Princess Cut Diamond Buying Guide

Some diamond shapes such as the round brilliant cut that have been around for centuries. It is not surprising then that they are among the most popular diamond shapes out there. Other diamond shapes such as the princess cut have only been around for a couple of decades. That said, it is quite surprising that the princess cut is the second most popular diamond cut after the round brilliant cut.

But what makes the princess cut so popular?

First off unlike the basic round shape of the round cut, the princess cut offers more elegance and sophistication with its square shape and sharp edges. While being a perfect symbol of class, the princess cut also has plenty of brilliance even while not as much as the round cut.

Historically, the name princess cut belonged to another type of cut known as the profile cut. This was a product of the diamond cutter Arpad Nagy in 1961. Later the princess cut name was given to a cut by Israeli diamond cutters Ygal Perlman, Israel Itzkowitz, and Betzalel Ambar. The shape of the diamond was different from the original profile cut and had a lot of features similar to the round cut.

The profile cut

This is the original princess cut diamond. Arpad Nagy, a London base diamond cutter created the profile cut which he also referred to as the princess cut. While the modern princess cut has 49 facets, the profile cut had 58 facets.

Another diamond cutter Basil Watermeyer made a different diamond cut that would also later influence the development of the princess cut as we know it today. This cut, developed in 1971 had symmetrical lines that were highly difficult to cut.

A third cut to influence the modern princess cut called the Quadrillion was patented in 1979 and had 48 facets.

The modern princess cut

The history of the princess cut involves diamond cuts that had a similar shape while having the same name. However, the modern princess cut was a result of finding a diamond shape that could appeal to women. Ultimately Israel Itzkowitz, Yigal Perlman, and Betzalel Ambar created the modern princess cut with 49 facets.

The result was a diamond with a pyramid shape and a square top with sharp edges. The princess cut diamond is priced cheaper than a round cut diamond. The main reason for this is that there is less diamond rough wasted during the cutting process.

Some drawbacks of the princess cut

Among the various diamond shapes, the princess cut is prone to snagging on clothes as well as chipping due to the sharp edges. Consequently, the princess cut needs to be treated with more care. This, however, should not discourage you from buying a princess cut. With the right diamond setting, you can prevent chipping and snagging.