Princess Perfect: A Deep Dive into Engagement Ring Styles

Why Princess Cut Engagement Rings Continue to Captivate

A Princess cut engagement ring is a square-shaped diamond engagement ring featuring a modified brilliant cut that delivers exceptional sparkle and fire. Here's what makes it special:

• Shape: Square with sharp 90-degree corners and an inverted pyramid base
• Popularity: Second most popular engagement ring style after round brilliant
• Price: Typically 25-33% less expensive than round diamonds of equal quality
• Sparkle: Nearly matches the brilliance of round brilliant cuts
• Origin: Created in the 1970s as a modern alternative to traditional cuts
• Best For: Those seeking contemporary style, maximum sparkle, and excellent value

The princess cut represents a perfect marriage of modern aesthetics and timeless elegance. Its clean lines and geometric shape appeal to those who want something fresh and contemporary, while its brilliant faceting ensures the classic sparkle everyone expects from a diamond engagement ring.

What makes this cut unique? Unlike other square cuts, the princess is technically a square-modified brilliant—essentially a squared version of the round brilliant cut. This means it delivers nearly the same fire and brilliance as the most popular cut, but at a significantly lower price point. The reason? Diamond cutters can create princess cuts with minimal waste from the rough diamond crystal, which naturally forms in an octahedral shape.

I'm Morgan Price, and through years of strategic outreach in the diamond industry, I've connected countless couples with expert resources about Princess cut engagement rings and other styles. My work has shown me that informed buyers consistently make better decisions and feel more confident about their purchases.

The princess cut offers a compelling combination of beauty and value, but there are important considerations around protecting its vulnerable corners and choosing the right quality grades. Understanding these factors helps you find a ring that's both stunning and smart.

The Enduring Appeal of the Princess Cut Engagement Ring

There's something undeniably captivating about a Princess cut engagement ring. Maybe it's the way those sharp, clean lines catch the light, or how it manages to feel both modern and classic at the same time. Whatever the reason, this distinctive cut has won over countless couples—and it's not hard to see why.

But before you fall head over heels, it's worth understanding what makes this cut special, where it truly shines, and yes, what you'll need to watch out for. Like any relationship, knowing the full story helps you make the right choice.

Why is it so popular?

The princess cut holds the enviable position of being the second most popular engagement ring style, trailing only the round brilliant. And unlike some trends that burn bright and fade fast, princess cut engagement rings have been steadily growing in popularity year after year.

What's driving this enduring appeal? For many, it's the perfect middle ground. The princess cut offers an excellent alternative to the traditional round brilliant cut, delivering serious sparkle while bringing something fresh to the table. That square shape and brilliant faceting create a look that commands attention—it's clean, contemporary, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Here's what's interesting: the princess cut is relatively young in diamond history, having been created in the 1970s. Yet despite its modern origins, it's already achieved what many would call timeless status. That's no small feat in a world where styles come and go.

The Pros: Brilliance and Value

Let's talk about what makes a Princess cut engagement ring such a smart choice, starting with the sparkle factor.

Princess cut diamonds are essentially squared variants of round brilliant-cut diamonds. This isn't just a fun fact—it means they're specifically designed to maximize light return and deliver exceptional fire and brilliance. When you look at a well-cut princess diamond, you're seeing nearly the same dazzling display as a round brilliant. The difference? You're paying significantly less for it.

And by "significantly," we mean 25-33% less expensive than round brilliant diamonds of equivalent size and quality. That's not a small discount. This price advantage comes down to efficiency. Diamond cutters can create two high-quality princess cuts from a rough crystal with minimal waste—only about 10-20% compared to up to 50% waste when cutting a round brilliant. The pavilion angles of a princess cut closely mirror the rough stone's natural octahedral shape, which means more of the original diamond makes it into your ring.

This efficiency translates into real savings, allowing you to potentially upgrade to a larger stone or higher quality grade without blowing your budget.

There's another benefit worth noting: princess cuts can appear larger for their carat weight. While some of the weight is carried in those distinctive corners, the broad face-up appearance and square shape often give the perception of a bigger diamond compared to other cuts of the same carat weight. You get impressive visual impact without necessarily paying for extra carats.

Plus, the brilliance of a princess cut is quite forgiving. All those facets and that intense sparkle help camouflage small imperfections in clarity. They can even make slightly lower color grades look better than they would in other cuts. This makes the princess cut a smart choice when you're trying to optimize your budget without sacrificing beauty.

The Cons: Protecting the Corners

Now for the reality check. Those sharp, 90-degree corners that give the princess cut its distinctive modern aesthetic? They're also its Achilles' heel.

