Natural Diamond Prices – November 2024
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A princess cut diamond is a classic and popular diamond shape that features a square cut with pointed corners. Traditionally, princess cut diamonds have been the second most popular cut after the round brilliant and have become the go-to choice for many diamond buyers. Its unique facets create sparkle, brilliance, and depth that give an overall attractive look to this diamond shape. Princess cut diamonds can range in carat weight, color grade, and clarity (4 C’s), making them a great choice for any budget.
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When selecting a princess cut diamond, it is important to consider the diamond’s shape and proportions, which can affect its brilliance, sparkle, and overall look. Careful consideration should also be taken when selecting the cut grade, as this will determine the amount of sparkle and shine the diamond will have. Remember: “Cut is King!”
This guide to princess cut diamonds provides an overview of how to choose a princess cut diamond for princess engagement rings, including information on shape, cut quality, carat weight, clarity, color grade, and price. With the right knowledge, you can confidently select a stunning princess cut diamond for your engagement ring that is sure to impress.
Are Princess Cut Diamonds Popular?
Princess cut diamonds are one of the most popular diamond cuts today. The princess cut is a square or rectangular modified brilliant cut with pointed corners and 58 facets. It offers a unique combination of sparkle and brilliance along with an attractive shape that has made it an extremely popular choice among brides-to-be.
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The popularity of the princess cut diamond has grown steadily over the years due to its versatility. It looks great when set in both modern and traditional settings, from classic solitaire styles to more elaborate three-stone or halo diamond engagement rings. It also provides excellent value for money when compared to other diamond cuts.
The secret behind the success of the princess cut lies in its ability to reflect maximum light from any angle, making it stand out from other diamond cuts such as round brilliants or marquise diamonds. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to make a bold statement with their engagement ring choice.
In addition, the princess cut is often used as an accent stone in three-stone or side-stone engagement rings, as well as being used alongside other gems in multi-gem designs. It can also be used as a center stone with other fancy cut stones or diamonds around it, forming a halo effect known as ‘princess halo’.
Overall, there’s no denying why princess cut diamonds have become so popular amongst brides-to-be: they offer great value for money, look stunning when set in any type of setting, and can provide maximum sparkle and brilliance from any angle – making them hard to ignore!
Characteristics of Princess Cut Diamonds
Shape and Design
The design of the princess cut diamond is characterized by a high crown and deep pavilion, meaning that there are more facets on the top than the bottom. This creates an impressive display of light and radiance when exposed to any type of illumination. The diamond’s culet, or point at the bottom, is usually V-shaped or slightly rounded for added protection from nicks and scratches.
Side and Top View of Polished Princess Cut Diamonds
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This diamond shape also requires fewer carats than round diamonds to achieve the same visible diameter size. This makes it more affordable while still allowing you to find the perfect princess cut diamond for your engagement ring.
Facet Pattern
Princess cut diamonds feature a unique, square-shaped silhouette with pointed corners. This cut features 58 facets, which are divided into four categories: crown, girdle, pavilion, and star facets. The crown is the upper portion of the diamond and consists of eight bezel facets that meet at the very top point of the diamond (also known as the “table”).
On each side of the crown are eight kite facets that transition to 32 pavilion facets along the bottom portion of the diamond. These pavilion facets meet at a culet facet at the base. Lastly, there are 8-star facets extending from each corner of the pavilion up to halfway up the sides of the princess cut diamond. The symmetrical arrangement of these 58 facets creates an intricate pattern that reflects light through its table and creates a mesmerizing sparkle.
Light Performance and Sparkle
Princess cut diamonds are renowned for their brilliance and sparkle, making them one of the most sought-after diamond shapes. This is due to their unique shape, which has a square or rectangular profile with rounded corners. The combination of the sharp facets and unique structure creates an incredible amount of light performance, sparkle, and shine. Unlike other diamond shapes that have larger facets on the bottom, princess cut diamonds have small facets across the entire surface of the diamond that allow for maximum reflection and dispersion of light.
The symmetrical pattern of the princess cut creates a high degree of sparkle that outshines many other diamond cuts. It features four sharp angles on each corner that reflect light back in multiple directions to create more brilliance than other cuts like round brilliants or emeralds. This also helps to ensure that no matter from which angle you look at it, every angle will offer maximum sparkle.
