Princess Cut Aquamarine Rings 

A clear, bold blue gem set on a silvery metal setting; you’ve pictured it all in your head, perfect, you’ll just hop in store and hope out. That’s what you think till you get to the store and you realize you didn’t decide on the gem, the metal, the setting, or even the cut! Dial it down a notch,  there’s no need to worry; you can just get a princess cut aquamarine ring.  

It is a brilliant, captivating, beautiful, and affordable option. Best of all it fits your initial description! In the case that you had no initial description, this ring is worth checking out. 

Now, let’s dive into the world of gemstones, cuts, and ring settings. 

What Is Aquamarine? 

Aquamarine is a blue-green gemstone that belongs to the beryl family. This gem is desirable because of the following qualities it possesses: 

• Aquamarine is durable. It has a score range of 7.5 – 8 on Moh's scale of hardness, making it relatively hard in comparison to lower gemstones. 
• It exists naturally in flawless to near flawless states. This means that aquamarine gemstones are easy to find in exceptional clarity. • Aquamarine is pleochroic. It appears to have various shades when viewed from different angles. 
• The gemstone is mostly found in large sizes. So, a few multiple smaller carat stones can be obtained from it. 
• A light blue hue of aquamarine is highly desirable but a darker hue of the stone is even more so. The color greatly determines the 

value of the gem; vivid aquamarine varieties are more valuable than the pastel hues. 

• The gem is usually found in blue to blue-green shades. Only a few aquamarine gemstones occur fully blue; in most cases, aquamarine is exposed to high temperatures to diminish the green tinges. This is done because the blue variants are more in demand. 

Many features make aquamarine desirable. It makes for a beautiful,  show-stopping ring. An aquamarine will typically be cut into an emerald shape but it can be cut into other cut styles. A gorgeous example is found in princess-cut aquamarine rings. 

What Is A Princess Cut? 

A princess cut is a gemstone shape characterized by sharp edges and a  distinct square cut. It is referred to as the “square modified brilliant” as it is a very brilliant cut style; one that is second only to the round cut diamond. 

It is not certain how the name, princess cut, came about but who knows?  Maybe it’s because the beauty of the cut style is one fit for royals. 

Features Of A Princess Cut Aquamarine 

• It has a distinct square or rectangular shape. However, the rectangular-shaped princess cut aquamarine rings are low in demand, and mostly undesirable. 
• It has 2 – 4 chevrons. A chevron is a set of facets that look resemble boomerangs. A princess cut with two chevrons will produce bold flashes of light while up to four chevrons will result in small multiple sparkles and scintillations.
• A princess cut resembles an inverted pyramid when viewed from the bottom. 
• An ideal princess cut has a width to length ratio of 1.00 – 1.05.  This means that majority of princess cuts are slightly rectangular but appear as squares with equal cuts to the human eye. 
• A princess cut has 50 – 58 facets. 
• It is a cut style that results in maximum brilliance. This brilliance often hides minimal inclusions; the flashes of light entering your eyes will mask inclusions if any. 
• A princess-cut aquamarine ring will have its stone cut according to the rough. As a result, it will be relatively cheaper than a round cut; and there is minimal gemstone wastage. 

These are some of the features that will dominate your princess cut aquamarine ring. If these don’t feature in your gemstone, then ask your jeweler if what you’re purchasing is truly a princess-cut gemstone. 

Origin Of Princess Cut 

The princess cut wasn’t always cut and polished as we know it today.  The shape has gone through a lot of modifications and names over the years.  

It all goes back to the 1960s when a diamond cutter from London, Arpad  Nagy, created a version of the princess cut. Nagy's version of the princess cut was termed the “profile” cut. The fact that the princess cuts the origin begins in the 1960s means that it is one of the newer cut diamonds. 

In the 1970s, Basil Watermeyer, a cutter from South Africa, patented a  version of the profile cut. He called it the “barion” cut. The barion cut had remarkable brilliance and fire. However, it was extremely difficult  

to replicate even by the most skilled diamond cutters because of its complex faceting. The barion cut had a whopping 80 facets. 

Another version was perfected in the late 1970s, the quadrillion cut. The  Israeli duo, Betazel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz, are credited for perfecting this cut style which increased the princess cut’s popularity at the time. The quadrillion cut is a precursor to the princess cut as we know it today. 

