Features:

In this article:

Share on:

Reimagining Romance with the Princess Cut Diamond

Are you gravitating towards something apart from the conventional round cut diamond? Let us introduce you to the princess cut. As enchanting as its name suggests, the princess cut diamond is the epitome of romance and luxury. Known for its centrality in engagement rings, it truly signifies the love that's as eternal as a BAUNAT handcrafted gem.

 

Read summary

Why is the Princess Cut Diamond a Perfect Blend of Modernity and Romance?

Looking for an alternative to traditional round diamonds? The princess cut offers a unique combination of brilliance and modern style. As the second most popular diamond cut, it features 57-76 facets in a square shape that resembles an inverted pyramid from the side.

Originating from the Barion cut patented in 1971, today's princess cut evolved to its current form by 2013. It appeals to those seeking a contemporary yet romantic engagement ring while typically being more affordable than round diamonds due to less material wastage during cutting.

The princess cut stands out from similar square cuts like radiant (which has rounded corners) and cushion (which has a more rounded surface). What makes it special is its versatility—it pairs beautifully with other diamond shapes, especially round side stones for added sparkle.

For optimal brilliance in a princess cut, BAUNAT recommends prioritizing excellent polishing quality.

Read more below

Most viewed diamond jewels

Excellent 5 out of 5 based on 4,007 reviews

Discover our princess cut engagement rings

Princess cut diamond ring BAUNAT - Engagement ring with princess cut diamond from BAUNAT

Characteristics that Define a Princess Cut Diamond

The princess cut is essentially a square variant of the brilliant, equipped with 57 or 76 facets that make it the second most beloved cut. With minimal wastage during the cutting process, princess cut diamonds tend to be a more affordable choice compared to their round counterparts. A square silhouette when viewed from above and an inverted pyramid from the side, the princess cut diamond is a simplistic yet timeless beauty!

View this princess cut diamond ring here

Dive into the Past: The Origin of the Princess Cut

The conception of modern diamond cutting dates back to 1456. But it wasn’t until the Golden Sixties that the princess cut diamond made its splendid appearance. The cut has its origins in the Barion cut, patented in 1971 by a South African diamond cutter, Basil Watermeyer. The most contemporary version we know today was patented in 2013 by Robert Forster and Vinubhai G. Dhanani, featuring 129 facets.

Why the Princess Cut Diamond is Loved

Among the multitude of diamond cuts, the princess cut shines bright when it comes to engagement rings. It's a fantastic choice if you’re seeking something equally modern and unique. The princess cut diamond not only has a lower price tag than a round cut of a similar size, but it also exudes a luxurious and romantic appeal that aligns flawlessly with the BAUNAT ethos.

Book an appointment in our showroom

Diamond cuts - Image of different cuts together – BAUNAT

The Radiant Cut and Princess Cut Diamonds: Spotting the Difference

The radiant cut and the princess cut diamond differ mainly in corners. Pointed corners define the princess cut, making it slightly more delicate than the radiant cut with its rounded corners. The radiant cut, crafted for maximum sparkle, outshines the princess cut slightly.

Radiant vs Princess  -  quick guide

Pros: Radiant  -  rounded corners reduce snag risk and maximise perceived sparkle; Princess  -  crisper square outline, modern and geometric.

Cons: Radiant  -  less distinct square profile; Princess  -  pointed corners need protection.

Perceived size/brightness: Radiant often appears slightly brighter at a glance; princess shows a larger face-up area for the same carat weight.

View the radiant cut diamond ring from BAUNAT

The Cushion Cut and Princess Cut: A Comparison

The cushion cut, with its rounded edges and elegant style, contrasts with the princess cut. This cut mimics a cushion shape, resulting in a more rounded surface, unlike the flat, even surface of the princess cut. 

Cushion vs Princess - quick guide

Pros: Cushion - softer, vintage aesthetic with rounded edges; Princess - contemporary square look with strong linear presence.

Cons: Cushion - can appear smaller face-up than a princess of equal carat; Princess - sharper corners can catch on fabrics.

The Princess Cut vs. The Round Diamond

Different BAUNAT diamond rings - Woman wears different BAUNAT rings with round, oval and princess cut diamonds respectively.
Although the brilliant and round diamonds are the most popular cuts, the princess cut is in no way inferior. With its fire and brilliance, the princess cut may be more affordable due to less material wastage during the cutting process and it's equally radiant to behold. 

Round vs Princess - quick guide

Pros: Round - maximum fire and scintillation; Princess - angular modern profile.

Cons: Round - usually costs more because of cutting waste; Princess - corners require protective setting choices.

Perceived size/brightness: Rounds tend to look brightest across many viewing angles; princesses deliver an elegant, geometric brilliance.

View rings with brilliants

Choosing settings for a princess cut center

Princess cut diamonds have sharp corners that are more exposed than rounded cuts, so protection matters. Corner prongs cradle each corner and keep the square silhouette while providing discreet protection. For a sleeker, more modern look a partial or full bezel can cover the corners completely, though it will slightly reduce visible brilliance. Baunat recommends mounting princess cuts in 18Kt gold for longevity and a premium finish.