The beauty and light performance of princess cut diamonds make them ideal for solitaire engagement rings to show off the brilliance and shimmering facets. With its perfect balance between classic simplicity and modern elegance, it is sure to capture anyone’s attention.
The 4Cs and Princess Cut Diamonds
Carat Weight
Princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their unique shape and sparkle. While they may look similar, there is an important distinction to be made between carat weight and size when it comes to selecting the right diamond.
Visit Whiteflash, James Allen, Blue Nile, and B2C Jewels to find the perfect princess cut diamond engagement ring for your special someone.
Carat weight is a measurement of how much a diamond weighs—a metric used across all diamond shapes. Although the size of each cut varies, one carat of weight will always remain constant at 0.2 grams. This means that a 1-carat princess cut diamond will not necessarily have the same dimensions as another 1-carat princess cut diamond.
When shopping for a princess cut diamond, take into consideration both the carat weight and the depth of the stone to determine the best size and shape for your needs. For instance, if you want a larger stone, consider purchasing one with less depth, as this can affect how large your diamond appears once set in your engagement ring.
The type of metal used for mounting also impacts the overall look of your ring; metals like gold can make a small stone appear bigger since its reflective qualities can amplify any light passing through it. Therefore, in addition to carat weight, consider pairing metal types with different depths when selecting your perfect princess cut diamond.
Cut Quality
A princess cut diamond is a square shaped diamond cut with sharp, uncut corners. It is one of the most popular diamond cuts because of its dazzling sparkle and fire, as well as its versatility. Additionally, it is the second-most brilliant diamond cut next to the round brilliant cut.
When evaluating a princess cut diamond’s cut quality, there are several factors that need to be considered:
The Proportions of the Stone
The length-to-width ratio should be between 1.00 and 1.05 for an ideal result. A ratio outside of this range can cause light leakage and dullness.
The Symmetry of the Stone
The sides must be symmetrical in order for light to properly pass through the stone and reflect off its pavilion and crown, creating an optimal sparkle. If any part of the princess cut diamond’s shape deviates from the perfect 90 degree angles, it could affect its ability to disperse light throughout, creating a dimmer appearance.
The Depth Percentage
Depth percentage refers to how deep or shallow the stone has been cut relative to its diameter or width. A lower percentage allows more light into the diamond causing it to sparkle brighter while a higher percentage will create a heavier looking stone that appears duller in comparison.
Polish
A smooth and glossy polish on each facet maximizes light reflection, leading to extra brilliance within the diamond itself. Poorly polished diamonds often appear dull and lackluster despite having good proportions and depth percentages, so it’s important that all surfaces are properly polished before assessing their overall quality.
All these components together determine how well a princess cut diamond reflects light, ultimately determining its overall brilliance and beauty, making it one of the most popular shapes requested by customers today!
Clarity
The clarity grade of a princess cut diamond is based on the size, number, position, color, and type of inclusions that are found within it. These inclusions can be internal or external to the stone and can range from microscopic crystals to large feathers or cracks.
The diamond clarity scale has six categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades:
Balance all 4Cs (cut, carat weight, color grade, and clarity) when choosing a diamond engagement ring to get great value without breaking the bank!
- Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance
When buying a princess cut diamond, keep in mind that clarity can affect price but also remember that often times a lower clarity grade may still look just as beautiful as one with a higher grade if there are no visible inclusions. It is always best to inspect a diamond using a jeweler’s loupe before making your purchase so you have an idea of the clarity grade and what kind of inclusions are present. This way you can make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for!
Color
The color grade of a princess cut diamond is determined by the amount of body color present in the diamond relative to its white brilliance. A higher color grade means that the diamond is less affected by yellow or brown tints, which may reduce the clarity of the diamond. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has established a grading system for diamonds that includes a scale from D to Z, with D being colorless and Z having a deep yellow hue. When choosing a princess cut diamond, it is important to consider both the carat weight and color grade of each stone, as these factors determine the price of the diamond.
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Color grades below G-H are considered near-colorless and can still appear quite white when mounted in an engagement ring. Diamonds with H-J grades may show faint hints of a yellow or brown tint but remain stunningly brilliant. Grades K-M will have noticeable amounts of body color which can reduce their overall clarity and beauty. Finally, grades N-Z have intense yellows or browns, making them less desirable for many consumers.