These delicate corners are prone to chipping if they take a hard knock. They can also snag on clothing—especially fuzzy fabrics like sweaters and scarves. We've heard plenty of stories from clients who've caught their ring on a favorite sweater, and in rarer cases, someone who experienced a chip from an unfortunate impact.

This doesn't mean you should avoid princess cuts. It just means you need to be smart about protection. Choosing the right setting is absolutely essential for the longevity and durability of your Princess cut engagement ring. A protective setting that securely covers or reinforces those vulnerable corners makes all the difference. We'll explore the best options in the next section, but this is one consideration you can't afford to overlook.

Feature	Princess Cut	Round Brilliant Cut
Price	25-33% less expensive for equivalent size/quality	Most expensive
Sparkle	Excellent, nearly matches round brilliant	Superior, maximizes light return
Durability	Vulnerable corners, requires protective setting	More durable, no sharp points
Rough Waste	Low (10-20%), efficient	High (up to 50%), less efficient
Appearance	Square, modern, can appear larger face-up	Classic, traditional, maximum brilliance and fire

Decoding the Diamond: Price, Quality, and the 4Cs

Shopping for a diamond doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Yes, there's a lot to learn, but with the right guidance, it becomes genuinely exciting. When you're choosing your Princess cut engagement ring, understanding how price, quality, and the famous 4Cs work together is what separates a good purchase from a great one.

Here's something important: comparison shopping is smart, but knowing what to look for is even smarter. Always prioritize diamonds with certification from reputable laboratories like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gem Society). These certifications mean an independent expert has verified every detail about your diamond. It's your guarantee that what you're buying matches what you're being told. For a comprehensive look at everything princess cut, we recommend this resource: Princess Cut Engagement Rings: The Handy Guide Before You Buy.

At The Diamond Guys, we walk you through every single detail. No rushing, no pressure, just honest guidance that helps you make a confident decision.

Ideal Grades for a Princess Cut Engagement Ring

The beauty of a princess cut is that its brilliant faceting works in your favor. That exceptional sparkle can actually hide slight imperfections in both color and clarity, which means you can often choose lower grades without sacrificing visual beauty. Smart shopping isn't about buying the most expensive grades—it's about finding the sweet spot where beauty meets value.

Color is where many people spend more than they need to. For high-grade diamonds, D to G colors are ideal, showing virtually no color at all. But here's the secret: for most Princess cut engagement rings, staying in the G to I range gives you beautiful results at a better price. The intense brilliance of the princess cut effectively masks slight yellow tints. An H color diamond is often our top recommendation—it looks nearly colorless to the eye while offering significant savings. You can learn more about how color grading works here: What is Diamond Color.

Clarity follows a similar pattern. Flawless to VS2 grades are stunning, but they're not always necessary. We regularly recommend VS2 to SI2 clarity grades for princess cuts, and we specifically look for "eye-clean" SI1 diamonds. Eye-clean means that when you look at your ring in normal lighting, you won't see any inclusions. They're only visible under magnification. This approach can save you thousands of dollars without anyone—including you—noticing the difference. Dive deeper into clarity grades here: What Diamond Clarity is Best.

Cut is arguably the most important factor for sparkle, but here's where princess cuts get tricky: the GIA doesn't provide an overall cut grade for fancy shapes like the princess cut. They only grade cut for round brilliants. This means you need to look at the specific proportions yourself, which we'll cover in the next section. The AGS does offer a cut grading scale for princess cuts (0-10, with 0 being the best), which can be helpful if you're comparing AGS-certified diamonds.

Finding the Perfect Proportions

Since the GIA doesn't give princess cuts an overall cut grade, understanding proportions becomes crucial. These measurements determine whether your diamond will sparkle brilliantly or look dull and lifeless.

The length-to-width ratio determines whether your diamond looks square or rectangular. For that classic square appearance, look for a ratio between 1.00 and 1.05. Anything outside this range will give you a noticeably rectangular shape, which can also affect how light moves through the stone.

The depth percentage measures how deep the diamond is from top to bottom. The ideal range is 66% to 75%. Too shallow and light leaks out the bottom. Too deep and light gets trapped, reducing sparkle. This measurement is critical for maximizing that brilliant fire princess cuts are known for.

The table percentage refers to the size of the flat top surface. Like depth, you want this between 66% and 75%. The table is where light enters the diamond, so getting this proportion right directly impacts brilliance.

While carat weight often gets the most attention, a well-proportioned princess cut will always outshine a poorly cut larger stone. A diamond with perfect proportions will maximize every bit of sparkle potential, making it appear more brilliant and alive. Learn more about how carat weight affects appearance and value here: What is Diamond Carat Size.

