Secrets of the Princess Cut Engagement Ring
A princess cut diamond engagement ring is just one of many different cuts that have been developed in order to best utilize a diamond gemstone's superlative material properties. A diamond cut constitutes a more or less symmetrical arrangement of facets which together modify the shape and appearance of a diamond crystal. Diamond cutters must consider several factors, such as the shape and size of the crystal, when choosing a cut.
History of Princess Cut Engagement Rings
The practical history of cutting diamonds goes at least as far back as the Middle Ages, before which time diamonds were enjoyed in their natural octahedral state. Long before a princess cut engagement ring had ever been produced, improvements on nature's pure design of the diamond involved a simple polishing of the octahedral crystal faces to create even and unblemished facets.
In 1370, the first diamond polishers' guild was founded in Nuremberg, Germany. During this time diamonds were chiefly valued for their adamantine luster and superlative hardness. A table-cut diamond would be black to the human eye, so rubies and sapphires made up the majority of jewelry during this period of time.
The development of diamond saws and quality jewelry lathes boosted the development of modern diamond cutting and produced the first cut diamond; the "round brilliant" cut. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky analyzed this cut by taking both brilliance and fire into consideration, creating a delicate balance between the two. Tolowsky's calculations still serve as the basis for brilliant cut modifications and standards around the world.
Today we know that a diamond's appearance is composed of many light paths that reflect considerably more than two times within the diamond, something Tolowsky did not know. Today's new technology, that includes laser cutting and computer-aided design, has enabled the development of cuts whose complexity, optical performance, and waste reduction have completely changed the industry.
Princess Cut
Princess cut engagement rings are the second most popular in sales because they accentuate a diamond's fire rather than its luster. The top of the diamond is cut in a square shape and the overall shape is similar to a pyramid. Princess cut engagement rings are relatively new, the first one being produced in 1970. This cut has been gaining in popularity ever since then, currently right behind the round brilliant cut where the top of the diamond is cut in a round circle and the bottom forms a point like a cone.
Chances are, if you are wearing a princess cut engagement ring today, the diameter of your diamond is smaller but the length is usually longer than a round cut. The princess cut is sometimes referred to as a "square modified brilliant," as it combines the brilliance of a round cut with an overall square or rectangular appearance. A princess cut engagement ring does sacrifice some brilliance in order to have its unique square shape.
