Inspired by 1960s French design, the princess cut diamond has grown in popularity now accounting for around 30% of all engagement rings. With its classic shape and faceting that reduces the visibility of flaws and inclusions, it’s not hard to see why princess cut diamond rings are so in demand. Here’s what you should know about the second most popular diamond shape on the market.

The second most popular shape behind round diamonds, a princess cut diamond, technically known as a “square modified brilliant”, is square or rectangular when viewed from above and looks similar to an inverted pyramid when viewed from the side. Depending on the shape, a princess cut diamond is made up of either 57 or 76 facets (sides) and is often considered a more sophisticated option than a round cut diamond because of its distinctive features.

Thanks to the precise corners and straight edges, a princess cut diamond can easily have stones set right next to it without leaving any gaps. The design of a princess cut diamond is often considered both feminine and modern, which appeals to brides who are attracted to a less traditional look. A princess cut solitaire engagement ring is a popular choice for its elegance and simplicity, but because of the versatility of the stone, a custom designed princess cut diamond ring has almost unlimited potential.

While the shape is popular for all kinds of jewelry, a princess cut diamond ring is really where the stone shines.