History of the Princess Cut Diamond Diamonds became popular as ornaments in jewelry in the 1400's and the different techniques and styles of diamond cuts such as the Princess Cut Diamond were gradually developed over many years. The Dutchman who developed this particular cut was called Joseph Princess. Joseph Princess was a successful diamond cutter from Amsterdam who ran the Royal Princess Diamond Company with his brother Abraham, which was founded in 1854. Abraham and Joseph Princess cut the enormous 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond at the request of King Edward VII in 1902 when the Princess cut was patented. Description of the Princess Cut Diamond The description of an Princess Cut Diamond is: A relatively new shape which is usually square but sometimes oblong. It has a brilliant cut arrangement of facets instead of a step cut, which is usually found in square cut diamonds like the Emerald style. The Princess produces a much more brilliant diamond than a traditional step cut square or oblong and has some of the sparkle of a Round brilliant cut. Princess Style - Fancy Cut Diamonds Fancy cut stones, such as Emerald, Marquise, Heart, Oval, Pear and Princess cuts are all ways of cutting a stone to maximize the carat weight. A rough diamond which might only yield a half carat in a Brilliant Cut might yield another 50% if cut into the Princess shape. Fancy cuts, such as the Princess cut, allow the cutter to use the best attributes of the rough diamond and eliminate inclusions and blemishes. Popular fancy cuts include the "Baguette" (bread loaf), "Marquise" or "Navette" (little boat), "Princess Cut" aka Square Brilliant Cut, "Heart", "Briolette" (a form of Rose cut), Pear (teardrop), and the Trillion which is triangular in shape. Princess Cut Diamond - the Cutting Process Diamond Facets are the smooth surface areas of a diamond which are cut and polished to control the brilliance and the durability of a diamond. A skilful diamond cutter brings out all the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond by choosing the most appropriate cut, such as the Princess Diamond cut. Symbolism & Meaning of Diamonds The traditional properties closely associated with diamonds are action, passion, and energy. Jewelry containing diamonds are believed to enhance relationships, increasing inner strength and provide the wearer with balance, clarity and abundance. Wearing jewelry containing a diamond will focus the energies of the precious gemstone through the gem. Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Rings The tradition of wearing engagement rings, including those with an Princess cut diamond, symbolizes the promise of a future together which is sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring dates back to the 13th century. Mary of Burgundy is the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring, in 1477. Betrothal Betrothal rings were initially given as a pledge to marry. All wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand because the vein in this finger, called the "vena amoris", was once believed to run directly to the heart which is closely associated with love. The circular shape of rings symbolizes unending love. Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire The most popular style engagement ring is a diamond solitaire, the cuts include the Princess cut diamond solitaire. The solitaire design was introduced by Tiffany about 100 years ago. The Tiffany solitaire setting enhanced the brilliance and lustre of the diamond by introducing the first ‘open’ mount, which allowed light to travel freely through the precious stone differing from all previous settings which had restrictive closed backs. The Princess cut diamond solitaire is a beautiful cut for this type of jewelry. Princess Cut Diamond What constitutes good cuts? Good Princess Cut Diamonds are effected by several different elements which have a large impact on a diamond's brilliance. These include the Width and Depth of the stone, the Symmetry and the alignment of a diamond's facets and the polish. Diamond Clarity is a measure of a diamond's blemishes and inclusions which also effect the brilliance of diamonds and their sparkle because they interfere with the passage of light travelling through the precious stone. The skill of the jeweller will ensure that Princess cut diamonds have a suitable cut to give the most beautiful results in respect of their lustre, transparency, refraction and dispersion of light. Definition: A relatively new shape which is usually square but sometimes oblong. It has a brilliant cut arrangement of facets instead of a step cut, which is usually found in square cut diamonds like the Emerald style. The Princess produces a much more brilliant diamond than a traditional step cut square or oblong and has some of the sparkle of a Round brilliant cut. Princess - Cut - Diamonds - Precious - Stone - Guide - Facts - Information -Info - Jewelry - Jewellery - Properties Quality - Settings - Engagement Rings - Solitaire - Princess Cut Diamonds Princess Cut Diamond |