What is a princess cut diamond?

A princess cut diamond is a square or rectangular brilliant-cut shape, recognized by its pointed corners and facet pattern that channels light differently from a round stone. It ranks as the second most popular diamond cut globally, after the round brilliant. The faceting structure, typically 57 or 58 precisely arranged facets, is distinct from a round brilliant: light breaks into sharper, more geometric patterns rather than the circular scintillation most people associate with solitaires. Because the square outline retains more of the rough crystal during cutting than a round shape does, princess cut lab-grown diamonds tend to offer a larger face-up size relative to their carat weight, which reads as high visual impact at a given carat weight. In a solitaire setting, the four corners are typically protected by prongs to prevent chipping, since the pointed edges are the stone's most vulnerable points. In lab-grown diamonds, IGI certification documents the cut grade, including facet angles and table percentages, alongside the other 4Cs, giving buyers a consistent basis for comparison across retailers. For buyers who want a geometric, modern profile without moving to a fancy elongated shape, the princess cut is a practical starting point.