Since princess cut diamonds are usually smaller than round stones due to their unusual shape, they can often appear darker than round diamonds even if they have the same grade on the GIA scale. It is also important to note that fancy colored diamonds (those outside of the GIA scale) tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and unique characteristics.
When shopping for a princess cut diamond, it is essential to find out its exact grade on the GIA scale as well as its carat weight in order to make an informed decision about its value and overall quality.
Choosing the Perfect Princess Cut Engagement Ring
Settings and Styles
Princess cut diamond engagement rings have a unique and elegant look that can be further enhanced with the right setting. The most important element to consider when selecting a setting for a princess cut diamond is the ability to maximize its brilliance, as this will help bring out the stone’s true beauty. There are a variety of settings available for princess cut diamond engagement rings, including prong, halo, three-stone, bar-set, flush, channel, and tension.
The most commonly used setting for princess cut diamonds is the prong setting. This type of setting has four metal prongs that hold the sides of the diamond securely in place while allowing light to easily pass through from every angle. Prong settings are ideal for showcasing larger stones and allow for more brilliance than other types of settings.
Single and Double Halo Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Halo settings feature small round diamonds or other gemstones encircling the center stone to emphasize its size and sparkle. These settings create the illusion of a larger center stone and can be paired with any type of band style.
3-Stone Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Three-stone settings feature two smaller accent stones on either side of the main center stone, which are often set low down onto the band so they blend seamlessly together and create a modern look.
Bar Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Bar-set settings involve multiple bars running across and around the center stone, which hold it in place while also creating contrast against its sparkle.
Don't forget to factor in metal type and any additional accents when selecting a princess cut diamond engagement ring as this will affect pricing too!
Channel Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Channel settings use two adjoining pieces of precious metal between which several smaller accent stones are laid in parallel rows like channels along each side of a larger central diamond.
Additionally, tension settings utilize pressure forces to suspend a single large diamond between two curved arms or bands without using any visible prongs or claws.
Tension Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Whatever your desired aesthetic may be, there is sure to be an appropriate ring setting to match your needs when selecting a princess cut diamond engagement ring!
Matching the Center Stone with Side Stones or Accent Diamonds
When it comes to creating an engagement ring with a princess cut center stone, selecting side stones or accent diamonds is an essential part of achieving the desired look. Side stones add extra sparkle and brilliance, while accent diamonds are usually smaller and provide more subtle detail to the overall design.
Round brilliant-cut diamonds are often used as accents because they bring out the fire and sparkle of the princess cut center stone. Other popular options include baguette-cut diamonds, which have an elegant feel, or tapered baguettes, which create a unique look by featuring two different angles that alternate between each other.
Metal Options
When it comes to selecting the metal for a princess cut engagement ring, there are several options to choose from. The most popular metals for this type of ring are platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.
Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Platinum is a very durable and precious metal that will provide a beautiful luster to your ring. It has the highest purity rating of all the precious metals, and its durability makes it ideal for an important piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring. It also offers more protection against scratches and tarnishing than other metals. Platinum rings tend to be more expensive than other options due to its higher cost per gram.
White Gold Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
White gold is another popular choice, offering a polished look with a bright white sheen that will never fade over time. White gold provides good durability and is relatively affordable compared to platinum. However, white gold does require periodic rhodium plating in order to keep its shine since it’s naturally slightly yellowish in color.
Yellow Gold Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Yellow gold is a classic option for an engagement ring due to its traditional look and feel. Yellow gold provides good durability but may require periodic polishing in order to maintain its original shine over time.
Rose Gold Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Rose gold is also becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings due to its unique pinkish-red hue and vintage appeal. This metal is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance option while still enjoying a glamorous look that stands out from the crowd.
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Whiteflash is the perfect place to shop for princess cut engagement rings. Their A CUT ABOVE® princess cut diamonds have the finest cut quality and light performance around. As one of the leading diamond retailers in the U.S., they offer a selection of premium-quality diamonds that are hand-selected and certified by the AGS. They have also taken their expertise to lab-created diamonds. Whiteflash’s precision cut lab-created diamonds are hand selected and include HD video footage, light performance images, and IGI certification. In addition, Whiteflash specializes in high-end designer engagement rings crafted with great precision and attention to detail.
