The corners are the vulnerable point — they are sharp and comparatively unprotected. In practice this is a setting question rather than a reason to avoid the shape: V-prongs covering all four corners solve it, and a princess set that way wears as well as any other cut.
How does a princess compare with a square radiant?
A princess has sharp corners and a crisper, more angular flash; a square radiant has cropped corners and a broader, softer sparkle. The cropped corners also make the radiant more robust.
Does a princess cut look smaller than a round?
Face-up, a princess of the same carat weight often looks slightly smaller than a round, because princess cuts carry more depth. But the diagonal measurement is longer than a round's diameter, so it can read larger set on the diagonal.
What clarity should I look for in a princess cut?
VS2 is usually safe. Check inclusion placement near the corners in particular — an inclusion there is both more visible and a genuine durability concern, since the corners already take the most stress.
Are princess cuts good value?
Yes. A princess retains far more of the original rough than a round brilliant, so it is typically less expensive per carat at comparable grades.
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