Moissanite Princess Cut: Everything You Need to Know

The princess cut is the square brilliant — bold, geometric, architectural, and uncompromising. Where the round brilliant is the romantic classic and the oval is the elongated elegant, the princess cut is the modern statement. In moissanite, it produces a fire and brilliance that is genuinely hard to look away from. This is everything you need to know.

What Is the Princess Cut?

The princess cut is a square (or slightly rectangular) brilliant cut with pointed corners and a complex facet arrangement designed to maximize light return in a non-round shape. It was developed in the 1960s and refined through the 1970s and 1980s, becoming the second most popular diamond cut behind round brilliant by the 1990s and early 2000s.

The princess cut features 57–76 facets depending on the specific cutting style, arranged in a chevron pattern on the pavilion that produces exceptional scintillation — the dynamic sparkle of light and dark flashing as the stone moves. From above, the princess cut's square outline and pointed corners create an unmistakably geometric, architectural appearance that is distinctly modern.

Princess Cut Facet Structure and Light Performance

The princess cut's pavilion — the lower portion of the stone — is where its distinctive optical character comes from. Two, three, or four rows of chevron facets create a unique visual pattern: from above, the stone shows a characteristic pinwheel or X-shaped light pattern rather than the concentric circle pattern of a round brilliant.

In moissanite, with a refractive index of 2.65–2.69, the princess cut's already-strong light performance is further amplified. More total internal reflection, more fire (rainbow dispersion), and more scintillation than an equivalent princess cut diamond. See our moissanite light performance guide for the complete optical breakdown.

Ideal Proportions for Princess Cut Moissanite

For most buyers wanting the classic princess cut look, 1.00–1.05 is the ideal range. Depth percentage of 65–75% and table percentage of 65–75% are recommended for optimal light performance.

The Corner Vulnerability: What You Need to Know

The princess cut's pointed corners are its most distinctive visual feature — and its most significant practical consideration. Diamond and moissanite can chip at thin, pointed corners from a sharp impact. The solution is proper setting choice:

• Four-prong V-tip settings: V-shaped prongs at each corner protect the points while maintaining maximum stone visibility.
• Bezel or half-bezel settings: Metal surrounds the stone's edge, offering maximum corner protection.
• Halo settings: A ring of smaller stones adds both protection and visual impact.

For buyers with active lifestyles, a bezel or halo setting is the most practical choice. Read our guides for moissanite for nurses and moissanite for athletes.

Princess Cut Sizes: Visual Impact by Carat Weight

See our carat size guide for complete measurements across all shapes.

Princess Cut vs Round Brilliant Moissanite

For a full shape comparison, see our moissanite shapes guide. For round vs cushion vs princess comparisons, also see our cushion cut guide.

Best Settings for Princess Cut Moissanite

Classic Solitaire with V-Prongs

The purist choice — four V-tip prongs at each corner, maximum stone visibility. The solitaire setting lets the geometric outline read with maximum clarity and impact.

Cathedral Setting

A cathedral setting raises the princess cut above the band on arching metal shoulders, creating a dramatic profile.

Halo

A square halo of smaller stones around the princess cut creates a halo design that doubles the apparent size of the center stone. A square halo that mirrors the princess cut's outline is particularly elegant.

Three-Stone

Princess cut centers pair beautifully with smaller princess or trapezoid side stones in a three-stone setting, creating maximum geometric coherence.

Metal Choices for Princess Cut Moissanite

• White gold / Platinum: Most popular — emphasizes the stone's angular, modern character. See our platinum vs white gold guide.
• Yellow gold: Striking contrast — warm metal, geometric stone. See our yellow gold guide.
• Rose gold: Romantic-modern combination. See our rose gold guide.

Custom Princess Cut Design

Every Moissanite Shine princess cut is available in your choice of metal, karat, setting, and configuration. Our custom design program allows you to specify exact proportions, corner coverage, and band style. Browse our moissanite engagement rings for inspiration. Every piece includes our Lifetime Gemstone Warranty and Lifetime Upgrade Program.