Engagement Rings - Princess Engagement Rings

Princess cut diamonds are probably one of the most popular fancy shapes of diamond. This is the typically square shape of diamond available for jewelery. Alternative square fancy shapes of diamond include the Carré cut. This cut differs by being step cut, like the Emerald cut instead of brilliant cut.

The Princess, with its sharp corners, is available in square and slightly rectangular versions. Most engagement ring mounts are made to accommodate specific sizes of Princess cut diamonds. The Princess was created in 1980 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz of Ambar Diamonds. This type of diamond generally has 76 facets giving it a great deal of brilliance. Square proportions are preferable and can be set either side on, or turned corner down to produce a different look altogether. For this latter style of ring, I must underline the importance of a square diamond since any variation will throw the ring out of alignment.

In terms of the available style of princess engagement rings, there are a huge amount of designs available to purchase in shops and online. Websites are becoming increasingly popular as the more price savvy shopper realizes the savings that can be made by buying online. Specialist websites offering both value for money and personal service are now an important source for diamond jewellery.

The design of princess engagement rings can vary enormously providing a design for every taste. The setting (the part of the ring that holds the diamond) can secure the diamond in a variety of ways. First we have simple prong like claws that hold the corners of the diamond. Alternatively, box claws form a small "V" around each claw, offering protection at the most vulnerable part of the diamond. Rub-over or bezel settings surround the outer edge of the diamond and offer maximum protection. Partial rub-over or bezel settings lessen the amount of metal around the stone, leaving it exposed on opposite sides. This setting joins to the ring shank at the shoulders, which can be plain or diamond set, straight or tapering, open (where you can see through when viewed from the side) or closed.

The majority of your budget will be spent on the diamond unless you are choosing a small diamond under 0.33cts set into Platinum. It is therefore essential to at least know what you should aim for in diamond quality. Provided the diamond is H to I colour or above and SI1 clarity or above, you will be getting a white diamond, which will appear blemish free to the naked eye. A diamond certificate will no doubt give you that extra bit of reassurance, detailing the important pieces of information such as weight, measurements, colour, clarity etc. Laboratories such as GIA, IGI, AGS and HRD are all reputable diamond grading laboratories.

Engagement Rings
Additional information on engagement rings