Princess Diamond Rings

A princess cut is a square or rectangular shape with strong, crossed facet patterns and sharp corners. It is the second most popular diamond shape after round, with a modern, architectural look.

What a princess cut actually is

A princess cut is a square or rectangular shape with strong, crossed facet patterns and sharp corners. It is the second most popular diamond shape after round, with a modern, architectural look.

How a princess is graded

Lab-grown princess diamonds are graded on the same 4C scale as every other diamond — carat, color, clarity, and cut. Cut grading for fancy shapes assesses face-up appearance, facet arrangement, and light performance. Princess stones with good proportions are scarce relative to demand, which affects both price and availability.

Price and what to expect

Princess cuts are widely produced and competitively priced, close to rounds. They are an efficient use of rough material, which is part of why they are so available.

Where to spend and where to save

Spend on clarity. The sharp corners are vulnerable, both to chipping and to showing inclusions. VS2 or better and a protective setting are both worth the premium.

For any shape, checking the grading report is non-negotiable. Read how to verify a diamond certificate and confirm the report number with the laboratory directly before you commit.

Settings that suit a princess

Princess diamonds have an elongated outline, so the setting shape matters as much as the metal. Solitaire and bezel settings protect the points of the stone most effectively, which is a practical consideration for any shape with vulnerable corners. Halo and pavé settings add light but can visually shorten an elongated outline — a common problem people bring back to us after seeing a ring in person.

See diamond settings and engagement ring styles.