Purchasing A Princess Cut Aquamarine Ring 

As with other gemstones, the first things to consider are the 4 C's, cut,  clarity, carat weight, and color. The grading of the princess cut aquamarine on these scales should govern your selection of a princess cut aquamarine. 

• Cut: This is by far the most important factor to consider when dealing with princess cuts. This is because there are no GIA certifications for cut quality, only polish and symmetry. A lot of dishonest jewelers use this to their advantage; they pass out a  poorly cut diamond as an ideal cut. 

Although there are AGS certifications for cut, you’ll have to do some extensive searching to find princess-cut gemstones with this certification. This is because the AGS uses a very strict standard to certify ideal cuts. Highly skilled gemstone cutters find it difficult to meet the AGS requirements. 

We can tell you that finding one with an AGS certification for the cut is like hitting solid gold! This does not rule out the gemstones without the certification though. There are a lot of good-quality princess-cut stones out there. Just make sure to consult a jewelry expert so you don’t get a poorly cut aquamarine for the price of an ideal cut. 

• Clarity: Generally, aquamarine is almost always flawless, so, there’s not much to worry about as regards clarity for your princess cut.

Also, the facet structure of the princess cut allows for the masking of inclusions. The flashes of light emitted by the gemstone as they  enter the eye block out most usually visible inclusions. 

So, we recommend a princess cut aquamarine ring as it will give  you value for your money. 

• Carat weight: Carat is the unit of measurement for gemstones. 1 carat = 0.2 grams.

Princess cut aquamarine carries its weight in its belly. So, when compared to other cut styles of the same carat weight, the princess cut will appear smaller. If you want a princess cut that looks relatively large, you’ll need to talk to a jewelry consultant. They can help you find what works for you. 

• Color: As stated earlier, aquamarine gets more valuable as the shade changes from pastel blue to a more vivid blue.

The majority of aquamarine gems emerge from nature with slight greenish hues. The demand for clear blue aquamarine is very high so the gemstones are heated to remove any greenish tinges. Of 

course, this is a safe treatment; however, your jeweler must inform you of any treatment that your gemstone must have undergone. 

Aquamarine when exposed to extremely high temperatures can fade, even on your princess cut aquamarine rings. So, you shouldn’t subject these rings to extreme heat or ultrasonic treatments. 

As much aquamarine may fade when exposed to extreme heat or sunlight, there are subpar aquamarines that will fade even with proper maintenance. For this reason, make sure you purchase your rings from a trusted jewelry store. 

In addition to the above, look out for the “fake” aquamarine gemstone, topaz. Topaz is a great gemstone to invest in but not when it’s being passed off as aquamarine; it is in such a scenario that it is considered a fake. Dishonest jewelers’ can do this because of the similar blue hues that both gemstones share. 

Metals That Work In A Princess Cut Aquamarine Ring 

Choosing the right metal is a matter of individual preference. Some may prefer the cool tone of silvery metals as they match pastel blue aquamarines while others prefer warm metal tones that accentuate a vivid aquamarine gemstone. 

Whatever you(or your special someone) like is what you should get. After all, you are the ones that will be putting on this ring. 

Let’s aid your search with little explanations on metals for ring settings.

• White Gold: This alloy of gold is combined with white metals such as zinc, nickel, silver, or palladium. Then it is coated with rhodium to give it a stunning white finish. 
• Sterling Silver: Silver is a metal with a whitish-gray tinge. The metal on its own is very soft and susceptible to bending. So, pure silver is not used to make jewelry rather alloyed silver is used. 

Sterling silver typically is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals that improve durability. 

• Yellow Gold: If you’re the type that wants something different then getting a princess cut aquamarine ring in yellow gold is solid gold.  

Yellow gold is an alloy of gold that is made up of pure gold and other metals. Gold is alloyed because it is an extremely soft metal that will not hold any shape nor is it durable. 

The highest karat of yellow gold that is fairly durable is 22K. 24K  is used to electroplate other durable metals. 

• Rose Gold: This is another alloy of gold that is fast becoming very popular. It comprises pure gold and copper. The copper gives it the signature pinkish tinge.  

