The princess cut is the second most popular moissanite shape in the United States, trailing only the round brilliant — and for the buyer who chooses it, it is often the only shape ever seriously considered. The princess cut occupies a distinct aesthetic position: it delivers round-brilliant levels of optical performance from a square outline, combining maximum sparkle with bold, architectural geometry. For buyers who want brilliance without the round's conventional silhouette, the princess cut is the definitive choice.
Princess Cut Anatomy: What Makes It Different
The princess cut is a square modified brilliant — a square outline with a brilliant-cut faceting pattern modified to work within four straight sides and sharp corners. Its faceting structure creates chevron-pattern reflections: a distinctive visual signature that differs from the round brilliant's concentric circle pattern. Under direct light, princess cuts show a characteristic cross-hatch or "X" pattern that is immediately recognizable and deeply desirable to its buyers.
Ideal proportions for princess cut moissanite: length-to-width ratio 1.00–1.05 (for a square appearance), table percentage 68–75%, pavilion depth 70–75%. All Moissanite Shine princess cut stones are cut to Excellent grade within these parameters.
Princess Cut vs. Round Brilliant: Key Differences
- Outline: Square vs. circular. The princess cut's four straight sides and pointed corners create a bold, architectural silhouette; the round's circular outline is softer and more conventional.
- Sparkle character: Both deliver high brilliance. The princess cut's chevron faceting creates a slightly more directional, larger-flash sparkle pattern vs. the round's omnidirectional small-flash scintillation.
- Face-up size: A princess cut appears slightly smaller face-up than a round of equal DEW because the corners carry weight without contributing to visible face area. A 1.00 DEW round is ~6.5mm diameter; a 1.00 DEW princess is ~5.5 × 5.5mm.
- Corner vulnerability: The princess cut's four pointed corners are its primary vulnerability — the thinnest part of the stone, most susceptible to chipping from impact. A corner-protecting setting (V-prong or bezel) is strongly recommended.
- Price: Princess cut moissanite is typically priced comparably to round brilliant at equivalent DEW sizes.
Read more: Moissanite Shapes & Cuts Guide
Best Settings for Princess Cut Moissanite
Four-prong V-tip solitaire (the classic princess setting): V-shaped prongs wrap each corner, protecting the vulnerable points while exposing maximum stone surface. The canonical princess cut configuration and the most popular setting choice for this shape. Read more: Moissanite Solitaire Ring Guide.
Bezel setting: Full metal rim surrounding all four sides and corners — maximum corner protection. The bezel's straight-edged outline complements the princess cut's square geometry perfectly. Read more: Prong vs. Bezel Settings Guide.
Halo setting: A ring of round accent stones surrounding the princess center, visually enlarging the stone and adding contrasting sparkle around the square center. Creates a distinctive cushion-like silhouette. Read more: Moissanite Halo Ring Guide.
Channel-set princess shank: Matching princess cut accent stones channel-set down the shank, creating a cohesive all-princess design. Read more: Moissanite Channel Setting Guide.
Princess Cut Size Chart (DEW to mm)
- 0.50 DEW: ~4.0 × 4.0mm — delicate, understated
- 0.75 DEW: ~5.0 × 5.0mm — noticeable, everyday-wearable
- 1.00 DEW: ~5.5 × 5.5mm — the most popular US size
- 1.50 DEW: ~6.5 × 6.5mm — bold, high-presence
- 2.00 DEW: ~7.0 × 7.0mm — statement size
Read more: Moissanite DEW vs. Carat Guide.
Princess Cut vs. Cushion Cut: Which Square Shape Is Right for You?
Both the princess and cushion cuts occupy the "square brilliant" category but with different characters: the princess has sharp corners and a precise, geometric outline; the cushion has rounded corners and a softer, vintage-inspired silhouette. The princess is the contemporary, architectural choice; the cushion is the romantic, antique-inspired choice. Read more: Moissanite Cushion Cut Guide.
Who Chooses the Princess Cut?
The princess cut attracts buyers who want maximum brilliance with a non-circular outline — typically those with a preference for geometric, architectural, or contemporary design aesthetics. It is particularly popular in the American South and Midwest, and among buyers who find the round brilliant's ubiquity a reason to choose something distinctly their own.
Browse princess cut moissanite rings: ring collection. Custom princess cut designs: custom design service. All stones GRA-certified DEF/VVS1 Excellent cut.
🛡️ Lifetime Gemstone Warranty — Your stones are protected forever.
⬆️ Lifetime Upgrade Program — Upgrade your stones or metal anytime.
✏️ Request a Custom Design — Make it uniquely yours.
📐 Not sure of your size? View our Ring Size Guide & Jewelry Care Tips
Related guides:
Moissanite Princess Cut Complete Guide
Moissanite Cut & Shape Guide
Moissanite Radiant Cut Guide
Moissanite Cushion Cut Guide
Moissanite Oval Cut Guide