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Princess cut diamonds can save you serious money without sacrificing sparkle.
Here's the thing: most people don't realize how much they can save by choosing a princess cut over a round diamond. We're talking 30% less per carat. That means whether you want a 1 ct princess cut diamond ring or you're going bigger with a 2 carat princess cut diamond ring, you're getting way more bang for your buck.
But the savings are just the start.
Here's what smart shoppers focus on:
• Go with G-H color and VS2-SI1 clarity grades — These near-colorless, eye-clean diamonds look identical to premium grades but cost thousands less
• Always pick V-shaped prongs — Princess cuts have sharp corners that chip easily. Regular round prongs won't protect them
• Buy certified stones only — GIA or IGI certification protects your investment and makes insurance easier
• Consider lab-grown for bigger stones — Lab diamonds give you 50% savings, so you can afford a 2-carat princess cut at 1-carat natural diamond prices
• Princess cuts appear larger than rounds — Same carat weight, bigger visual impact
The key to getting an amazing princess cut diamond engagement ring?
Know which grades actually matter and which settings protect your investment.
A princess cut diamond engagement ring offers a modern, bold look that stands out from traditional round cuts. And you're not just buying different — you're buying smart.
Let me show you exactly how to do this.
Why Princess Cuts Are Actually the Smarter Choice
Princess cuts are the second most popular diamond shape for engagement rings. But here's what most people don't realize: they're getting a much better deal.
You Get Modern Style with Serious Sparkle
That square shape with sharp corners? It gives a princess cut diamond engagement ring a sleek, contemporary look that stands apart from traditional rounds.
Princess cuts pack 50-58 facets into that geometric shape. That's a lot of surfaces catching and reflecting light. Jewelers call this a "modified brilliant cut" — you're getting serious fire and brilliance with a modern edge.
Round diamonds still win on light performance, but princess cuts come surprisingly close. Under any lighting condition, these stones genuinely dazzle.
The Money Part (This Is Where It Gets Good)
Here's where princess cuts really shine for your wallet.
A 1-carat princess cut can cost 30% less than a round diamond with identical color, clarity, and cut quality. We're talking $3,000-$4,000 in savings on a single stone.
Why such a huge price difference?
Diamond cutters retain about 80% of the rough diamond when creating a princess cut. Rounds? They only use about 40% of the rough stone.
Less waste means lower costs. And those savings get passed directly to you.
Princess Cuts Work with Everything
The straight edges and angular design make these diamonds incredibly versatile. They look fantastic in:
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Classic solitaire settings that show off those clean lines
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Halo designs that amp up the sparkle
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Three-stone arrangements
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Channel settings for a sleek, modern look
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Vintage-inspired designs with detailed metalwork
White gold and platinum emphasize that geometric shape. Yellow gold adds warmth. Rose gold brings a romantic touch. The beauty is that princess cuts adapt to your personal style.
They Look Bigger Than They Actually Are
Princess cuts have longer diagonal measurements than rounds of the same carat weight. This makes them appear larger to the eye, even though they're identical by weight.
The combination of a shallow crown and deep pavilion creates maximum surface area. More face-up size means more visual impact.
Bottom line: you can afford a significantly larger princess cut while staying within the same budget as a smaller round stone.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Princess Cut?
When you're shopping for a princess cut diamond engagement ring, there are four specific factors that make or break your purchase. Get these right, and you'll have a stunning ring. Miss them, and you'll either overpay or end up disappointed.
1. Check the Cut Quality
Here's the thing about princess cut grading: it's a mess.
Unlike round diamonds, most labs don't assign cut grades to princess cuts. Only AGS provides cut grades for princess shapes. That means you're mostly on your own when evaluating sparkle.
Look for depth between 64-75% and table percentage under 75%. Ideal cut princess diamonds are rare finds. Most princess cut diamond rings feature Very Good or Good cut grades.
Since grading varies so much, I always recommend viewing the diamond in person before buying. Polish and symmetry should be Good or better.
