Princess Cut Engagement Rings: The Ultimate Guide

Sep 27,2023

When it comes to diamond rings, the princess cut diamond engagement ring is a timeless and elegant choice. Known for its square shape and brilliant sparkle, this fancy cut has become increasingly popular among couples seeking a modern yet classic look.

In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about princess cut engagement rings, from their history and characteristics to the popular settings and 4Cs of diamond quality.

Whether you are a soon-to-be bride or a groom searching for the perfect ring, this guide will help you make an informed decision and find the princess cut diamond ring of your dreams.

What is Princess Cut Engagement Ring?

The princess cut, also known as a square modified brilliant cut, is the second most popular fancy diamond cut after the round brilliant cut. What sets the princess cut diamond apart from other diamond cuts is its unique combination of brilliance and geometric shape.

● Characteristics of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

1. Shape: The princess cut diamond ring featured a square or rectangular shape with clean lines and sharp corners when viewed from the top, while it is an inverted pyramid from the side. Not all princess cut diamonds are squares with an aspect ratio of 1:1, and some are rectangles with aspect ratios of 1:1.05, 1:1.08 and 1:1.12. However, to the naked eye, they all appear to be approximately square.

princess cut diamond ratio

2. Facets: The princess cut diamond ring typically has 58 or 76 facets, which maximize the diamond’s brilliance and reflect light in a way that creates a stunning display of sparkle.

3. Brilliant cut: Princess cut is classified as a brilliant cut and also known as a square modified brilliant cut, which means it is designed to reflect and refract light to create maximum brilliance. The princess cut engagement ring is the second most popular ring style after the round engagement ring.

4. Modern and elegant: The clean lines and geometric shape of the princess cut diamond give it a modern and sophisticated look. It offers a contemporary alternative to the classic round brilliant cut, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more unique and stylish engagement ring.

darry ring paris engagement ring on the finger

The History of Princess Cut Engagement Ring

The princess cut engagement ring has a relatively short but fascinating history. It was first introduced in the 1960s by a jeweler named Arpad Nagy, who worked for the diamond company A. Nagy Ltd. in London, England. Nagy desired to create a new diamond shape that combined the brilliance of a round cut with the modernity and geometric appeal of a square or rectangular shape.

Inspired by the French "Briolette" cut, Nagy developed the princess cut by modifying the traditional step cut, also known as the square emerald cut. He wanted to maximize the diamond's brilliance by adding more facets, which would enhance its sparkle and scintillation.

The princess cut quickly gained popularity among diamond enthusiasts and soon became a sought-after choice for engagement rings. Its clean lines, sharp corners, and brilliant faceting appealed to those seeking a modern and elegant alternative to the classic round brilliant cut.

Over the years, the princess cut continued to evolve as jewelers experimented with different variations and proportions to enhance its beauty. Today, it is one of the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings, admired for its timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to showcase a diamond's brilliance.

A couple wear a darry ring princess cut engagement ring

What Does a Princess Cut Engagement Ring Symbolize?

In general, a princess cut diamond engagement ring is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and modernity.

The clean lines and square shape of princess cut diamond symbolize strength, stability, and balance. It is considered a timeless and classic diamond shape and represents a contemporary and fashionable choice that appeals to individuals who appreciate a combination of traditional and modern aesthetics.

Additionally, a princess cut engagement ring can symbolize the commitment and love shared between two individuals in a romantic relationship. It is often seen as a symbol of a lasting and enduring bond.

A couple wear a darry ring princess cut engagement ring

Pros and Cons of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

The princess cut diamond engagement ring is known for its exceptional brilliance and sparkle. Its square shape and multiple facets even tend to enhance the perception of color in a diamond. This means that even diamonds with lower color grades can appear whiter and more vibrant.

Princess cut diamond rings are perfect for those who want a larger-looking diamond at a more affordable price point since its shape maximizes carat weight. Additionally, the

princess cut diamond is a contemporary and versatile choice, suitable for both traditional and modern styles. It can be set in various types of settings, such as solitaire, halo, or three-stone, offering a wide range of design options.

