Known as fancy-cut diamonds, princess and emerald cuts stand out from the classic round brilliant diamond. Flashing with unique, art-deco style, the emerald cut originated as a cut for actual emeralds in the 1500s. The evocatively named princess cut, on the other hand, is said to have evolved from the 14th century’s French cut, finding a final form sometime in the 1960s. When it comes to deciding between the princess cut vs emerald cut, a bit more description can help.
What is a princess cut diamond?
These beautiful square-shaped diamonds often flash with somewhere between 50-58 facets, or inflection points. The crown and pavilion carry most of these points, reflecting white light back up at the viewer on the most desired diamonds. Rectangular princess cuts exist, but the more square princess is most popular.
The princess cut pattern for this diamond includes either a French or a bezel crown, with a few more inflection points on the bezel pattern. The pavilion, or underside of the diamond, features between 2-4 chevron patterns.
Having square edges, a prong setting design protects and can prevent the stone from chipping, but don’t forget to consider the height of the setting as a factor.
Similar to an emerald cut, these fancy shapes are both more affordable than a round diamond, since there is less waste of the rough stone when creating these beautiful pieces from the octahedron shape diamonds are often found in.
What is an emerald cut diamond?
You’ll lose yourself in this dazzling rock, known for its entrancing “Hall of Mirrors” effect. The show-stopping, regal emerald cut diamond can come in square shapes, but are most often rectangular pieces.
Defined by an easily recognizable cut pattern, the emerald cut is one of the most popular “step cut” designs. With angular lines echoing the popularity of the style in the 1920s, emerald cut diamonds feature three parallel “steps” both on the crown and the pavilion. Clipped edges also help define this style, making it a bit more durable and less likely to snag.
The stone in an emerald cut requires a high clarity because of its cut pattern, creating a larger table on the diamond, and a pattern you can more easily see inclusions in. Colors will show slightly more in this cut too.
Look to A-list American celebrities such as Beyonce, Serena Williams, Jennifer Lopez, and Mariah Carey for examples of emerald cut engagement rings. These ladies show how popular the style has become.
Key Differences Between Emerald Cut vs Princess Cut Diamonds
When it comes to an emerald cut vs princess cut, your favorite style could change with your mood or be as solid as a diamond.
Shape
Princess cuts are often square, and emerald cuts are often rectangular, but don’t forget that princess cuts can come in rectangles and emerald cuts can be square. It’s easy to tell the difference, however. Just look for the “Hall of Mirrors” effect. Also check for the four pointed edges of a princess cut versus the lopped-off edges of an emerald.
Brilliance
With so many facets, the princess cut is commonly regarded as more brilliant than an emerald cut stone. Emerald cuts are often characterized as subtle. This is due to the many facets of a princess cut pattern versus the emerald.
Clarity
Your emerald cut diamond will require a higher clarity rating than a rock cut with the princess pattern. This is because of the larger table, or flat top surface, on an emerald, as well as its parallel cut pattern. The princess cut hides small inclusions better.
Size
The bulk of a princess cut diamond lives below the surface, so it might appear a bit smaller than an emerald cut stone of the same carat number.
Choosing Between a Princess Cut vs Emerald Cut Diamond
If you internalized the ethos of bling bling, you may enjoy the idea of a bright, sparkling rock, in which case a princess cut may seem like the diamond to say “I Do” in. On the other hand, if you think the more subtle shine accompanied by blinding flashes of light when they do happen sounds like it represents your tastes and personality, the emerald cut might capture the spirit of your style best.
Princess cut rocks are said to snag more easily than emerald cut stones, so if you’re a mover and shaker, you may consider this lifestyle aspect an important determining factor. The emerald cut stone might stand up best to daily wear, but remember that height of the stone can also play a role.
Choose wisely and be forever rewarded with a rock you love. London Gold’s experts have made a name helping lovers on their search, guiding anyone with careful, considered advice on gorgeous princess and emerald cut diamond options.