Princess-cut ringsare one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and wedding bands. These square-shaped diamondshave a modern and elegant look that appeals to many people.
In this article, we will explore the history of princess-cut diamonds, the factors to consider when buying princess-cut rings, and the steps to take to choose the perfect one for you.
What Are Princess-Cut Rings?
Princess-cut diamonds were first created in the 1960s by Israeli diamondcutter Ygal Perlman. He wanted to create a diamond shape that would combine the brilliance of a round diamond with the clean, modern lines of an emerald or square diamond.
What Is a Princess Cut? | Diamond Rings
The result was the princess cut, which has become one of the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings.
Princess-cut diamonds have a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. They are cut with a series of chevron-shaped facets that create a brilliant sparkle.
Princess-cut diamonds are usually set with prongs at the corners to protect the pointed tips from damage.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Princess-Cut Ring
When choosing a princess-cut ring, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best quality and value for your money.
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been cut and polished. A well-cut diamond will reflect the maximum amount of light, creating a brilliant sparkle. The cut is the most important factor in determining the beauty and value of a diamond.
Princess-cut diamonds should have a good to excellent cut grade to ensure maximum brilliance and sparkle. Look for diamonds with a cut grade of "Very Good" or "Excellent" on the GIA grading scale.
Color
The color of a diamond refers to how white or colorless it is. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
Princess-cut diamonds look best with a color grade of G or higher. A diamond with a color grade of G, H, or I will appear colorless to the naked eye, while a diamond with a color grade of J or K may have a slight yellow tint.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to how free it is from internal and external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have more brilliance and sparkle.
Princess-cut diamonds should have a clarity grade of SI1 or higher to ensure that any inclusions or blemishes are not visible to the naked eye.
However, a diamond with a clarity grade of VS1 or VS2 may be a better value as it will have fewer inclusions but a lower price than a diamond with a higher clarity grade.
Carat Weight
The carat weight of a diamond refers to how much it weighs. The larger the diamond, the higher the carat weight and the more valuable it is.
Princess-cut diamonds are usually less expensive per carat than round diamonds because they retain more of the rough diamond during cutting. However, larger princess-cut diamonds may be more expensive than smaller ones because of their rarity.
Steps To Choose The Perfect Princess-Cut Ring
Choosing the perfect princess-cut ring can seem overwhelming, but by following these steps, you can find the ring that best fits your style, budget, and preferences.
Step 1 - Set Your Budget
Before you start shopping for a princess-cut ring, it's important to set a budget. Princess-cut diamonds can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, so determining how much you want to spend will help you narrow down your options.
Step 2 - Choose A Metal
After you have set your budget, the next step is to choose the metal for your ring. The most popular metals for engagement rings are platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Each metal has its own unique properties and characteristics, so it's important to consider which one best fits your style and lifestyle.
Engagement Ring Guide: Princess Cut Rings
Platinum is a popular choice because it is strong, durable, and naturally white. It is also hypoallergenic and does not tarnish. However, platinum is more expensive than other metals.
White gold is another popular choice because it has a similar look to platinum but is less expensive. It is made by mixing gold with other metals such as silverand palladium and is then plated with rhodium to give it a white color.
However, the rhodium plating may wear off over time and need to be reapplied.
Yellow gold has a classic and timeless look and is also less expensive than platinum. It is made by mixing gold with other metals such as copper and zinc. However, it may require more maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Rose gold has a warm and romantic look and is a popular choice for vintage-inspired designs. It is made by mixing gold with copper to give it its distinctive pinkish hue.
However, it may be less durable than other metals and may require more maintenance.
Step 3 - Choose The Setting
The setting is part of the ring that holds the diamond in place. There are several types of settings to choose from, including prong, bezel, channel, and tension.
Prong settings are the most popular and classic choice for engagement rings. They consist of four or six metal prongs that hold the diamond in place. Prong settings allow the most light to enter the diamond, creating maximum sparkle.
Bezel settings are a modern and sleek choice for engagement rings. They consist of a metal band that encircles the diamond, holding it in place. Bezel settings offer more protection for the diamond but may not allow as much light to enter it.
Channel settings are a popular choice for wedding bands. They consist of a row of diamonds that are set into a metal band. The diamonds are held in place by small metal channels between them.
Tension settings are a modern and unique choice for engagement rings. They consist of a metal band that holds the diamond in place using tension. The diamond appears to float above the band, creating a striking visual effect.
Step 4 - Choose The Diamond
The most important part of a princess-cut ring is the diamond. Once you have chosen your metal and setting, it's time to choose the diamond that will be the centerpiece of your ring. When choosing a diamond, consider the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Look for a diamond with a good to an excellent cut grade, a color grade of G or higher, a clarity grade of SI1 or higher, and a carat weight that fits your budget and style.
Step 5 - Choose The Style
Finally, choose the style of your ring. Princess-cut rings come in a variety of styles, from classic solitaires to elaborate halo designs. Consider your personal style and lifestyle when choosing the style of your ring.
A simple solitaire may be more practical for everyday wear, while a more elaborate design may be better for special occasions.
People Also Ask
How Do You Clean A Princess-cut Ring?
To clean a princess-cut ring, fill a bowl with warm water and mild dish soap. Soak the ring for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the ring with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
What Is The Difference Between A Princess-cut And A Cushion-cut Diamond?
A princess-cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners and is known for its brilliant sparkle. A cushion-cut diamond has a rounded square or rectangular shape with curved corners and is known for its soft, romantic look. Both cuts are popular choices for engagement rings, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Can A Princess-cut Diamond Be Set In A Different Type Of Setting?
Yes, a princess-cut diamond can be set in a variety of settings, including prong, bezel, channel, and tension settings. The choice of setting depends on personal preference and the style of the ring.
Are Princess-cut Diamonds More Expensive Than Other Cuts?
Princess-cut diamonds are typically less expensive than round brilliant-cut diamonds of the same carat weight and quality. However, they may be more expensive than other cuts such as the emerald cut or pear cut. The price of a diamond is determined by its carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, as well as market demand.
Conclusion
Princess-cut rings are a popular and timeless choice for engagement rings. They offer a classic and elegant look that can be customized to fit your personal style and budget.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can choose a princess-cut ring that is perfect for you or your partner. Remember to consider your budget, metal, setting, diamond, and style when making your decision.
With a little research and careful consideration, you can find a princess-cut ring that will be treasured for a lifetime.