We know these technical details can feel like a lot, but that's exactly why we're here. At The Diamond Guys, we review these proportions with you, showing you exactly what to look for and helping you find a diamond that's perfectly cut for maximum beauty.

Finding the Perfect Frame: Best Settings and Styles

Choosing the right setting for your Princess cut engagement ring is just as crucial as selecting the diamond itself. Think of the setting as both protector and presenter—it shields those vulnerable corners we talked about while showcasing the stone's incredible sparkle. The right setting can transform a beautiful diamond into a ring that perfectly captures your partner's personality and fits seamlessly into their daily life.

At The Diamond Guys, we've seen how the perfect pairing of diamond and setting creates something truly magical. Our custom design process is all about matching the setting to your partner's lifestyle. Is she active and hands-on? We'll guide you toward more protective options. Does she love delicate, intricate details? We can incorporate those while still keeping the diamond secure. Every ring we create tells a unique love story. If you're just starting to explore your options, our guide on How to Choose a Diamond Ring Setting walks you through everything you need to know.

The Best Settings for Protection and Beauty

Remember those sharp corners that make the princess cut so distinctive? They need special attention when it comes to settings. The good news is that the most protective settings are also among the most beautiful.

The four-prong setting is a timeless classic that allows maximum light to flood the diamond from all angles. For princess cuts specifically, those four prongs should sit directly at the corners, creating a secure grip while letting the diamond shine. It's a clean, neat look that never goes out of style.

Even better are V-prongs, which are specially designed for pointed corners. These prongs literally wrap around each corner in a V-shape, cradling and protecting the most vulnerable points. It's like giving your diamond a little suit of armor that also happens to look gorgeous. We recommend V-prongs to almost everyone shopping for a princess cut—they offer that perfect balance of security and beauty.

For the ultimate in protection, a bezel setting surrounds the diamond's edge with a smooth metal rim. This contemporary style completely eliminates the risk of chipping or snagging, making it perfect for active lifestyles. Nurses, teachers, athletes, and anyone who works with their hands often gravitate toward bezels. The sleek, modern aesthetic is just a bonus.

A channel setting creates a flush, streamlined look by nestling diamonds within a groove in the metal. While this is most commonly used for side stones or wedding bands, it can also provide corner protection when incorporated into the main setting design. The result is incredibly smooth—nothing catches on clothing or gets bumped.

The cathedral setting adds drama and elegance by lifting the diamond on graceful metal arches that rise from the band. While the cathedral style itself doesn't protect the corners, it pairs beautifully with V-prongs or a partial bezel to combine both security and architectural interest. It's a particularly popular choice for those who want a ring with presence and personality.

Popular Styles for a Princess Cut Engagement Ring

The geometric beauty of the princess cut makes it remarkably versatile. It looks equally stunning in minimalist designs and elaborate settings, which is part of why it's such an enduring favorite.

A solitaire princess cut is pure elegance in its simplest form. One brilliant diamond, one beautiful band, and nothing to distract from the stone's inherent sparkle. This style is perfect for someone with classic taste who appreciates clean lines and timeless beauty. Whether set in white gold for maximum brilliance or yellow gold for warmth, a solitaire lets the diamond be the star.

The halo setting surrounds your princess cut center stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, creating an incredible display of sparkle while making the center diamond appear larger. It's like giving your stone its own spotlight. The contrast between the square center and the rounded halo creates visual interest, and the extra diamonds add a luxurious touch that catches light from every angle.

A three-stone ring carries beautiful symbolism—past, present, and future—while creating a balanced, substantial look. The princess cut center stone is flanked by two smaller diamonds or gemstones, which can be round brilliants, tapered baguettes, or even trillion cuts for something unique. This style has significant meaning and offers wonderful design flexibility. Learn more about Timeless Appeal of Multiple Stones in Engagement Rings to see why this style continues to captivate couples.

A pavé band features tiny diamonds set closely together along the band, creating a continuous river of sparkle. Paired with a princess cut center stone, this setting multiplies the brilliance and adds serious glamour. It's perfect for someone who believes more sparkle is always better (and honestly, who can argue with that?).

The split shank design features a band that divides into two as it approaches the center diamond, creating visual drama and making the center stone appear even more prominent. The split can be subtle and delicate or bold and dramatic, depending on your partner's style. This contemporary design adds architectural interest while drawing the eye toward that gorgeous princess cut diamond. If this style intrigues you, explore more about What is a Split Shank Ring.

Don't forget about metal choice, either. White gold creates a brilliant, icy look that lets the diamond shine in pure white light. Yellow gold brings warmth and tradition, complementing the diamond with a soft golden glow. Rose gold has become increasingly popular for its romantic, modern feel and flattering tone against most skin types. You can even incorporate colored gemstones like sapphires alongside your princess cut diamond for a truly personalized creation.

