Choosing a diamond cut for your diamond engagement ring is a personal choice, and this week we take a look at one of the most popular, the princess cut diamond. The square shape of the princess cut diamond works well in a multitude of ring settings, and is a popular stone for custom designed engagement and wedding rings. Princess cut diamonds can be set in an eternity ring with exquisite results, as they are fit in one flowing line with no gaps, unlike eternity rings set with round diamonds. The princess cur diamond offers options for a distinctive look, whether its used as a solitaire or combined with round or other shaped diamonds.   Developed in the 1960s, the princess cut diamond uses the same style of cutting as the round brilliant, rather than traditional step-cut makes use of the brilliant style of diamond cutting rather than the traditional step-cut form used in traditional square cuts like the emerald. The extra faceting of the brilliant cut causes the princess diamond to exhibit more brilliance and sparkle, while hiding imperfections and camouflaging color.   Unlike the round brilliant diamond, the look of a fancy shape diamond cannot be forecast by applying strict proportions. Diamond experts can recommend a range of proportions that is considered most favorable to the stone’s final appearance, but not until the finished diamond is evaluated can the stone’s quality be measured. In fact, it wasn’t until 2005 that the American Gem Society became the first lab in the industry to be awarded a scientific cut grade for the princess cut, based on actual light performance. This is why it is so important to work with trusted diamond experts whose guidance you trust to choose the highest quality princess cut diamond.     The princess diamond cut has several configurations, mainly in the pavilion construction wher two, three, or four chevrons are seen. As the stone’s facets get smaller, broad distribution is reduced and replaced with a smaller, brilliant luster. When choosing the princess diamond you desire, keep in mind that size and construction will deliver the appearance you are after you’re your diamond engagement ring.     The setting you choose for your princess cut diamond must protect its vulnerable corners. The princess cut diamond’s corners are sometimes chamfered slightly, or clipped to enhance the stone’s durability. Princess cut diamonds can also be set into a ring with pre-cut seats crafted into the setting specifically to protect the stone’s corners.     What makes the princess cut diamond most appealing is the fact that it usually cost significantly less than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same carat weight, which means that a budget for a round brilliant can support a significantly larger princess cut diamond. The look of a princess cut diamond ring is elegant and modern, and breathtaking whether set as a solitaire or with side stones.   ###