Engagement Rings
Princess Cut engagement rings.
The princess cut engagement ring is a bold, contemporary choice that ranks as the second most popular diamond shape worldwide. With its clean square outline and brilliant-style faceting, the princess cut delivers exceptional sparkle in a modern geometric silhouette. Originally developed in the 1960s, this shape offers outstanding value — its cutting process retains more of the rough diamond than a round brilliant, meaning you get more carat weight for your budget. Discover our collection of GIA and IGI certified princess cut engagement rings, or book a free consultation at our Melbourne showroom to find your perfect match.
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Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about princess cut engagement rings.
The princess cut is a square mixed cut that combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a distinctive angular profile. Its facet pattern creates a striking cross-shaped light reflection when viewed from above, giving it a sparkle that is both brilliant and unique. One important consideration is corner protection — the four sharp corners can be vulnerable to chipping if not properly secured with V-prong or channel settings. When evaluating princess cuts, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05 for a true square appearance, and prioritise cut quality for maximum light performance.
Read the full guide →Why is it called a princess cut diamond?
The princess cut was developed in the 1960s and 1970s as a square alternative to the round brilliant. It was originally known as the profile cut or quadrillion before the name "princess" gained popularity in the 1980s, likely chosen for its regal, eye-catching appearance. Today it is the most popular fancy-shape diamond in the world.
How does a princess cut differ from a cushion cut?
While both shapes can appear square, a princess cut has sharp, pointed corners and a brilliant-style facet pattern that maximises sparkle. A cushion cut has soft, rounded corners and may feature either a brilliant or modified brilliant facet arrangement. Princess cuts tend to look more modern and geometric, while cushion cuts have a vintage, romantic feel.
Do princess cut diamonds need special settings to protect the corners?
Yes, the four sharp corners of a princess cut diamond are more susceptible to chipping than the rounded edges of other shapes. V-prong settings are the most common solution, as they cover and protect each corner while still allowing maximum light entry. Bezel and channel settings also offer excellent corner protection for an active lifestyle.
How does the brilliance of a princess cut compare to a round diamond?
A well-cut princess diamond can rival a round brilliant for sparkle, though the light pattern is different. Round diamonds produce a symmetrical, even sparkle, while princess cuts display a more angular, cross-shaped light reflection. Both are brilliant-cut styles, and the choice between them is largely a matter of aesthetic preference.
Is a princess cut diamond better value than a round diamond?
Generally, yes. Princess cut diamonds typically cost 20–30% less than round brilliants of comparable carat weight and quality. This is because the princess cut retains more of the rough diamond during cutting, resulting in less waste. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to maximise carat size within your budget.