The beauty of working with us is that you're not limited to what's in a display case. We can combine any of these elements—protective prongs, stunning styles, and beautiful metals—to create a Princess cut engagement ring that's as unique as your love story.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Cut Rings

After helping countless couples find their perfect ring, we've noticed that certain questions about Princess cut engagement rings come up again and again. We're here to give you the straight answers you need to feel confident in your choice.

Are princess cut engagement rings considered timeless?

Here's the beautiful truth: yes, princess cuts are absolutely timeless. We know what you might be thinking—they were created in the 1970s, so how can they be timeless? But that's exactly what makes them special. The princess cut hit the perfect sweet spot between modern and classic.

Their clean square shape gives them a contemporary edge that feels fresh, while their brilliant sparkle delivers the traditional diamond fire that never goes out of style. They've quickly become the second most popular engagement ring cut for a reason—they offer that blend of bold geometry and classic elegance that transcends trends.

Think of them as a modern classic. They're not going anywhere. Many of our clients who chose princess cuts years ago still tell us their rings feel as current and beautiful as the day they first slipped them on. That's the mark of a truly timeless design.

Do princess cut diamonds chip easily?

Let's be honest about this one: those sharp 90-degree corners are the princess cut's Achilles heel. They can be prone to chipping if they take a hard knock. But before you worry too much, here's the good news—the right setting makes all the difference.

When you choose a protective setting like V-prongs (which literally cap each corner), a bezel (which wraps around the entire stone), or a channel setting, you're giving those vulnerable corners serious armor. With proper protection, a princess cut can be just as durable as any other diamond.

We love sharing this real-world example: our sister has worn her Princess cut engagement ring every single day since 2016. We're talking through showering, sleeping, swimming, working out, cooking, gardening, and even horse riding. The result? She's occasionally found a bit of fuzz caught in the prongs, but not a single chip on her diamond. The key is choosing the right setting from the start and being reasonably mindful of your ring.

So yes, the corners need protection—but no, you don't need to baby your ring if it's properly set.

Why are princess cuts cheaper than round diamonds?

This is one of our favorite questions because the answer is all about smart diamond science. Princess cuts typically cost 25-33% less than round brilliant diamonds of the same carat weight and quality. That's a significant savings that can help you get a larger or higher-quality stone.

The reason comes down to waste—or rather, the lack of it. When a diamond cutter works with a rough diamond crystal, it naturally forms in an octahedral shape (kind of like two pyramids stuck together). The square shape of a princess cut follows this natural form beautifully, meaning cutters can create two high-quality princess cut diamonds from a single rough stone with only about 10-20% waste.

Compare that to a round brilliant cut, where the cutter has to grind away the natural corners and edges to create that perfect circle. That process can waste up to 50% of the original rough diamond. More waste means higher costs, which get passed directly to you.

With a princess cut, you're essentially getting the same brilliant sparkle as a round diamond—just in a square package that's kinder to both the rough diamond and your budget. It's one of the smartest ways to maximize your investment without compromising on beauty.

Your Perfect Princess Cut Awaits

You've explored the dazzling world of the Princess cut engagement ring—from its exceptional sparkle and brilliant faceting to its impressive value and modern aesthetic. It's a cut that truly delivers on all fronts: maximum fire and brilliance at a price point that's 25-33% more affordable than a round brilliant, all wrapped up in a contemporary square shape that feels both fresh and timeless.

The beauty of choosing a princess cut is that you're not compromising. You're getting a diamond that rivals the round brilliant's sparkle, offers remarkable visual impact for its carat weight, and provides flexibility in your budget to potentially upgrade other aspects of your ring. Whether you opt for a protective V-prong solitaire, a glamorous halo, or a meaningful three-stone design, your Princess cut engagement ring will be uniquely yours.

At The Diamond Guys, we believe that finding your perfect engagement ring should be an exciting, confidence-building experience—not an overwhelming one. That's where our expertise comes in. We specialize in custom engagement rings that tell your unique love story, and we guide you through every decision with patience and clarity. Our custom design process means you're not limited to what's sitting in a display case. Instead, we work with you to create something truly special.

We're proud to offer both ethically sourced natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, giving you choices that align with your values and budget. Our personalized shopping experience in Scottsdale, AZ, or Los Angeles, CA, is what sets us apart from impersonal big-box retailers. You'll work directly with knowledgeable experts who genuinely care about helping you find (or create) the ring of your dreams.

Your perfect princess cut is out there, waiting to symbolize your commitment and capture your partner's heart. Ready to take the next step? We've made it easy to begin this exciting journey: How to Start Engagement Ring Shopping. Let's make your dream ring a reality together.