Princess Diamond Engagement Ring: The Complete Guide

The princess diamond is a square with sharp corners, cut to sparkle almost as much as a round. Modern, crisp and graphic, it is the most brilliant square shape and a great classic of the contemporary engagement ring. In this guide: how to choose a princess diamond (shape, corners, proportions, color), what size to expect by carat, which setting and which wedding band, and how much a princess diamond ring costs. All our rings feature IGI- or GIA-certified lab-grown diamonds, in 18k gold or platinum, and can be tried on in our 10 showrooms in France.

Contents
Why this diamond · Size and carat: the chart · What to check · Comparing shapes · Which setting · Which metal · Which wedding band · Price · Frequently asked questions

Why choose a princess diamond?

• It is the most brilliant square. Its pyramid-shaped cut returns a great deal of light, far more than a step cut such as the emerald.
• It has a modern style. Clean lines, crisp corners: the princess has a contemporary, architectural look.
• It pairs perfectly with wedding bands. Its straight sides sit flush against a straight wedding band, with no gap.
• It looks generous. Seen from above, a square shows a generous surface of diamond, especially with fine prongs.
• It matches princess wedding bands. Wedding bands set with square diamonds continue the same line around the finger.

Princess diamond: size, carat and price

Carat measures weight, not size. The chart below gives the typical dimensions of a square princess diamond, along with the price of our Montaigne Princess solitaire in 18k gold, for each of our three diamond qualities.

A 5.5 mm square may seem smaller than a 6.4 mm round, but its corners take up more space on the finger: visually, a 1-carat princess has real presence.

Choosing your princess diamond: 5 things to check

1. A true square

For a classic princess, aim for a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05: the stone looks perfectly square. Beyond that, it becomes slightly rectangular, which can also be appealing but is noticeable.

2. Protecting the corners

The four corners of the princess are its vulnerable points. They must be held by V-prongs, which wrap around them. All our princess settings use them.

3. Proportions

On the certificate, two guideline figures: a table of about 67 to 75% and a total depth of about 68 to 75%. Too deep, and the stone looks small for its weight; too shallow, and it loses brilliance. To read a certificate in detail, see our article on lab-grown diamond certification.

4. Color

Its brilliance helps the princess mask color, but the corners can show a little. An H color looks white to the eye; F or D for an icy white on white gold or platinum. We offer three qualities: H/VS2, F/VS1 and D/VVS1.

5. Clarity

A clarity of VS2 is eye-clean. Simply avoid an inclusion located in a corner, where the stone is thinnest.

Princess or cushion?

Both are square. The princess is crisp, modern and highly brilliant; the cushion, with its rounded corners, is softer and more vintage. Compared with the emerald cut, the princess sparkles more, while the emerald cut plays on a mirror effect. At Laveran, all our Montaigne solitaires are priced the same for the same carat weight and quality. Here is how the princess compares:

To learn more, read our guide which diamond shape to choose for an engagement ring, or which ring to choose for your hand shape.

Which setting for a princess diamond?

• The solitaire with four V-prongs, one at each corner: this is the Montaigne Princess, from €880.
• The pavé band extends the brilliance of the princess along the band: this is the Vendôme Princess, from €1,280.
• The halo surrounds the square with a line of diamonds and accentuates its graphic look: this is the Odéon Princess, from €1,480.

Yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum?

All our rings are available in 18k yellow, white or rose gold, and in 950 platinum. White gold and platinum bring out the modern style of the princess; yellow gold gives it a warmer look, rose gold a softer touch. Platinum is the densest and most durable of the four. For a full comparison, see the differences between yellow, rose and white gold.

Which wedding band with a princess ring?

The princess has one advantage: its straight sides sit flush against a straight wedding band. For a perfectly matched set, choose a band with square diamonds: the Concorde Princess Diamond Wedding Band, the Montaigne Princess Diamond Wedding Band or the Montaigne Princess Half-Eternity Band. To know in which order to wear them, see in what order to wear an engagement ring and wedding band.

How much does a princess diamond ring cost?

At Laveran, a princess solitaire starts at €880 and the 1-carat solitaire is available from €1,744, with an IGI or GIA certificate. The price depends on four things: carat weight, diamond quality (H/VS2, F/VS1 or D/VVS1), setting and metal. The chart above gives the details carat by carat.

A lab-grown diamond costs significantly less than a mined diamond of the same size and quality, which often means you can choose a larger carat weight for the same budget. To learn more: how much a lab-grown diamond costs, the 1-carat lab-grown diamond and the average price of an engagement ring. Our diamond guide also explains each of the 4Cs.

How does buying from Laveran work?

1. You book an appointment at one of our 10 showrooms in France or by video call. The appointment is free, with no obligation.
2. You compare stones and settings. An advisor shows you several princess diamonds, you try them on, and your ring size is taken with a professional ring sizer.
3. We craft your ring in your size, in 18k gold or platinum, with the diamond you chose.
4. You receive your ring with the stone’s IGI or GIA certificate, whose number is laser-inscribed on the diamond.

Frequently asked questions

How big is a 1-carat princess diamond?

About 5.5 mm per side. The exact measurements appear on each stone’s certificate.

Are the corners of a princess diamond fragile?

They are its thinnest points. In our settings, each corner is held by a protective V-prong, so you can wear your ring every day.

Princess or cushion?

The princess has sharp corners, a modern style and intense sparkle; the cushion has rounded corners and a vintage look.

Which wedding band should I wear with a princess ring?

A straight band, which sits flush against the princess. For a matching set, a princess diamond band, such as the Concorde or Montaigne Princess Wedding Band.

Does a princess diamond sparkle as much as a round?

Almost: it is the most brilliant square shape. The round remains the most brilliant of all, but the difference is small with a well-cut princess.

How much does a 1-carat princess diamond solitaire cost?

At Laveran, €1,744 in H/VS2 quality, €2,096 in F/VS1 and €2,360 in D/VVS1, in 18k gold, with an IGI or GIA certificate.

Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?

Yes. It is pure carbon, with a hardness of 10 and the same optical properties as a mined diamond; only its origin differs. Each stone is IGI- or GIA-certified, with its number laser-inscribed.

Can I see the rings before buying?

Yes, in one of our 10 showrooms in France, by appointment only and with no obligation, or by video call. Each ring is then made in your size.

Other diamond shapes: round · oval · cushion · pear · marquise · emerald cut

Also explore: all our engagement rings · our diamond wedding bands · how to measure your ring size · caring for lab-grown diamond jewelry