With Whiteflash, you can find stunning rings with natural princess cut diamonds in various sizes and shapes. The professionals at Whiteflash will help you make a one-of-a-kind ring that fits your partner’s style perfectly. They offer a wide range of options, from classic solitaires to complex multi-stone designs, all crafted with superior craftsmanship using ethical standards.
Not only do Whiteflash’s princess cut engagement rings have exceptional beauty, but they also come with a 100% lifetime trade-up guarantee that includes complimentary cleaning, inspections, and ring sizing services, as well as a one year buy back guarantee. This provides ultimate protection against damage or wear and tear over time, so your special moment lasts forever.
James Allen
At James Allen, you can find the perfect natural or lab-grown princess cut diamond for your special someone. They offer a wide selection of stunning diamond cuts in every imaginable size, clarity and color to suit your individual style and budget. Plus, their online tools allow you to customize your own unique design with ease. You can even view the diamond up close and personal for unparalleled brilliance before making a purchase.
You can also feel secure when shopping at James Allen, as they are dedicated to offering only conflict-free diamonds from certified sources. Their customer service team is world-class and ready to answer any questions along the way. As if that wasn’t enough, James Allen provides free shipping and returns on all orders so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the best quality product without worry or hassle.
Blue Nile
Shopping for a princess cut engagement ring can be an exciting and daunting prospect. Not only do you want to find the perfect ring to symbolize your love and commitment, but you also want to make sure it is from a trusted source. When considering where to purchase a princess cut engagement ring, Blue Nile is an excellent choice.
Blue Nile has decades of experience selling high-quality natural diamond engagement rings at competitive prices. They have an extensive selection of princess cut diamond engagement rings, with hundreds of stones to choose from, including some of the rarest on the market. Whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire or something more ornate and unique, Blue Nile has something for everyone.
When it comes to quality assurance, Blue Nile goes above and beyond. All their diamonds are certified by the AGS (American Gem Society) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America), so customers can rest assured that the stones they purchase are authentic. Plus, all their rings come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, so customers can buy with confidence.
Continental Diamond
Princess cut engagement rings from Continental Diamond provide the ultimate combination of beauty, value, and quality. Their exquisite selection of natural and lab-grown princess cut stones in various sizes, shapes and colors, set in stunning settings crafted from precious metals such as white gold or platinum, make them the perfect choice for any occasion. Not only are they beautiful to have, but they come at an unbeatable price. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of glamour or splurge on something truly special, Continental Diamond is sure to have the perfect piece that meets your budget and style.
At Continental Diamond, their experts are highly knowledgeable in diamond cutting and will help guide you in selecting the perfect princess cut engagement ring that is sure to take your breath away! With a wide selection of designs ranging from classic solitaire styles to intricate vintage-inspired pieces that incorporate dazzling gemstones, they offer something unique for every taste. The attention to detail in each design ensures that each piece looks stunningly beautiful with an amazing sparkle. Plus all their diamonds are ethically sourced, certified for conflict-free assurance, and they offer Lifetime Diamond Trade-up program so you can feel good about investing in a quality product.
Adiamor
Adiamor offers a vast selection of princess cut engagement rings in styles that range from classic to modern, with something for everyone’s individual taste. All of their princess cut engagement rings are handcrafted with superior quality natural or lab-grown diamonds and conflict-free materials.
At Adiamor, they understand that purchasing an engagement ring is an important investment, and they offer price points to fit any budget. Their goal is to provide high-end diamond engagement rings at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. The company also provides customers with detailed information about each diamond so you can make an informed decision on your big ticket purchase. Furthermore, their experienced team of jewelry specialists are available 24/7 if you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect ring for your special occasion.
Adiamor makes their online shopping process easier by providing complimentary shipping both ways in addition to their 30-day return policy, so you can shop with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Tips for Purchasing a Princess Cut Engagement Ring
Importance of a Grading Report
Look for certified diamonds from reputable sources with GIA, IGI or AGS grading reports to ensure you're getting maximum value for your money.
