Princess cut.
Even the name sounds special.
That’s because it is.
Second, only to the round brilliant cut in terms of popularity, princess cut diamonds are one of the most sought-after diamond styles for contemporary engagement rings and a gorgeous example of modern gem cutting ability.
Which means if you decide to sell your princess cut diamond, be sure to bring it to Southwest Jewelry Buyers for a fair and honest appraisal by one of our GIA-certified diamond buyers.
First, the basics. What does a princess cut diamond look like?
The princess cut diamond is unique in that it closely resembles the shape of a raw (or rough) diamond (that of an inverted pyramid). As such, it retains much of its carat weight because the shape is already there; the stone just needs to be sculpted.
Looking at it from above, it will most often be square-shaped. However, unlike other square diamonds, which typically feature a step-cut facet arrangement, the princess cut diamond features a brilliant-cut facet arrangement, with triangular and kite-shaped facets extending outward from the center.
Its shape and the way its facets are arranged give the princess cut diamond an unparalleled sparkle worthy of its royal name.
What is the origin of the princess cut diamond?
In the early 1960s, an English stonecutter named Arpad Nagy created the precursor to the modern princess cut diamond. His “profile cut” diamond, which he sometimes referred to as a “princess cut,” inspired other jewelers to experiment with square diamond shapes over the next two decades.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the princess cut was created in 1981 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itskowitz and is a “relative newcomer” to the diamond universe.
When choosing a princess cut diamond, there are certain things to look for.
Obviously, the shape of your princess cut diamond should be perfectly symmetrical, whether it is square, rectangular, or tapered. For square-shaped princess cut diamonds, look for a length-to-width ratio of 1.05 or less.
Likewise, the facets on each side of your diamond should mirror one another in shape, size, and number. Depending on how discerning you are, you’ll also want to pay attention to the number of chevrons, which will affect how the stone glitters when it catches the light.
As for the color of your princess cut diamond, most experts recommend staying within the “near-colorless” (G-J) range. Diamonds in this range have traces of color that can’t be seen by the untrained eye; I and J diamonds are the most common.
Can I sell my princess cut diamond anywhere?
To avoid the risks of selling your diamond online, and to ensure you receive top dollar for your diamond jewelry, it is best to work with a reputable jewelry buyer instead of bringing your piece to a pawn shop or a consignment shop.
As Arizona’s premier jewelry buyer, Southwest Jewelry Buyers has been helping customers get the most out of their diamonds for two decades. We are accredited by—and boast an A+ rating from—the Better Business Bureau, and we have received multiple awards for outstanding service.
Contact Southwest Jewelry Buyers today to schedule your free, no-obligation appraisal.
When you’re ready to sell your diamond jewelry, or if you have additional questions about princess cut diamonds, call us at 480.773.8004 or fill out our convenient online form. Our team of GIA-certified buyers is available six days a week for your convenience.