The 1 carat princess cut is the most popular fancy shape diamond in the world — combining the world's most sought-after carat weight with a bold, modern square shape that delivers exceptional brilliance rivalling the round brilliant itself. At Variation, explore our certified collection of 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamonds, IGI certified, conflict-free, and priced up to 80% less than natural diamonds.
About 1 Carat Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamonds
The 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamond is the most popular fancy shape diamond in the world — combining the world's most sought-after carat weight with a bold, geometric square shape that delivers a level of brilliance that rivals the round brilliant itself. With 57 to 76 precisely arranged facets engineered to maximize fire and scintillation across its distinctive square form, the princess cut at 1 carat delivers maximum sparkle in a modern, versatile shape that suits every style and setting. At Variation, our IGI certified 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamonds are available in D to F color and VVS1 to VS2 clarity — priced up to 80% less than an equivalent natural diamond.
Why Choose a 1 Carat Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamond?
The princess cut is the undisputed champion of fancy shape diamonds — the most brilliant square diamond cut available and the second most popular diamond shape in the world after the round brilliant. At 1 carat, the princess cut delivers the perfect combination of modern geometric appeal, exceptional brilliance, and outstanding versatility — pairing beautifully with virtually every ring style, metal type, and setting design available. For buyers who want the brilliance of a round cut in a bold, contemporary square form, the 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamond is the definitive choice.
- 57 to 76 precisely arranged facets — delivering exceptional brilliance across the square form
- 5.5 x 5.5mm face-up size — bold and perfectly proportioned at 1 carat
- Sharp uncut corners — creating a clean, bold geometric appearance
- IGI certified — every stone independently graded and verified
- D, E and F color — the three highest color grades available
- VVS1 to VS2 clarity — all eye-clean, all exceptional quality
- Up to 80% less than an equivalent natural princess cut diamond
How Big Is a 1 Carat Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamond?
A 1 carat princess cut diamond measures approximately 5.5 x 5.5mm face-up — slightly smaller face-up than a round brilliant of the same carat weight due to its deeper pavilion profile. However the princess cut's bold square outline and sharp corners create a strong geometric visual presence that is immediately and unmistakably impressive at 1 carat — making it one of the most visually commanding fancy shape diamonds available at this popular size.
For buyers seeking a larger face-up appearance, a slightly rectangular princess cut with a length-to-width ratio of 1.05–1.10 faces up slightly larger than a square princess — while retaining the princess cut's signature bold geometric character and exceptional brilliance.
How to Choose the Best 1 Carat Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamond
Prioritize Cut Quality
Cut quality is the most critical factor for a 1 carat princess cut diamond. A well-cut princess delivers extraordinary brilliance and fire across its entire square surface — making the stone appear larger, more alive, and more impressive than its carat weight suggests. Always choose Excellent or Very Good cut grades and look for Excellent symmetry and polish to ensure maximum light performance at 1 carat. Never compromise on cut — a poorly cut princess cut appears flat and lifeless regardless of color or clarity grade.
Color Recommendations
Princess cuts retain color more than round diamonds due to their deeper pavilion and sharp corners where color can concentrate. For white gold or platinum settings, D–F color grades deliver a pure, colorless appearance that complements the princess cut's bold geometric brilliance. For yellow or rose gold settings — which pair beautifully with the princess cut's modern angular character — G–H color grades offer outstanding value with no visible color difference to the naked eye at 1 carat.
Protect the Corners
The four sharp corners of a 1 carat princess cut diamond are its most vulnerable points — more susceptible to chipping than the rounded edges of other cuts. Always set a 1 carat princess cut diamond in a four-prong or bezel setting that covers and protects all four corners. This is the single most important practical consideration for princess cut diamond ownership at any carat weight — and particularly important at 1 carat where the stone will likely be worn daily as an engagement ring or solitaire pendant.
Why Buy 1 Carat Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamonds from Variation?
At Variation, we specialize exclusively in lab grown diamonds — and our 1 carat princess cut collection reflects our commitment to quality, ethics, and exceptional value.
- IGI certified — every stone comes with a full IGI grading report
- Excellent cut grades — maximum brilliance guaranteed
- D, E and F color only — the highest color grades available
- VVS1 to VS2 clarity — all eye-clean, all exceptional quality
- Conflict-free & ethically sourced — always
- Priced up to 80% less than equivalent natural diamonds
Explore Other Sizes in Princess Cut Lab Grown Diamonds
Not sure about 1 carat? Explore our princess cut lab grown diamonds in other carat weights — all IGI certified, conflict-free, and priced up to 80% less than natural diamonds.
Explore Other Shapes in 1 Carat Lab Grown Diamonds
Not sure about princess cut? Explore our 1 carat lab grown diamonds in other shapes — each with its own unique character, brilliance, and appeal.
- 1 Carat Round Cut
- 1 Carat Oval Cut
- 1 Carat Cushion Cut
- 1 Carat Emerald Cut
- 1 Carat Pear Cut
- 1 Carat Radiant Cut
- 1 Carat Marquise Cut
- 1 Carat Heart Cut
- 1 Carat Portuguese Cut
- 1 Carat Ashoka Cut
- 1 Carat Trillion Cut
- 1 Carat Hexagon Cut
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamond?
A 1 carat princess cut diamond measures approximately 5.5 x 5.5mm face-up. While it faces up slightly smaller than a round brilliant of the same carat weight due to its deeper pavilion, the princess cut's bold square outline and sharp corners create a strong geometric visual presence that is immediately impressive at 1 carat.
Why do princess cut diamonds need corner protection?
The four sharp corners of a princess cut diamond are its most vulnerable points and are susceptible to chipping from everyday impact. Always choose a setting that covers and protects all four corners — a four-prong or bezel setting is strongly recommended for long-term wearability. This is especially important at 1 carat where the stone will likely be worn daily.
Is a 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamond good for an engagement ring?
Yes — the 1 carat princess cut is the most popular fancy shape engagement ring diamond in the world. Its bold geometric brilliance, modern square appeal, and exceptional versatility make it an outstanding choice for the most important purchase of your life. At up to 80% less than a natural diamond of the same quality, a 1 carat IGI certified lab grown princess cut offers extraordinary value.
What is the difference between a 1 carat princess cut and cushion cut lab grown diamond?
Both are square diamonds at 1 carat but they differ significantly in character. A princess cut has sharp, uncut corners and a precise modern geometric appearance — delivering the maximum brilliance of any square diamond cut. A cushion cut has soft, rounded corners and a warmer, more romantic sparkle — delivering a more vintage-inspired character with slightly less brilliance than the princess cut. The princess cut suits modern tastes; the cushion cut suits romantic and vintage sensibilities.
What color grade should I choose for a 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamond?
Princess cuts retain color more than round diamonds due to their deeper pavilion and sharp corners. For white gold or platinum settings, D–F color is recommended at 1 carat. For yellow or rose gold settings, G–H color delivers a beautiful result at a more accessible price point. All diamonds at Variation are available in D, E and F color grades.
Explore our full collection of 1 carat princess cut lab grown diamonds above and find the stone that speaks to you. Questions? Our diamond experts are here to help.