cuts, most notably the Barion and Profile cuts. It was designed to maximize brilliance while offering a more contemporary, geometric shape. The goal was to create a diamond that retained the sparkle of a round cut but with a distinctive square or rectangular silhouette. Its clean lines and sharp angles quickly appealed to couples looking for a sleek, stylish engagement ring with a bold presence.

Pros and Cons of Princess-cut Rings

Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you decide whether a Princess-cut diamond is for you. In terms of pros, they have maximum brilliance and fire. It's a contemporary-looking shape that is never going out of style. Princess diamonds are also generally more affordable per carat than round brilliant cuts.

Princess-cut diamonds have pointed corners that could require protective settings to prevent chipping. The cut could show inclusions more easily if you go for a lower-quality clarity. Princess-cut diamonds look stunning in diamond jewelry, and with some extra precautions, you can make it work perfectly in your engagement ring.

Choosing the Right Setting

When you first start browsing engagement ring settings, it's fantastic to see how many options you have. Settings for Princess-cut diamonds should protect its sharp corners. V-prong or four-prong settings are ideal because they secure the pointed corners without distracting from the stone. A bezel setting offers the most protection by encasing the diamond in a metal rim.

Solitaires are a classic engagement ring setting that works well for Princess-cut diamonds. A solitaire setting highlights the diamond's modern shape, while a halo adds sparkle and makes the center stone appear larger. Vintage-inspired settings with filigree or side stones offer a timeless, romantic look that pairs well with the square stone.

The choice of metal for engagement rings affects both style and diamond appearance. White gold and platinum enhance brilliance and provide a sleek, modern feel. Yellow gold adds warmth and tradition, while rose gold brings a soft, romantic tone. Look at how the metal looks against the diamond you select to ensure it looks cohesive.

Quality Factors to Consider (The 4Cs for Princess-cut)

The 4Cs determine every diamond's quality, including the Princess-cut. There are some quality specifics for princess-cut diamonds:

• Cut: The most crucial factor for diamond brilliance, no matter the shape. A well-cut Princess diamond reflects light beautifully, so look for Excellent or Very Good-cut grades to ensure maximum sparkle.
• Color: Princess cuts tend to show more color than round diamonds. G-H color grades offer an outstanding balance of quality and value for a bright, near-colorless look without overspending.
• Clarity: Inclusions are more noticeable near the corners, which are also the most vulnerable part of the diamond. Consider VS2 to SI1 clarity for eye-clean stones at a better price.
• Carat: Princess-cuts offer a bold, square look, but they may appear slightly smaller than round diamonds of the same carat weight because of their shape. Consider this when choosing size versus budget.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Princess-cut Diamonds

One more option when picking out your engagement ring is to decide between lab-grown or natural Princess-cut diamonds. While they have different origins, lab and natural diamonds share the same visual, chemical, and physical properties. They're the same internally and sparkle the same way! Lab diamonds also have extra benefits, like being more affordable, ethically sourced, and sustainable. Choosing a lab-made Princess diamond can allow you to get a higher-quality diamond and stay within your budget.

Final Tips for Buying a Princess-cut Ring

As you narrow your engagement ring options, buy from a reputable jeweler. Read reviews and research the company's policies (returns, warranties, and ring sizing). Opt for a certified diamond with a report that verifies that the diamond you’re getting is the one you carefully selected. Choosing an engagement ring is exciting! Work with a jeweler who can answer your questions and help you get the ring of your dreams.