Why NOT to Choose a Princess Cut Diamond (or Should You?)
Quick Summary
Princess cut diamonds have many myths surrounding their sparkle, durability, and long-term appeal. Despite claims that they don't shine like round diamonds, their modified brilliant cut delivers exceptional fire and brilliance. Some believe the pointed corners are fragile, but proper settings like prongs or bezels make them durable for everyday wear. Others think princess cuts look smaller, but their square shape and large diagonal spread create an impressive face-up size. While often viewed as expensive, they're actually more affordable than round diamonds due to more efficient use of the rough stone. With timeless elegance and great value, princess cuts remain one of the most popular and striking choices for engagement rings.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a princess cut diamond for your engagement ring or another piece of jewelry, you may have come across comments or advice that isn’t exactly encouraging. Friends, family and online forums may tell you that "they don't sparkle enough" or "the corners will chip." But what if we told you that most of these concerns are based on outdated information or complete misconceptions?
At Keyzar, we've crafted hundreds of stunning princess cut jewelry pieces, and we've seen firsthand how this square diamond shape creates some of the most breathtaking and brilliant rings, earrings, and pendants imaginable. We've also heard every myth, misconception, and misguided piece of advice about princess cuts, and we're here to set the record straight. In this guide, we’ll explain why the "problems" with princess cuts are largely fiction, and why this square diamond might actually be the perfect choice for your jewelry collection.
What Is a Princess Cut Diamond?
The princess cut was developed in the 1960s by diamond cutter Arpad Nagy, who revolutionized the way we think about square diamonds. It boasts 50-58 facets arranged in a modified brilliant cut pattern, which is why it's officially known as a "square modified brilliant cut". Unlike the cropped corners of an Asscher cut or the beveled edges of a radiant cut, the princess cut has four distinct points that create crisp, clean lines.
Today, princess cut diamonds have earned their place as the second most popular engagement ring shape, trailing only behind the classic round brilliant. The princess cut is also a highly popular choice for earrings, pendants, and other types of fine jewelry. Its sharp angles and modern sparkle make it a favourite for those who want a bold yet timeless look.
Myth #1: "Princess Cuts Don't Sparkle Like Round Diamonds"
The Myth: Princess cuts are dull and lifeless compared to the legendary sparkle of round brilliant diamonds.
The Reality: This misconception couldn't be further from the truth. Princess cut diamonds deliver exceptional brilliance that rivals – and sometimes surpasses – many other diamond shapes.
With their facets arranged in a modified brilliant cut pattern, princess cut diamonds deliver maximum light performance. Their faceting creates an incredible fire and scintillation that makes them absolutely mesmerizing, especially on eternity rings like the Princess Channel Eternity. These rings are already opulent: when designed with princess cut diamonds, they transform into a showstopper and let the brilliance speak for itself.
Myth #2: "Princess Cuts Are Too Modern/Trendy and Won't Age Well"
The Myth: Princess cuts are just a passing fad that will look dated in a few years, making them a poor choice for a lifelong engagement ring.
The Reality: With over 60 years of proven staying power, princess cut diamonds have already demonstrated their timeless appeal. Far from being a fleeting trend, this square diamond shape has transcended decades of changing fashion while maintaining its regal sophistication.
The versatility of princess cut diamonds only adds to their ongoing appeal. Whether surrounded by a sparkling halo, flanked by side stones, or nestled in a vintage-inspired mounting, these square diamonds adapt beautifully to any style preference. When set in a nature-inspired halo design like The Halo Twig, they exude a next-level brilliance that’s fiery yet classic and oh-so modern.
Myth #3: "Princess Cuts Are Fragile and Chip Easily"
The Myth: Those sharp, pointed corners make princess cut diamonds impractical for daily wear because they're prone to chipping and damage.
The Reality: While it's true that pointed corners require thoughtful setting choices, the fragility of princess cut diamonds is exaggerated. All diamonds can chip regardless of their shape – this vulnerability isn't unique to princess cuts.
The difference lies in proper setting and protection. When a princess cut diamond is expertly set with protective prongs or secured within a bezel setting like The Amelia pendant, it becomes remarkably durable for everyday wear. In fact, princess cut diamonds are inherently quite strong when properly mounted. The square shape distributes stress more evenly than many people realize, and the corners, when protected, are no more vulnerable than the girdle of any other diamond shape.
Myth #4: "Princess Cuts Look Smaller Than Other Shapes"
The Myth: You get less visual impact for your carat weight with a princess cut diamond, making it a poor value compared to other shapes.
The Reality: This myth completely ignores the optical advantages that make princess cut diamonds appear impressively large – often larger than other shapes of the same carat weight.
Princess cut diamonds maximize their face-up appearance through their square shape. The broad, flat table and strategic faceting arrangement work together to create an impressive surface area that catches and reflects light across the entire face of the diamond. They're even more dramatic in a setting like The Hidden Halo Penelope, an exquisite side stone engagement ring that shows off a well-cut princess diamond to maximum advantage.
Myth #5: "Princess Cuts Are More Expensive"
The Myth: The sophisticated cut and modern appeal of princess cut diamonds command premium pricing, making them more expensive than other diamond shapes.
The Reality: This myth gets the economics completely backwards. Princess cut diamonds actually cost 20-40% less per carat than comparable round diamonds of the same quality, making them one of the best values in the diamond world.
The cost advantage stems from efficient rough diamond usage. While round brilliant diamonds waste approximately 50% of the original stone during cutting, princess cuts retain about 80% of the rough diamond. This dramatic reduction in waste translates directly into savings that get passed along to you. This outstanding value shines beautifully in every piece of jewelry, including the Princess Stud Earrings: you're getting a larger, more brilliant center stone for less than you'd pay for a comparable round diamond piece.
Conclusion: The Princess Cut Verdict
Princess cut diamonds aren't just a good choice – they're often the smart one. You get exceptional beauty and outstanding value all wrapped up in one stunning diamond. At Keyzar, we invite you to explore our stunning collection of princess cut jewelry and discover why so many people today are choosing square diamonds for life's most meaningful moments. Shop now!
