Princess Diamond

The princess cut was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, with the modern version typically attributed to Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz in 1980. Its appeal lies in combining the brilliance of a round brilliant (thanks to its modified brilliant faceting pattern) with the clean, geometric lines of a square shape. The result is a diamond that sparkles intensely while offering a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. From a rough utilization standpoint, the princess cut is one of the most efficient shapes, retaining up to 80% of the original rough crystal. This is because the square shape closely mirrors the octahedral crystal structure of diamond rough, minimizing waste. This efficiency translates directly to lower prices. Princess cuts typically cost 25-35% less than round brilliants of comparable quality. Two princess cuts can often be produced from a single octahedral crystal, further improving yield. The most important consideration unique to princess cuts is corner protection. The four sharp, 90-degree corners are the thinnest parts of the stone and are vulnerable to chipping on impact. Every princess cut must be set with corner-protecting prongs or a channel/bezel setting. In the trade, princess cuts with chipped corners are a common repair issue, and jewelers should always counsel clients about this risk. Despite this drawback, the princess cut's combination of brilliance, modern geometry, and exceptional value keeps it firmly as the number-one alternative to the round brilliant.