2. Features
The Princess cut is the square version of the brilliant round cut usually comprised
of either 57 or 76 facets with a typical ratio of 1.0 to 1.05.
Its pyramidal shape with four bevelled sides creates more light dispersion than
any other square shaped diamond, making it popular for both solitaire engagement
rings and earrings.
As it is a patented cut, it may be referred to as a Square Modified Brilliant on
a laboratory certificate (eg. GIA or AGS), or a Rectangular Modified Brilliant if
it has a ratio greater than 1.05.
3. Expert Advice
Because of its extra facets, the Princess cut can disperse more light through the
stone, this serves to hide inclusions more efficiently, making it the most brilliant
of all square- and rectangular-shaped stones. It is also a popular cut for wedding
bands because the stones can be arranged side by side without any gaps, making it
ideal for an eternity band too. Furthermore, due to its sharply squared corners,
the Princess is an ideal cut for long fingers.
4. History & Background
The name "Princess Cut" was originally used in connection with another diamond cut
known as the "Profile" cut, which was designed by London cutter Arpad Nagy in 1961.
The same name was later used and made popular by Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar, and
Israel Itzkowitz in Israel, who in 1979 created the Princess cut (or Square Modified
Brilliant) as it is known today.
Other precursors of the Princess cut include the Barion – a square cut with rounded
corners created in 1971 by South African cutter Basil Watermeyer, and the Quadrillion
– a similar cut with only 49 facets, also created by Perlman, Ambar and Itzkowitz
and initially distributed by Ambar Diamonds in Los Angeles. Following several years
of optical research, the modern Princess cut was created – a square stone of 58
facets arranged similarly to those of a round brilliant cut diamond.
