Cut: princess
The engagement ring with a princess cut
The princess cut is the angular answer to the round brilliant: square, clean in its lines, with sharp corners instead of soft curves. It reads as modern and tidy without giving up sparkle, one reason it ranks among the most popular fancy cuts for engagement rings.
At émin we show you princess-cut diamonds of different proportions side by side, square to slightly rectangular, so you see which shape best fits your idea. From there we build a setting that securely protects the corners and shows the stone off at its best.
Why couples choose princess
Cheaper at the same carat weight
The princess cut uses the rough diamond more efficiently than the round brilliant, losing less material in cutting. That usually makes it a bit cheaper at the same carat weight, without giving up sparkle or size.
Strong, geometric sparkle
With usually 50 to 58 facets, the princess cut sparkles almost as strongly as a round brilliant, while reading as clearer and more geometric, a modern contrast to classic round shapes.
Suits clean, modern settings
The straight edges pair especially well with simple, geometric settings, such as a square halo or a clean channel setting. The result is a ring with a clear, modern line.
What we look for in a princess cut
With a princess cut, the length-to-width ratio decides the look: perfectly square reads as strict and clean, a slightly rectangular cut reads as a little softer. Because the facets are arranged differently than in a brilliant, the same carat weight can look different in size depending on proportion, we show you this directly on several stones.
The four sharp corners are the key point when it comes to setting. Left unprotected, they're prone to chipping, which is why we always set princess-cut diamonds with prongs that additionally protect the corners. That keeps the ring secure for everyday wear too.
Princess compared to the round brilliant
Both cuts sparkle strongly but look very different. This overview shows the key differences at a glance.
| Feature | Princess | Round brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle | Strong, geometric sparkle | Strong, round sparkle, minimally more intense |
| Size per carat | Looks more compact, clean square | Looks classically round, similarly compact |
| Price level | Usually cheaper than round brilliant at the same carat | Usually pricier, due to more rough loss when cutting |
| Visible inclusions | Slightly more visible at the corners, VS clarity or better recommended | Forgives small inclusions well |
| Watch for | Sharp corners need a setting with prong protection | No corners, more robust without special setting |
Guidance based on our experience at the atelier, not a blanket price promise. We discuss the exact comparison for your chosen stone in person.
Models with a princess cut
These rings from our collection carry a princess-cut diamond. We adjust metal, stone size and setting for you.
What a princess-cut engagement ring costs
Guide prices so you can get your bearings in advance. We always discuss the exact price for your stone in person.
Price depends on the work involved. We calculate openly, no surprises.
Guide prices, as of 2026, incl. VAT. The exact price depends on stone, metal and work.
Frequently asked questions
At the same carat weight, usually yes. The princess cut uses the rough diamond more efficiently, since it's cut closer to the rough's original shape and loses less material. The money you save can go into a larger carat, better clarity or a more elaborate setting, we work this out concretely with you during the consultation.
Left unprotected, the four sharp corners are more prone to chipping than rounded edges. That's why we always set princess-cut diamonds in settings with prong corner protection. With this setting and normal care, a princess-cut ring holds up to everyday wear just as well as any other cut.
Because the facets of a princess cut can show inclusions a bit more clearly than a brilliant, we recommend at least VS2 clarity, ideally VS1 or better, especially for larger stones from one carat up. For smaller stones it matters less. We show you the difference directly under a loupe.
That's a matter of taste. A ratio close to 1.0 looks perfectly square and strict, a ratio around 1.05 to 1.1 looks minimally more elongated and softer. We show you several stones side by side at the atelier so you find the proportion you like best.
A prong setting with corner protection is essential, beyond that clean, geometric settings suit it particularly well: a square halo, a channel setting along the band, or a simple four-prong solitaire. We show you renderings before any work begins.
Yes, we work by appointment only, in person in Zurich District 4 or by video. That way we can show you several princess-cut stones of different proportions side by side and calmly discuss the setting, without other clients having to wait. Booking online takes just a few minutes.
Quick enquiry
Ready for your princess-cut engagement ring?
Send us a short message about what you're looking for. We'll give you honest advice on proportion, size and budget and suggest an appointment, in Zurich or by video.