The princess cut is the sharp square brilliant: pointed corners, a faceted pavilion that fires almost as hard as a round, and usually the best price per carat of any square shape. That combination makes it a staple. But every jeweler who has set a princess has also dealt with a chipped corner. The princess's four points are beautiful and fragile at the same time. This guide explains how to set and sell princess moissanite so the corners survive.
Why the corners chip
A princess is square with sharp 90-degree corners. Those corners are thin, exposed points of the stone. If the ring takes a side impact, the corner is the first thing to absorb it. Unlike a cushion's rounded corners, a princess corner has nowhere to spread the force. Moissanite is hard (9.25 Mohs) but not indestructible; a sharp corner on a hard material is still a chip risk.
The number-one rule: cover the corners
When setting a princess moissanite, the four corners must be protected. Two standard methods:
- V-prongs: a V-shaped prong over each corner cradles the point and spreads impact. This is the most common and recommended approach.
- Bezel or corner guards: a partial metal cover over each corner. Even safer, though it covers a little of the outline.
Never set a princess with four naked prongs on the sides and leave the corners bare. That is the setup that returns chipped.
Choose the right stone for the setting
Tell us how you will mount the stone. For a V-prong solitaire we select a princess with a sturdy girdle. For a bezel we can supply a stone with clean, even corners. When you order princess like our 1ct princess, mention the corner protection plan so we match the stone to the setting.
Everyday wear considerations
Because of the corner risk, princess rings are best for wearers who can be mindful. They are still fine for daily wear when corners are protected, but we advise customers to remove the ring for gym, gardening and heavy work. A well-set princess lasts decades; an unprotected corner chips within months. This is worth telling the customer at sale time to prevent returns.
Why buyers still choose princess
Despite the corner caution, princess sells strongly because it is the most affordable square shape per carat and it fires beautifully. It sits cleanly in a plain solitaire and reads modern and geometric. Customers who want a square but find cushion too soft often choose princess. Compare it with the softer square in our princess vs radiant comparison.
Clarity and color for princess
Princess facets hide minor inclusions well, so VS is usually eye-clean and cost-effective. Color: the pointed corners can show slight warmth, so D-F is best for white metal. Our princess range is stocked D-F. For the full color tiers, read our color grading guide.
Quick FAQ
Can a chipped corner be fixed? Sometimes it can be re-polished, but it reduces the size. Prevention is cheaper.
Is princess good for engagement rings? Yes, very popular, as long as the corners are V-pronged.
Does it sparkle as much as a round? Close; it is a brilliant cut, so fire is high, just square.
Why customers should know about the corners up front
Telling a princess buyer about corner protection before the sale prevents returns. Explain that the four points need V-prongs and that the ring should be removed for rough work. Customers who understand this care for the ring properly. Those who are told nothing expect the princess to be as maintenance-free as a round, and a chipped corner becomes a complaint. Set expectations and the princess becomes a low-return favorite. Our princess range is cut for prong settings.
Princess in solitaires and pavé
A princess solitaire is a clean, modern look. In a pavé band it reads glamorous. Because the corners are sharp, the setting usually uses four V-prongs, one over each corner. Avoid settings that leave the corners bare. We select princess stones with a sturdy girdle for this. Compare the princess with the safer cropped-corner alternative in princess vs radiant.
Why the princess stays affordable
The princess cuts efficiently from rough, which keeps the wholesale price accessible. That makes it the entry-level square for budget-conscious customers. The savings should not be spent on cheap setting, though; a well-set princess at a good price is a winning combination. For value logic, read our value-per-carat guide, and start with the 1ct princess.
Why corner protection sells the ring, not just protects it
V-prongs over the corners actually look intentional and classic. They are not a compromise; they are part of the setting design. A well-set princess with neat V-prongs reads crafted. This framing turns a functional requirement into a selling point. Describe it to the customer as part of the design. Our princess stones are cut for exactly this.
Who should choose a princess
Princess suits the modern, budget-conscious customer who wants a sharp square. It is not the shape for someone who never removes their ring and refuses prong checks. Match the customer to the shape. Compare it with the safer radiant in our comparison.
Ordering princess stones for prong settings
When you order princess, tell us the setting uses V-prongs. We select stones with a sturdy girdle for a secure grip. Inspect the tips on arrival. This coordination prevents chipped-corner returns. Browse the princess range and start with the 1ct princess.
Setting expectations sells more princess rings
Telling a princess buyer about corner protection before the sale is a strength, not a weakness. It shows you know the stone. Explain that the four points need V-prongs and that removing the ring for rough work keeps it perfect. Customers who understand this care for their rings and do not return them chipped. This honesty builds a reputation that the princess is a well-chosen, modern square.
When you order princess stones, tell us the setting type so we select a sturdy girdle. Inspect the corners on arrival. Start with a 1ct as the volume SKU. The princess is the most affordable square per carat, so it turns over fast. See the princess range and start on custom cut.