Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Second only to the venerable round brilliant shape, princess cut diamond engagement rings are the most popular option for couples today. The princess is essentially a square version of the round brilliant, possessing many of the same attributes for fire and brilliance as the classic round. That is, provided you are looking at high quality gems such as certified ideal cut princess diamonds. Most princess cuts on the market today do not have excellent light performance and can lack that all important sparkle factor.

The interest in princess cut diamond engagement rings have been growing steadily for the past 10 or 15 years. One reason is certainly the fact that a shopper can get more diamond for the dollar in a princess cut versus round – sometimes a lot more. For instance, comparing like color and clarity in princess cut solitaire engagement rings containing high quality ideal cut diamonds of one carat, the round shape can be many thousands of dollars more expensive! Opting for a princess over a round can save money and/or enable the buyer to move up the scale in color and clarity, offering a very compelling value proposition.

Another positive aspect of princess diamond engagement rings is that the straight sided shape opens up many new design options. Whether it is flanking the straight sides of the princess center stone with the straight sides of matching trilliant shape diamonds to create a contemporary three stone ring, or accenting the center diamond with small princess cuts in the wedding band, there is a world of different design possibilities to contemplate. Halo styles are hugely popular today, framing the center stone with small diamonds adding significantly to the overall size of the top of the ring. They can be quite impressive!

Princess cut ring settings span the gamut from simple solitaires to elaborate styles featuring micro pave, scroll work and “surprise” diamonds. Choosing the best setting for princess cut diamonds is largely a matter of taste and budget. Some women prefer sleek and simple styling that allows the center diamond to take full focus. Others love the fancy and intricate styling reminiscent of vintage craftsmanship.

Designer princess cut engagement rings are extremely popular today. Award winning national jewelry designers like Verragio, Ritani and Vatche offer hundreds of variations in artistic and feminine motifs that are all so beautiful it makes it very difficult for a young bride to choose a favorite. If you are shopping for princess engagement rings you have your work cut out for you. But what a fun job it is!