When you think of diamonds, you might imagine the classic round shape that sparkles under every light. But there’s another diamond cut that has taken the jewellery world by storm — the princess cut diamond. Sleek, modern, and full of brilliance, this square-shaped gem is loved for its bold sparkle and contemporary edge.
Whether you’re planning to buy a diamond engagement ring, a pendant, or an investment piece, understanding what makes a princess cut diamond special can help you make a smart and confident choice.
Let’s uncover everything about princess cut diamond stones — from how they’re made to whether they’re worth your investment.
What Are Princess Cut Diamonds?
A princess cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped stone known for its sharp, defined corners and outstanding sparkle. It’s often described as a modern alternative to the traditional round brilliant cut.
The cut was first created in the 1960s but gained popularity in the 1980s when jewellers began to appreciate its unique ability to combine brilliance with geometric symmetry.
While the round brilliant diamond remains the world’s most popular cut, the princess cut ranks second in global sales, accounting for nearly 30% of engagement rings according to industry research by The Knot (2023).
Its name perfectly suits its look — regal, elegant, and full of charm.
How Are Princess Cut Diamonds Made?
Creating a princess cut diamond takes incredible precision. The process starts with a rough diamond, often shaped like an octahedron. Instead of polishing it into a circle (like a round brilliant), cutters slice it into a square shape with 57 or 76 facets to maximise light reflection.
The brilliance of a princess cut diamond comes from its pavilion (the lower half), which is cut with intricate facets to capture and reflect light beautifully.
Interestingly, princess cuts are more economical to produce than round cuts. Why? Because they waste less of the rough diamond during cutting — up to 80% of the stone is retained compared to about 50% for round brilliants. This means you get a larger-looking diamond for a lower price.
So if you’re looking for value without compromising on sparkle, the princess cut is a smart choice.
Should You Buy Princess Cut Diamonds?
The short answer — absolutely, if it suits your style.
Here’s why people love princess cut diamonds:
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They offer exceptional brilliance thanks to their many facets.
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They appear larger per carat compared to round diamonds.
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They are more affordable than other cuts of the same quality.
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Their clean, geometric lines make them perfect for modern designs.
According to a 2023 study by Jewelers of America, about 1 in 4 brides choose princess cut diamonds for engagement rings because of their balance between tradition and modern appeal.
However, because the corners of princess cuts are sharp, it’s important to set them securely in prongs or bezels to avoid chipping.
Where Can You Buy Princess Cut Diamonds?
When buying any diamond — especially a princess cut — trust is everything. Always choose a reputable jeweller who provides certification from recognised gem labs such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute).
Some of the most trusted places to buy princess cut diamonds include:
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Blue Nile – Known for custom designs and certified loose diamonds.
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James Allen – Offers 360° HD images so you can inspect the stone before buying.
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Tiffany & Co. – Famous for luxury and guaranteed quality.
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Brilliant Earth – Focuses on ethical sourcing and lab-grown options.
If you prefer to shop locally, look for jewellers with GIA-certified diamonds and transparent return policies.
Are Princess Cut Diamonds a Good Investment?
This depends on what kind of investment you’re after.
Financially,
Princess-cut diamonds generally don’t appreciate in value as much as rare diamond types (like fancy coloured or vintage cuts). However, they hold their resale value well if they are of high clarity, colour, and carat weight.
Emotionally,
They’re an excellent investment in personal style. Their brilliance and affordability make them a timeless choice for jewellery that you’ll enjoy wearing daily.
A report by Bain & Company (2022) found that diamond jewellery remains one of the most stable luxury markets, with demand growing by 8% annually even during economic slowdowns.
So while a princess cut may not make you rich, it will certainly make you shine.
Should You Wear Princess Cut Diamonds as Jewellery?
Yes — princess cut diamonds are perfect for everyday jewellery. Their shape complements both classic and contemporary settings, making them versatile for rings, earrings, and necklaces.
Because of their reflective brilliance, princess-cut diamonds pair beautifully with platinum, white gold, or rose gold bands.
Popular Jewellery Styles Include:
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Engagement Rings: Elegant, geometric designs that look modern yet timeless.
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Stud Earrings: Add sparkle without being flashy.
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Pendants: Simple square pendants that catch light beautifully.
They’re especially loved by people who enjoy a mix of elegance and strength — the shape is bold but sophisticated.
Who Should Wear Princess Cut Diamonds?
Princess-cut diamonds are perfect for people who love a balance between classic beauty and modern edge.
If you’re someone who likes:
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Clean, contemporary jewellery
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Maximum sparkle without paying top-tier prices
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Unique styles that stand out
Then the princess cut is for you.
Celebrities like Meghan Markle, Kate Bosworth, and Hilary Duff have all worn princess cut diamond jewellery, proving it’s a style that blends glamour with personality.
Conclusion
The princess-cut diamond is a stunning blend of modern design, sparkle, and value. Whether you’re buying it for a proposal, a personal piece, or as an investment, it’s a shape that delivers both beauty and brilliance.
From its sharp lines to its ability to catch light from every angle, the princess cut proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy breathtaking sparkle.
So next time you’re choosing a diamond, remember — you don’t need a royal title to wear something fit for a princess.
FAQs
1. Are princess cut diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, princess cut diamonds are genuine diamonds — the difference lies in their shape and cut, not in the material.
2. Do princess cut diamonds sparkle more than round ones?
They have a different type of sparkle. Round cuts reflect light more evenly, while princess cuts give off brilliant flashesof light due to their square facets.
3. What’s the best setting for princess cut diamonds?
A four-prong or bezel setting is best, as it protects the sharp corners from chipping.
4. Are princess cut diamonds more affordable?
Yes, they often cost 10–30% less than round diamonds of similar quality because there’s less waste when cutting the rough stone.
5. Do princess cut diamonds suit everyone?
Absolutely — their versatile design complements most styles, from minimalist to glamorous, making them a favourite choice worldwide.