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Feature : Princess Cut diamond engagement rings : What's all the rave about?
The Princess Cut Diamond
 The most common cut for diamonds is the round cut, but the princess cut diamond, a square-shaped diamond, is getting increasingly popular for engagement rings, and now probably the most popular behind round cuts. (For a more detailed discussion about all the different cuts, see our Diamond Cuts page.)
Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Rings? Isn't that brilliant?
The round cut, due to its symmetry and its many facets, usually produces the most sparkles and fire. That's why it's often called the "round brilliant cut". But a common misconception is that only the round cut is a "brilliant cut". In fact, a princess cut diamond is also a "brilliant cut", because of its 40+ facets that reflect light through the top (the table) of the diamond. In many certificates the princess cut diamond is referred to as a "Square Modified Brilliant" diamond.
 
(photo courtesy of Blue Nile )
However you cut it, she's still a princess
There is no so-called "Ideal Cut" for princess cut, and there are princess cuts with 40s, 50s or even 70+ facets. But is the more facets the merrier? Not necessarily. Cut proportions are still the important factor; the approximate range should be : a table percentage between 60-75% and a total depth percentage between 65-80%. The AGS Laboratories (AGSL) will begin cut grading princess cut diamonds in the first quarter of 2005, so diamond shoppers might be seeing AGS certs in the near future with princess cut grades.
Setting a princess cut diamond into an engagement ring
The square shape of a princess cut diamond means that it has four relatively fragile corners. When you set it into an engagement ring, you'll need a ring setting with 4 L-shaped prongs. The 4 prongs should protect the 4 corners. Here's a photo of how a princess cut setting looks like.
 
(photo courtesy of Mondera.com )
Also, when set into a ring, a princess cut diamond's color (yellowness) are more easily visible at the corners, so choosing a higher color grade, or a whiter setting, will help.
Would a princess cut engagement ring please your princess?
So, should you go for a princess cut engagement ring? Like an emerald cut, it has low wastage and therefore making it more affordable. But like a round cut, it has many facets and reflects light very well. The princess cut has a square shape, and its symmetry allows it to fit very beautifully into a great variety of engagement ring settings. These are the reasons why it has become a very popular, despite its short history (since 1970s). Plus, the name "princess cut" obviously carries some meaning. If you're buying a princess cut diamond engagement ring, it may show that you're treating your fiancée like a princess!
There's another cut similar to the Princess Cut, called the Asscher cut. Developed over 100 years ago, it is a more antique cut that is also coming back in style. It's a square that has corners cut deep, making it look more like an octagon.
 
We have an example selection of princess cut engagement rings here.
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