| Specific
proportions regarding the ideal depth of a
princess cut diamond have not been conclusively
determined or published by Gemological Institute
of America. Ideal proportion is more difficult
to establish in a princess cut diamond than
in a round diamond. A round diamond has a
consistent pavilion angle that makes ideal
proportions easier to establish as a depth
percentage. A princess cut diamond has a pavilion
that is made up of a variety of angles due
to a unique pavilion shape and variance in
length and width. (See Diagram) |
| |
|
total depth %
---------- 64% - 83% |
|
table % ----------------
59% - 82% |
|
girdle thickness
---------Very Thin - Very Thick |
|
cullet
------------------ None - Medium |
|
polish ------------------
Excellent - Fair |
|
symmetry --------------
Excellent - Fair |
|
flourescence
----------- None - Faint |
Length
to width ratio --- 0.95 - 1.05 |
|
 The
depth percentage of a princess cut diamond is
determined by dividing the depth measurement by
the diameter measurement. The diameter is determined
by measuring a princess cut diamond's width from
side to side. The longer length measurement is
not taken into consideration when calculating
diameter. By viewing a princess cut diamond from
the end view you can see how slightly different
the pavilion looks from that of a round diamond.
Princess cut diamonds require a diamond cutter
to cut a steeper pavilion angle than what is normally
cut on a round diamond. This steeper angle ensures
greater brilliance in a princess cut.
A princess cut
diamond has a uniquely beautiful shape that is
favored by many women for its beauty as well as
its unique design capabilities. It is the only
truly rectangular diamond shape that has striking
brilliance superior to the emerald cut. The diagram
illustrates a variety of princess cuts showing
changes in appearance due to differing depth percentages
and length-to- width ratios. The proper
depth percentage for a princess cut is between
65% and 80%. You will find that a princess cut
diamond cut within this range will deliver more
brilliance. A princess cut diamond that is cut
shallower than 65% will let a greater percentage
of light leak through the pavilion which results
in less diamond brilliance. Princess cut diamonds
with depth percentages greater than 80% will appear
darker in the center due to a large amount of
light refracting through and out the bottom of
the diamond.
Princess cut diamonds
that are closer to square in measurement will
be more brilliant if the depth percentage is within
the range of 65% to 75%. Princess cut diamonds
that have more rectangular shapes exhibit greater
brilliance with depth percentages between 70%
to 80%. When choosing a princess cut diamond be
aware of the depth percentage and length-to-width
ratio; they will give you better indication of
the the brilliance that a princess cut exhibits.
Gemologist-Appraisers will be happy to help guide
you to the most brilliant princess cut diamond
your money can buy |
