Diamonds are forever,
as the famous jingle goes. And if you’re looking to buy a diamond, you need to
keep the 4 Cs in mind-
·
Cut
·
Color
·
Clarity
·
Carat
While a diamond is
special, there are some shapes that are more popular than others. For instance,
the round shape of the brilliant cut doesn’t look it’s going out of style any
time soon. The pear shape is great on a simple band as well. But one of the most
well-known and beloved designs is surely the princess cut. Introduced to the world
sometime in the twentieth century, this London discovery is exciting for all jewelry
lovers. The square shape of
the princess cut is instantly recognizable and immensely versatile. When you look at
the diamond from the top, it has a crisscross pattern that makes it
distinctive. It’s less expensive than its spherical friend- because of the way
it is cut, the princess cut diamond has lesser wastage. This keeps the carat price
down. When it comes to this specific
design, the 4Cs become even more important. Here’s what you need to look out
for:
1. Cut- this is where
the princess diamond shines beyond its other counterparts. The cut of a diamond
creates facets that cause the brilliance of the stone. When you have a well cut
diamond, it’s the right proportions and makes the diamond shine even more. What’s
curious about the princess cut is that it has elements of the rounded brilliant
diamond as well, minus the curves at the corners. It’s narrower and could even
look rectangular, if cut differently. If you desire the square shape, make sure
the ratio of length to breath is 1.00 to 1.05.
2. Clarity- while a
perfect flawless diamond is the dream, it’s rare to find one, not to mention
expensive. Clarity can also mean very few flaws or inclusions that are visible
to the naked eye. That means, they may be visible under a loupe, but not to the
casual eye. A word of caution- make sure there are no cracks or weak corners
because they could weaken the diamond and make it easily breakable. Look for
S11, VS2 and VS1 grades for clarity.
3. Color- like with all
diamonds, the more colorless your stone, the better it is for you. Try and get
a princess cut that has no yellow tint. The presence of the color can reduce
the gleam of your stone. A colorless diamond costs more, so you could look for
a little color but don’t go below grade I or H. The stone is near colorless. This way, you
won’t burn a hole in your pocket and you’ll also get a lovely looking stone. If
you do have the money, go in for the colorless grade of F, E or D.
4. Carat-the carat count
depends on your budget and what you have in mind. Generally, round numbers cost
way more than a number that’s just a tad lower. So instead of a 1 carat diamond
try a point or two lower. In fact, given the way it is cut-broad at the top and
narrow at the bottom, the princess cut enhances the size of the diamond making
it appear to be larger than size.
Now that you’ve
picked out your stone, your next big decision should be about the best way to
show off the diamond. One of the issues with the princess cut is that its edges
are not too strong. They are prone to chipping and considering how a ring
crashes into things, this can be a serious issue. So your setting needs to take
this into account. You have to protect the square and some V prongs on the
corners will help you. You can of course put your stone together with others,
make it an engagement ring or a wedding band. This can also help protect your
diamond and it looks gorgeous as well! Like we said, this is a versatile stone
and fits in beautifully in an art deco style or in the more ornate vintage finish. It pairs well with all kinds of
outfits from denim to classy cords for that formal party.
The princess cut is
not as sparkly as other stones and it’s perfect for the less ostentatious
person. As it is a diamond makes a strong statement. With the princess cut on
your finger, the statement is a strong but subtle one. It’s not just on a ring
that this diamond looks good. Imagine it on a slender gold or platinum chain or
as earrings and you’ll see what a pretty picture it makes. The princess cut
goes well with people who have a modern lookout and sensibility. It’s
traditional and contemporary at the same time. And this makes it a lasting
legacy and one that is timeless. On your person or as a gift to the next
generation of your family, the princess cut diamond is one to hold on to.
