Princess Cut Diamond

Princess cut diamonds are a relatively new shape in the world of diamond cutting, having been created only the 1960’s. Theprincess cut diamond is very similar to the classic round brilliant shape we all think about when we think of a diamond, except the princess cut diamond does not have a pavillion – that part of a round brilliant that is lopped off into a cone shape below the head. Instead, the princess cut diamond is completely square, retaining 80% of the original diamond rough instead of the round brilliant’s 50%. The similarity in shape and the advantage of maintaining more of the original stone make the princess diamond cut the second most popular of all cuts.

Despite its maintaining 80% of its original carat weight as  a rough diamond, the princess cut diamond is still slightly less expensive than the round brilliant, mostly because it is less popular and the round brilliant shape has penetrated cultural consciousness as the “proper” cut for a diamond.

However, if you’re looking for a princess cut diamond, there is one crucial thing you have to watch out for. Whereas the round brilliant cut diamond has universally recognized standards on grading, the princess cut diamond does not, meaning don’t be fooled if someone claims that a certain princess cut diamond is ideal instead of excellent or good. This is actually a contentious subject in the diamond cutting world, as the AGSL and the EGL-USA do give gradings for princess cut diamonds, but the GIA has been stubborn in maintaining that there is not enough consensus in the industry to establish cut gradings. Of course, any argument over legitimacy is an argument over numbers and power. Whoever wins the most people for his side will determine if princess cut diamonds will have a recognized grading. For now, I would suggest simply seeing which diamond sparkles more, since that is essentially what a cut is designed to do. If one sparkles more than another of the same carat weight, clarity, and color, then it would make sense to say that the cut on that princess cut diamond is better. Don’cha think?

The term “princess cut diamond” was actually made popular by the Israeli diamond industry giants Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar, and Israel Itzkowitz back in the late 70’s.