The Princess diamond is the second most popular diamond shape and highlights the diamonds internal light reflective properties. The top of the diamond (called the table) is cut in a square shape with the bottom of the diamond forming a triangular pyramid. Created in the 1970's the princess cut is one of the more modern cuts. Its rising popularity in recent years as a more distinctive alternative to the most popular diamond, the round cut, in which the table of the diamond is cut in a round circle and the bottom forms a point like a cone. The diameter of the princess cut is usually smaller than that of a round cut with the same carat weight, and the length is usually longer than that of 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 does sacrifice some brilliance in order to have its unique square shape however.

tend to be less expensive than round diamonds of the same carat weight because during the cutting process the princess cut retains more of the original diamond and does not need to shave off as much diamond weight from their rough diamond. The hold onto crystal weight after cutting makes this shape popular amongst diamond cutters and jewelers. When making a princess cut diamond from a rough stone they can usually make it at a higher carat weight than if they were to make a round brilliant diamond instead. The demand for round brilliant diamonds is generally greater than the demand for a princess cut diamond as well. However, the consumer often equates a diamond's diameter with its size and since the diameter of the princess cut diamond is usually smaller than the round cut, a princess cut diamond of the same diameter as a round cut will generally have a higher carat weight and may actually cost more.

The Princess Cut was originally created by Israel Itzkowitz in 1979 at Ambar Diamonds in Los Angeles. Three years of optical research yielded a square stone from the girdle up, with faceting similar to that of a round brilliant cut from the girdle down. This provided for the fire and brilliance of the Princess cut.

To learn more about the princess cut diamond check out www.awdiamonds.com to see the latest prices and a comprehensive diamond education section.