The bottom line? Trust your eyes more than the paperwork with princess cuts.
2. Pick the Right Color Grade
G and H colors make up about 50% of all princess cut diamond purchases. There's a reason for that.
These near-colorless grades (G-J) look almost identical to colorless grades (D-F) unless placed side by side. But they cost thousands less.
For white gold or platinum settings, H or I color works perfectly. Yellow or rose gold pairs nicely with J color. Going with colorless D-F grades costs significantly more without noticeable visual difference.
Pro tip: Save your money on color. Spend it on size instead.
3. Find Eye-Clean Clarity
VS clarity diamonds make up 48% of princess cut purchases.
Eye-clean means no visible inclusions to the naked eye at 10 inches away. A VS1 diamond looks identical to a flawless stone without magnification, but costs 33% less.
But here's what you need to watch out for:
Check the inclusion report carefully. Inclusions in the four sharp corners can cause chipping. Avoid stones with corner inclusions, specifically feather-type flaws.
Those corners are vulnerable. Don't make them weaker with inclusions.
4. Choose Your Carat Size
Princess cuts carry more weight in the pavilion, so a 1 ct princess cut diamond ring appears smaller than a round diamond at the same carat weight.
Don't let this discourage you.
Focus on measurements (length x width) rather than just carat weight. A wider table makes the stone look larger from above. Stones just under full carat weights (0.75-0.90) cost less while still appearing substantial.
The key is finding the sweet spot where size meets budget.
Which Setting Best Protects a Princess Cut Diamond?
The setting you pick affects both how your princess cut diamond ring looks and how well it protects the stone.
But here's the thing: protection matters more than you think.
Solitaire Settings: Simple But Critical
A solitaire puts your diamond front and center on a clean band.
For princess cuts, you need V-shaped prongs. Not the round ones most people think of.
These V-prongs fit perfectly into each corner and shield those sharp points from chips. Most princess cuts use four prongs total.
I always recommend this setup because it's proven to work.
Platinum remains the top choice for engagement rings, making up over 60% of settings thanks to its strength and bright appearance. It's also the most durable option for daily wear.
Halo Settings: Double the Benefits
Halo settings surround your center stone with smaller diamonds.
This does two things at once: makes your 1 ct princess cut diamond ring look bigger and protects the corners. The small diamonds and metal work like a protective bumper around your center stone.
Princess cut halo engagement rings pair well with pavé bands for continuous sparkle.
Pro tip: If you want maximum visual impact, halo settings are hard to beat.
Those Sharp Corners Need Protection
Here's what most people don't realize: those four sharp corners can chip if hit directly.
V-prongs protect each corner by wrapping metal around the points. Bezel settings offer even more protection by surrounding the entire diamond with metal, though this requires custom work for each stone.
Protection matters more than appearance. Why? Because damaged corners cannot be fixed.
Metal Choices That Make Sense
White metals like platinum and white gold make diamonds look brighter and more colorless.
Yellow gold adds warmth and works well with diamonds graded H-J in color. Rose gold brings a softer look that flatters most skin tones.
The difference? Platinum never needs replating while white gold requires occasional touch-ups to maintain its shine.
My recommendation: choose based on your lifestyle and budget, but prioritize durability if you're hard on jewelry.
Ready to see princess cut settings in person? Browse Liori's princess cut collection — every stone is GIA or IGI certified.
How to Make a Smart Purchase
Ready to buy? Here's what you need to know before you hand over your credit card.
Set a Budget That Actually Works
That old "three months' salary" rule?
Complete nonsense.
Most people spend between $5,000 and $7,500 on engagement rings. But plenty of couples spend under $3,000 and are perfectly happy.
Pick a number that fits your actual finances. Going into debt for a ring isn't romantic — it's stressful.
Lab-Grown vs Natural: The Real Story
Lab-grown diamonds cost 30-50% less than natural stones. For a 2 carat princess cut diamond ring, we're talking massive savings.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
Lab diamonds give you 50-60% more size for your budget. You could get a 2-carat lab diamond for the price of a 1-carat natural stone.
