Princess Cut Lab Diamond Engagement Rings

A princess cut engagement ring is square, sharp and full of sparkle. It gives you the brightness of a brilliant cut in a crisp, modern outline. Princess cut rings are priced from $1,490, set with lab grown diamonds that each carry an IGI or GIA report.

How a princess cut looks on the hand

From the top, a princess cut shows a cross shaped pattern of light from corner to corner. It reads bold and geometric, a clear contrast to softer shapes like the oval or cushion. Because much of its weight sits in depth, a princess can look a little smaller face up than a round of the same carat weight. A square of clean corners, though, has a presence of its own.

It also tends to cost less per carat than a round of similar grades, since more of the rough crystal is kept when it is cut. With lab grown diamonds, that often means room for a larger center or a better color grade.

Squareness and corners

Most people want a princess that looks truly square. As a rough guide, a ratio of about 1.00 to 1.05 reads as square to the eye. Higher than that and the stone starts to look slightly rectangular, which some people like.

The four sharp corners are the weak point. They can chip if knocked. Ask for V shaped prongs that wrap each corner, or a bezel. It is a small change in the setting and the main thing that keeps a princess cut safe for daily wear. We point out the corner prongs on every sample at the showroom so you know what to look for.

Settings and pairings

A clean four prong solitaire suits the shape best. A square halo adds size and protects the corners at the same time. For a vintage feel, a princess with smaller princess or round side stones becomes a strong three stone ring.

If you like a square outline but want softer corners, compare a radiant cut or a square cushion cut on the same visit. Seeing them side by side usually settles it.

Color and clarity

Princess cuts hide inclusions well because of their sparkle, so clarity in the VS2 to clean SI1 range often looks clean to the eye. Color can gather in the corners, so G or H is a common floor in white metals. Our 4Cs guide explains where to save and where to spend.

Send us your size and grades on the stone request page and we will put three to five princess cuts on the tray. Then book a viewing on 47th Street and see them in daylight.