A princess cut diamond grading report is a guide to help buyers assess the quality of a diamond before making a purchase. The report should include information about the stone’s carat weight, cut grade, color grade, clarity grade, and fluorescence. Additionally, it should provide descriptive details about the 4 Cs (carat weight, cut, color and clarity) that influence a diamond’s value.
In addition to these attributes, the report should also include an analysis of other characteristics such as polish, symmetry, culet size, and table size, all of which play an important role in determining the princess diamond’s overall value. Lastly, images of the stone should be included so that buyers can visualize what they are buying.
Should I Buy A Princess Cut Diamond Online?
When it comes to purchasing a princess cut diamond, the question of whether one should buy online or in-person is an important factor in the overall buying.
Online retailers often offer lower prices than in-person stores due to their low overhead costs. Additionally, with the advent of modern technology, online diamond retailers are able to provide customers with high-quality imaging tools so they can view the diamonds from different angles before making a purchase.
PriceScope Vetted Online Stores
Shop princess cut diamond engagement rings at:
- Whiteflash
- James Allen
- Blue Nile
- Continental Diamond
- Adiamor
- B2C Jewels
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However, one should also consider if it’s worth sacrificing the opportunity of seeing a diamond in person and trying it on for size before buying. Buying a princess cut diamond engagement ring in-person allows you to ask questions about the quality of the diamond and receive immediate answers.
Balancing the 4Cs for the Best Value
There’s no single formula for finding great value when buying an engagement ring but balancing all 4Cs (cut, carat weight, color grade, and clarity) will help you find something that looks beautiful yet won’t break your budget either! If you’re looking for extra assurance, always opt for certified diamonds from reputable sources who can provide detailed reports about their 4C attributes along with any additional treatments or enhancements applied to them during cutting processes too.
Price
The price of princess cut diamond engagement rings can vary widely depending on the size, quality and setting of the stone. On average, these rings can range between $1,000 to $10,000 or more. For those looking for a high-end, large stone with a luxurious setting, the cost can easily exceed five figures. Pricing also depends on the type of metal used in the band and any additional accents that are included.
Generally speaking, platinum settings tend to have higher prices than gold or silver settings. When selecting a princess cut diamond engagement ring, it is important to pay attention to carat size and clarity as these will have a large impact on the price. A smaller stone of good clarity can sometimes be more expensive than a larger stone with lower clarity due to imperfections contained within the diamond itself.
Diamonds certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) come with an official grading report detailing all its properties and characteristics, which may also significantly affect pricing.
Finally, intricate craftsmanship in design, such as multiple pavé set stones around the main diamond or intricate filigree patterns, can bump up pricing even more. Overall, there is no single answer when it comes to pricing princess cut diamond engagement rings, as there are so many variables involved in determining cost!
Consider both the quality of the stone and its price when selecting a princess cut diamond engagement ring.
Gallery
Princess cut diamond engagement rings in the PriceScope forum:
2.4ct Princess Cut Engagement Ring
2.14ct Princess Cut Engagement Ring
2.32ct Princess Cut Engagement Ring
1.05ct Princess Cut Engagement Ring
Explore the many beautiful designs of princess cut engagement Rings today using PriceScope's Jewelry Search.
Whiteflash, James Allen, Blue Nile, and Adiamor are renowned for being the premier online jewelry retailers for lab-grown princess cut engagement rings. With a wide selection of stunning certified lab-grown princess cut engagement rings by the world’s top gemological labs, customers can be sure that their ring will be of the highest possible quality. Each lab-grown princess cut engagement ring is inspected to ensure that it meets our vendors high standards. Plus, all of our vetted vendors provide superior customer service, with one-on-one consultations available to help couples make the perfect choice in finding the right lab-grown princess cut engagement ring.
Summary
This guide to buying a princess cut diamond provides valuable information on how to find the perfect engagement ring. The 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—are essential for balancing quality and value when searching for a diamond. Cut is the most important factor as it affects how light reflects off its facets and how much brilliance it has. Color is graded from D-F (colorless) to G-J (with faint warm tones). Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Imperfect (I3). Carat weight measures the actual mass of the stone. Certified diamonds with detailed 4C reports are recommended for added assurance and peace of mind. Ultimately, by considering all 4Cs elements together, you can determine which princess cut diamond is right for your engagement ring based on the best value.