However, the square shape and multiple facets make it more prone to collecting dirt, oils, and debris. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep the princess cut diamond rings sparkle and brilliance intact.

darry ring princess cut diamond rings on hand

What to Look for in Princess Cut Engagement Rings?

When looking for a princess cut diamond engagement ring, there are several factors to consider:

● Popular Settings for Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Princess cut diamond is also known for its versatility, as it can complement a variety of ring settings and styles in an exquisite look.

prong-set princess cut engagement ring

1. Prong setting: One of the most popular settings for the princess cut diamond is the classic four prong or six prong setting, as they hold the diamond securely in place. More than that, prong setting emphasizes the sharp edges and corners of the princess cut diamond ring, bringing out its original splendor and brilliance.

2. Bezel setting: The bezel setting involves a metal rim or collar surrounding the diamond to hold it in place. It can fully or partially encircle the stone. Bezel setting are popular for its durability and ability to protect the princess cut diamond ring from damage or accidental knocks and provides a sleek and modern look.

bezel-set princess cut engagement ring
solitaire princess cut engagement ring

3. Solitaire setting: The solitaire setting is a classic and timeless choice for an engagement ring. It features a single princess cut diamond mounted on a simple band, allowing the diamond to take center stage.

4. Halo setting: The halo setting adds extra sparkle and visual appeal to a princess cut diamond engagement ring. It features a center stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, creating a stunning frame that enhances the overall brilliance.

dr princess cut halo engagement ring
three stone princess cut ring

5. Three-stone setting: The three-stone setting symbolizes the past, present, and future of a relationship. It features a princess cut diamond in the center, flanked by two smaller stones on either side. Three-stone setting is both elegant and meaningful for princess cut diamond rings.

6. Pavé setting: The pavé setting features small diamonds set closely together on the band, creating a continuous sparkle. It adds a touch of glamour and enhances the brilliance of the princess cut diamond engagement ring.

pave-set princess cut engagement ring

● The 4Cs of Diamond Quality

When purchasing a princess cut engagement ring, it is important to understand the 4Cs of diamond: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These factors determine the overall beauty and value of the diamond.

Princess cut diamond cut chart

1. Cut

The diamond cut refers to how well a princess cut diamond has been shaped and faceted. A well-cut princess cut diamond will have precise angles and proportions, allowing light to reflect and refract within the stone, resulting in maximum brilliance. Follow the princess cut diamond cut chart to look for a princess cut engagement ring with an excellent or very good cut grade for the best sparkle.

2. Color

The diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For a princess cut engagement ring, it is recommended to choose a diamond with a color grade of H or better. This ensures that the stone will appear white and bright, even in different lighting conditions.

Princess cut diamond color chart
Princess cut diamond clarity chart

3. Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The clarity grade ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). For a princess cut diamond engagement ring, a clarity grade of SI1 (slightly included) or better is recommended to ensure that any inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

4. Carat weight

Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond and is often a significant factor in determining its price. The carat weight of a princess cut engagement ring is a personal preference, and it is important to find a balance between size and quality. Consider your budget and the desired finger coverage when selecting a carat weight.

princess cut diamond carat size chart

● Average Cost of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

On average, a 1 carat princess cut diamond engagement ring can range from around 2,000 to 8,000 or more. Princess cut diamonds usually cost less than round cut diamonds as they lose much less raw material during the cutting process than round cut diamonds.

However, it’s important to note that princess cut engagement ring prices can go well beyond this range depending on the specific characteristics of the diamond and the overall design of the ring. Factors such as the diamond’s cut, clarity, color, and carat weight will also greatly influence the price. Additionally, the choice of metal (such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum) and any additional diamonds or gemstones in the setting will also impact the cost.

It's recommended to establish a budget and work with a reputable jeweler to decide how much should you spend on a princess cut engagement ring.

Find the Princess Cut Diamond Ring of Your Dreams


Princess cut engagement rings are a popular choice for couples seeking a blend of modernity and elegance. With their square shape and brilliant sparkle, these rings are timeless and versatile. Darry Ring has been dedicated to bringing even more romance and devotion into your lives by creating exquisitely crafted princess cut diamond engagement rings. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire or a dazzling halo setting, DR princess cut diamond rings will surely captivate hearts and stand the test of time.

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