But here's the catch: Natural diamonds hold their value because they're actually rare. Lab diamonds? They can make them endlessly, so resale value drops over time.
The bottom line: If you want maximum sparkle now, go lab-grown. If long-term value matters, stick with natural. Either way, Liori carries both lab-grown and natural princess cuts with full certification.
Questions That Matter
Before you buy, ask your jeweler:
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What's your return policy?
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Do you offer warranties on the setting?
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Can you resize the ring later?
Also, check how long they've been in business. A 20-year track record means something. A company that started last month? Maybe not so much.
Why Certification Isn't Optional
Buy only certified diamonds from GIA or IGI. Period.
Certification does two things: it verifies your diamond's quality and protects your investment. Without proper certification, getting insurance coverage becomes a nightmare.
I've seen people buy "bargain" diamonds without certificates. They always regret it later.
Where to Shop (And Where to Avoid)
Stick with reputable jewelers who have solid reviews. Do your homework before buying — check their policies, read customer feedback, and make sure they provide certified stones with proper documentation.
Avoid anyone who:
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Won't show you certificates
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Pressures you to "buy today"
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Can't explain their return policy clearly
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Has mostly negative reviews online
Trust your gut. If something feels off, walk away.
Want a risk-free way to decide? Try Liori's free home try-on program — get up to 3 rings shipped to you with free returns.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to buy a princess cut diamond ring the smart way. Focus on cut quality, pick the right color and clarity grades, and always buy certified stones. Princess cuts give you significantly more value than round diamonds, so long as you shop carefully.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a ring that fits your budget without compromise. Shop Liori's princess cut collection — every diamond is GIA or IGI certified, with 24/7 expert support and custom rings delivered in 10 business days.
FAQ
What should I look for when choosing a princess cut diamond?
Focus on four key factors: cut quality with depth between 64-75%, color grade G-J for the best value, VS2 or SI1 clarity that's eye-clean, and appropriate carat size based on measurements rather than weight alone. Always ensure the diamond has V-shaped prongs to protect the sharp corners from chipping.
Are princess cut diamonds less expensive than round diamonds?
Yes, princess cut diamonds are typically 30% less expensive per carat than round diamonds of similar quality. This price difference can translate to savings of $3,000-$4,000 on a single stone, making princess cuts an excellent value choice for engagement rings.
Should I choose a lab-grown or natural princess cut diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds cost 30-50% less than natural diamonds, allowing you to afford a larger stone within your budget. Natural diamonds hold their value better over time due to their rarity. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize immediate savings and size or long-term value retention.
Why do princess cut diamonds need V-shaped prongs?
Princess cut diamonds have four sharp corners that are vulnerable to chipping on impact. V-shaped prongs wrap metal around each corner point, shielding them from damage. Standard round prongs leave corners exposed and unprotected, which can lead to costly chips that cannot be repaired.
What is the best metal for a princess cut engagement ring?
Platinum is the most popular and durable choice, making up over 60% of engagement ring settings. It never needs replating and keeps diamonds looking bright. White gold is a more affordable alternative that requires occasional rhodium replating. Yellow and rose gold add warmth and pair well with H-J color diamonds.
How big does a 1 carat princess cut diamond look?
A 1 carat princess cut measures approximately 5.5mm x 5.5mm. It appears slightly smaller face-up than a 1 carat round because princess cuts carry more weight in the pavilion. However, the longer diagonal measurement creates a visual size advantage. Focus on the diamond's length and width measurements rather than carat weight alone for the best size impression.
Why is diamond certification important when buying a princess cut ring?
Certification from reputable labs like GIA or IGI verifies your diamond's quality and protects your investment. Without proper certification, getting insurance coverage becomes difficult, and you have no independent verification of the diamond's characteristics or value. Always insist on a certified stone.