This setting oozes intense romantic appeal because of its pinkish appearance. 

Settings For Your Princess Cut Aquamarine  Rings 

Just like choosing the right metal, the ring setting is a matter of personal preference. Just like before, here are some ring settings that work beautifully with princess cut aquamarine. 

• Three-Stone Setting: As the name implies, it is a setting characterized by three gemstones. The gemstones can be of equal sizes but it is more common to find three-stone rings with the center gem being relatively larger than the side stones. 

A princess-cut aquamarine will serve as a perfect gemstone, especially in a “compass” arrangement (the princess-cut aquamarine is set diagonally). 

• Halo Setting: Ah, the ever-famous, vintage, and stunning halo. This setting features a center gemstone surrounded by pavé, micropavé diamonds, or colored gemstones. This setting is a  striking choice for princess-cut aquamarine rings. 
• Solitaire Setting: The classic solitaire setting is just that, classic. It is a timeless setting that is loved by many. The simplicity yet elegance of the setting draws attention to itself. Perfect for a  princess-cut aquamarine. 

Because the princess cut aquamarine is square or rectangular, the prongs that hold the gemstone are V-shaped. The prongs, meeting at a point, extend upwards and hold firmly near the edges of the princess-cut gemstone. 

These are a few settings that will be gorgeous for princess-cut aquamarine rings. Of course, the available settings are not limited to these. There are several settings to choose from. You can find some of these stunning settings here.

Princess Cut Vs. Emerald Cut 

The princess cut and the emerald cut are similar because they are four-sided gems. The easily noticeable difference between these cuts is the square shape of the princess cut as opposed to the rectangular shape of the emerald cut. 

The emerald cut is a common choice for aquamarine as it allows maximum brilliance and fire to shine through the gemstone. Since getting princess cut aquamarine rings would mean getting a four-sided gemstone, you’ll most likely get the same or more gemstone brilliance as an emerald cut. This makes the princess cut an easy substitute for an emerald cut. 

Apart from the difference in shape between these cut styles, there are other differences in key areas. Let’s have a look at them. 

• A princess cut exhibits more brilliance and fire than emerald cuts. This is because of the step-cut facets of the emerald cut; it gives off more of a “hall of mirrors” light effect. 
• Inclusions in a princess cut aquamarine will be masked better than an emerald cut. As a result of the wide table, and little brilliance of the emerald cut, inclusions are easily seen by the naked eye. 
• The emerald cut is considered more durable than a princess cut. This is because the sharp edges of a princess cut can easily get chipped especially if there are inclusions nearby. The emerald cut has beveled edges which are less likely to chip.
• When two different cut aquamarine gemstones of the same carat size are compared, the emerald cut will appear bigger than the princess cut. This is because the weight of the princess cut is concentrated in the belly below the girdle. So, princess cut aquamarine rings appear to have a small gemstone. 
• The princess cut is more expensive to acquire than the same carat weight emerald cut. This is mostly driven by demand; however, the manufacturers will add to the price of a gemstone depending on how much of the rough is reserved or wasted. 
• In terms of popularity, the princess cut is by far more popular than an emerald cut. Princess cut gemstones make up 20% of sales, coming second to the round cut brilliant.  

The emerald cut comes fifth place right above oval and pear cuts in the popularity ranking. 

Both cut styles are great to invest in but if you’re looking for a gem that exhibits maximum sparkle and clarity then you should purchase princess cut aquamarine rings. 

Maintenance Of Princess Cut Aquamarine Rings 

Like every other piece of jewelry, your ring requires proper care and storage. 

For the aquamarine, clean it regularly with a soft bristle brush in warm water and mild detergent; rinse under running water and pat dry. Be careful of the edges as they can easily chip off.

Clean the ring setting in the same way you clean the gemstone. Also,  make sure to visit the jeweler for a proper inspection of your ring at least once a year. 

Store your rings wrapped in a soft cloth away from other pieces of jewelry. This prevents scratching of the ring by other jewelry pieces and vice versa. 

So if you are looking for a clear blue gemstone ring but not sure about which to get, we are sure you can agree with us that princess cut aquamarine rings are an affordable and gorgeous option.