The Popularity of Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are one of the most sought-after stones for a couple’s engagement. The cut has garnered the second spot in terms of popularity for engagement rings.
The quick gain on the popularity is due to its quality at more affordable cost than the traditional round cut. In addition, women appreciate its elegance and unique appeal. The cut is neither classic nor too fancy for everyday wear. Market studies reveal that more celebrities and trendsetters are smitten with the princess cut diamond rings.
Why are Princess Shaped Diamonds Cheaper?
Princess Cut Diamonds rank second after the round cut diamonds in popularity. The gem industry sometimes labels princess cut as rectangular or square modified brilliant due to its shape and luster, which is similar to a round cut brilliant. The top view has a square shape and the sides show reverse pyramid. In comparison with a round brilliant cut of the same diameter, it is heavier due to its uncut corners.
Princess cut diamonds are less expensive because 80% of the original rough diamonds are intact. The round brilliant is slightly costly because the rough diamond content is 50%. The princess cut is next in the hierarchy of brilliance to the round cut diamond.
Princess Diamond Characteristics
The ideal girdle thickness of the cut is in the range of very thin to slightly thick because of the corners’ tendency to chip. Experts developed the champering technique to safeguard the gem. The method applies additional tiny facet in the pointed corners. Major Gem laboratory approves champering as long as the square shape is preserved.
The traditional shape of a princess diamond is square. However, rectangular shaped princess cut diamonds are available in the market at a lower cost. Many buyers prefer the rectangular shape because the deviation is so subtle and inconspicuous. The best option for a square shaped cut is a diamond with the ratio of 1.05 – 1.08 in length to width.
Princess cut have facets of either 57 or 76, allowing light to spread and spark brilliantly throughout the diamond. The chevron facets are in the bottom or pavilion of the stone. The number of facets affects the sparkling process of the gem. Therefore, adding facets to the stone creates a crushed crystal appearance. The fewer facets, the bigger chunks of light will be visible. An ideal facet of a stone with a less than one-carat weight is 2-3 chevron facets. The large sized diamonds should have a proportional number of facets.
Tip: Selecting A Great Princess Diamond on a budget.
The following are the suggested guidelines in purchasing princess cut.
- Clarity – SI1 to VS2
- Color – F to G
- Cut – VG to EX
- Depth % – 58 to 77%
- Table % – 58 to 77%
- Fluorescence – None
Tip: Selecting A nice Princess Cut on an even smaller budget.
The following are the minimum features of the stone for customers on budget, but also after good quality:
- Clarity – SI2
- Color – I-J
- Cut – Good
- Depth % – 56 to 84%
- Table % – 53 to 85%
- Fluorescence – Light to Medium Blue
The Princess Diamond Shown Above is a 1 carat, G color, SI1 clarity, no fluorescence, EX cut diamond and shown from the perspective of the human eye, not a microscope. As you can see this combination lends itself to a very beautiful diamond.
Why Diamond Rings?
The practice of using diamond rings traces its origin to the 13th century. History shows that Mary of Burgundy received the first diamond betrothal ring in 1477. The custom of giving engagement rings for the future wife solidifies the bond and the promise of a blissful life ahead. The couple wears the engagement or wedding ring on the third left hand finger. Many people believed that the vein in this finger flows directly to the heart, which symbolizes love. The ring’s spherical shape signifies eternal love.
History of the Princess Cut Diamonds
Studies show that Arpad Nagy of London presented the first princess cut in 1960. However, this fancy cut is associated with another profile diamond cut. In 1979, Israel Itzkowitz, Betzalel Ambar and Ygal Perlman popularized the princess cut.
The Quadrillion and Barion cut diamonds are the predecessors of the princess cut. Ambar, Itzkowitz and Perlman introduced the Quadrillion cut in 1970, a diamond with 49 facets. Basil Watermeyer from South Africa designed the Barion cut in 1971. This diamond cut has a square shape, but the corners are rounded.
Best Settings for a Princess Shaped Diamonds
The designs for the princess cut are solitaire or accompanied with other gems. The ring needs a prong due to the vulnerable cut of this diamond. Various settings are available to suit the princess cut diamond rings, which are as follows:
Four pronged setting
In solitary princess cut diamond stone, prongs are crafted to support the four sharp corners.
Pave Setting
Princess cut diamonds highlight the different solitaire stone in the center. A portion or the entire ring has diamonds to complement the main stone.
Channel Setting
This is a popular style similar to the pave setting except the position of the diamonds is within a structure.
Invisible Setting
An exceptional and modern setting where rows of princess cut diamonds are arranged without an individual support. The diamonds are cut for this design with a metal base for anchor.
Taking Care of the Princess Cut Diamond Rings
Owners have to handle their valuable diamonds well to preserve its lasting beauty and charm. Soap, lotions, dirt and oils from your skin diminishes the sparkle of diamonds. The following are the ways of taking care of the precious stone:
- Jewelry shops recommend liquid solution where you can dip the diamond ring to restore its brilliance. Or…
- Prepare a mixture of half-cup cold water and ammonia to soak the stone for 30 minutes. Take the diamond out of the solution and gently clean with a soft brush. Dip it back into the mixture and dry with a clean cloth afterwards. Or…
- Fill a small basin with warm water and mild detergent powder. Brush the diamond in the soapsuds and rinse with water.
- Do not wear princess cut diamond rings while doing tough jobs. Never pour or use bleaching agents while wearing your diamonds.
- Store your precious gem in individual containers, separate from other jewelries to prevent scratches.
- Make an annual visit to your diamond shop for inspection and assessment of its current condition.
The worth of a princess cut diamond goes beyond its price. It is essential that you maintain its brilliance, clarity and elegance to achieve satisfaction.
Also See Marquise Diamonds and Cushion Cut Diamonds.