Recommended settings for engagement rings

- Solitaire with corner prongs: clean, timeless and showcases the cut’s geometry.

- Halo: increases perceived size and adds sparkle, suited to a more dramatic face-up appearance.

- Three-stone: balances symmetry and gives visual weight to a centre princess stone.

Quick pros and cons

- Corner prongs: pro  -  preserves the square outline with minimal visual intrusion; con  -  prongs need periodic inspection.

- Partial/full bezel: pro  -  strong corner protection and secure hold; con  -  can mute some table brilliance.

- Halo: pro  -  enhances perceived size and sparkle; con  -  adds cleaning detail and slightly more maintenance.

See princess cuts in person or via a virtual appointment to judge how settings change sparkle and silhouette.

The Eternal Charm of a Princess Cut Diamond

Yellow gold engagement ring BAUNAT - Yellow gold engagement ring from BAUNAT
Princess cut diamonds are versatile and blend well with other diamond shapes, often coupled with small, round side diamonds for an extra sparkle. BAUNAT, as a purveyor of exquisite, handcrafted jewellery from Antwerp, can help you find or custom build your perfect princess cut diamond piece.

Take a closer look at this ring

Planning to Buy a Princess Cut Diamond?

For a princess cut diamond, BAUNAT recommends ensuring the quality of the polishing scores very high for optimal brilliance and scintillation effect. Connect with our experts for advice or book an appointment in our showroom. 

View our princess cut diamond rings

Explore More with BAUNAT

While the princess cut diamond's unique allure and brilliance have earned its popularity, at BAUNAT we believe in celebrating all kinds of beauty. Explore more captivating diamond cuts with us.

What customers say

BAUNAT scores 5/5 on Trustpilot, reflecting steady praise for craftsmanship and service. "Impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail; the ring exceeded all expectations and sparkles beautifully." "Personalised showroom experience  -  very knowledgeable staff who guided us through every choice with patience." "Excellent communication and aftercare; the finished piece felt truly bespoke and timeless." Showroom and virtual appointments are available for personalised consultations and aftercare advice.

  • Fabienne Rauw

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.

    Selected Bespoke Projects

    • Eternal Bloom bespoke engagement concept - Role: project lead for client briefing and prototype coordination. Fabienne translated personal design references into a 3D-printed prototype, supervised stone selection and ensured the finished piece matched the client’s vision and comfort preferences.

    • Personalized anniversary necklace - Role: design coordinator and quality overseer. She managed the custom design process from the initial sketch to final polishing, liaising between client and workshop to preserve proportions and finish.

    • Reimagined heirloom ring restoration and redesign - Role: client consultant and technical coordinator. Fabienne guided the client through options to modernize setting details while keeping sentimental elements, delivering a wearable result that respected the original piece.

    Her hands-on involvement in bespoke commissions ensures each custom order has a clear brief, careful prototype review and close follow-up with the workshop, so clients receive a tailored jewel that meets both aesthetic and practical expectations.

    Professional enquiries

    For speaking engagements, press requests or research collaborations, please send your message to BAUNAT’s communications team with the subject line: "Fabienne Rauw  -  Professional Enquiry." Include a brief description of the request and any relevant dates or documents. The communications team will route enquiries to Fabienne and provide guidance on next steps.

Fabienne, manager of the German market is able to guide every client with finding the right jewel. She takes care of most of the German orders, but also takes other task on her plate. Thanks to her six  years of experience at BAUNAT she acquainted well with the product and the marketing around it. Her degree in PR ensures that BAUNAT is well presented across all media channels. For anyone looking into a new investment opportunity, Fabienne is the perfect guide in this process. No question will be left unanswered, and she will help you every step of the way.

Selected Bespoke Projects

• Eternal Bloom bespoke engagement concept - Role: project lead for client briefing and prototype coordination. Fabienne translated personal design references into a 3D-printed prototype, supervised stone selection and ensured the finished piece matched the client’s vision and comfort preferences.

• Personalized anniversary necklace - Role: design coordinator and quality overseer. She managed the custom design process from the initial sketch to final polishing, liaising between client and workshop to preserve proportions and finish.

• Reimagined heirloom ring restoration and redesign - Role: client consultant and technical coordinator. Fabienne guided the client through options to modernize setting details while keeping sentimental elements, delivering a wearable result that respected the original piece.

Her hands-on involvement in bespoke commissions ensures each custom order has a clear brief, careful prototype review and close follow-up with the workshop, so clients receive a tailored jewel that meets both aesthetic and practical expectations.

Professional enquiries

For speaking engagements, press requests or research collaborations, please send your message to BAUNAT’s communications team with the subject line: "Fabienne Rauw  -  Professional Enquiry." Include a brief description of the request and any relevant dates or documents. The communications team will route enquiries to Fabienne and provide guidance on next steps.