In a world where anything from a car, to a home, to a baby can be customized and personalized to suit consumer demand, it is hardly surprising that jewellery is following the same trend. No longer satisfied to choose from a variety of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, modern consumers are taking advantage of the availability of loose cut diamonds in many fine jewellers.

Loose cut diamonds allow the customer to choose a particular diamond to match which setting, precious metal and sizing they desire. While loose cut diamonds are available in a wide variety of sizes and cuts, by far the most popular shape is the princess cut loose diamond.

Princess cut loose diamonds are normally the preferred cut to be used in engagement rings and stud earrings, two of the most common jewellery settings for diamonds. The shape of a princess cut loose diamond makes it ideal for such a setting, and also is an ideal cut to showcase the color and clarity of the diamond, two other criteria by which the value of a diamond is judged.

A princess cut diamond is normally a square cut. While a cut must always work with the natural shape of the diamond, and a slightly rectangular cut is allowed, the optimal length to width ratio is usually 1 to 1.10. The square cut should have pointed corners and give an overall impression of symmetry and brilliance. Princess cut diamonds offer a compromise between the beauty and flash or a round cut diamond, and the solid, striking impact of a square cut.

When purchasing a princess cut loose diamond, it is important to keep in mind that unscrupulous jewellers will sometimes purchase subpar princess cut diamonds and sell them at an exorbitant price because they are able to carry a heavier carat weight than their round cut counterparts. While many consumers believe that bigger is always better when shopping for diamonds, whatever the cut, it must always be remembered that it is the overall quality of the diamond – the cut, clarity, carat, and color that determines the overall value, and not simply the size.