Diamond Shape

Round: STYLE: classic, elegant, sparkling

The history of the round cut diamond is a tad different than most other diamond shapes. It took years upon years of diamond cutting in order to create this style which is incredibly popular today. Unlike most other diamond cuts, the round cut diamond was invented through the jewelers’ attempt to find the diamond cut with the most facets and the most shine. Ultimately, this look is perfect for the woman looking to display her classy, elegant, and timeless nature. Today most round diamonds are cut in the brilliant style. This means that they have more facets and angles. Previously, diamonds were cut with larger more open facets in the old mine way. These diamonds are still available in the market today, however; they are a lot less common than brilliant round diamonds.

Rounds are the most popular shape for not only engagement rings but for other jewelry like necklaces and earrings as well. When cut well, the proper reflection of light, the potential of brilliance and brightness is maximized. The round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets. Its 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle (widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance. When cutting a rough stone, more is lost in shaping a round diamond, so the cost of each carat retained is higher. Over 75% of the world's diamonds are Round Brilliants. There are many different types of cuts, however, the most popular are those that have been used to create engagement rings and jewelry over time.

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Princess: STYLE: trendy, beautiful, angelic

The princess cut diamond was created after polling women to find out what they wanted for many years. This cut is particularly famous for its incredible shine despite its square cut. Different diamond shapes have different advantages, and for the princess cut, they are environmental; the princess cut uses up to 80% of the rough diamond which means that this diamond is not only beautiful, but also better for the environment than most other diamond shapes.

Second most popular shape - preferred in square shape but available in rectangular shape also. The princess cuts that are slightly rectangular tend to be lower in cost. This cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are common. Ideal square ratio ranges from 1.00 to 1.05. A princess cut should always be set for 4 prongs protecting its corners from chips. It is ideal for long fingers and wedding bands. It has 57 or 58 facets and is known as square modified brilliant cut or Rectangular Modified Brilliant when the ration is greater than 1.10.

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Cushion: STYLE: romantic, graceful, sophisticated

The cushion cut diamond dates back to the 19th century. Similar to the princess cut, this diamond features a relatively square shape. However, the cushion cut is special in the fact that it can come in a multitude of ratios, making it either square or rectangular. Additionally, the corners of this stone are rounded which allows for it to be paired with a woman with an active and trendy lifestyle.

Cushion cuts blend the energy of a round brilliant with the symmetry of a radiant cut. It's romantic appeal is reflected in its larger 58 facets and rounded, squared corners. Also known as the "pillow cut," the cushion cut has larger faceting, which augments the diamond's brilliance. Larger facets can show clarity inclusions, so evaluate the location of inclusions by examining the certificate's diamond plot. Cushion cuts are popular in both square and rectangular shapes. Square cuts are generally a bit rarer, but do look more symmetrical in an engagement ring. Cushion cut diamonds have great fire (the light that is reflected out of a diamond in a rainbow of color).

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Emerald: STYLE: modern, bold, glamorous

Emerald diamond cuts were some of the very first diamond cuts in the world. However, they were not standardized until 1940 because of their closeness with other diamond cuts. This cut is perfect for colored gemstones as well as high-quality diamonds; if choosing an emerald cut, it is recommended not to compromise in diamond quality because the style emphasizes the color in the stone.

Emerald diamond cuts represent unification, as they are well proportioned and bring out the pure brilliance of a diamond. Also known as "step cut" because of the layered faceting, the emerald cut possesses unique appeal with symmetrical sparkle. The faceting is minimal and simple, and therefore tends to show inclusions. The diamond has 58 facets, roughly 25 on the crown, 25 on the pavilion, and 8 on the girdle with 3 rows of bottom steps and three rows of top steps. An open setting can also show the diamond's color, so closed or bezel type settings are recommended with lower colors.

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Radiant: STYLE: fiery, diva, provocative

The radiant cut diamond is considered to be one of the shiniest cuts of diamonds because of its 70-facet cut. It was originally invented by Henry Grossbard in 1977 because he wanted to combine the best aspects of the round cut with the best aspects of the emerald cut. Jewelers tend to say that this cut is geared more towards energetic and bubbly women because with all of the perfectly-cut facets, the diamond will be sure to not go unnoticed.

A beautifully symmetrical, non-traditional cut, the radiant cut combines the brilliance of a round and the purity of an emerald cut. Trimmed corners give it versatility among all kinds of jewelry, especially engagement rings. The faceting of a radiant cut gives it a fiery look compared to a princess cut, while maintaining soft, cut corners. The radiant fuses the plus points of other popular diamond shapes. The rectangular radiant cut is an excellent option for buyers who like the emerald cut shape, but want something with the brilliance of a round. A ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 will create a square shape, and from 1.30 to 1.50 will produce a rectangle.

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Asscher: STYLE: balanced, vintage, creative

The asscher cut diamond was originally developed in 1902, making it relatively old in the terms of diamond cuts. This stone is nearly octagonal in shape due to all of its curved edges. Asscher cuts give off a timeless effect with their vintage and unique designs. Additionally, asscher cut diamonds are understated diamond ring shapes due to their step-cut facets; these facets create more of a soft glow emanating from the stone than a brilliant statement piece.

The asscher cut is (also a step cut diamond like the emerald cut) is a blend of the princess and emerald cuts with X-shaped facets from its corners to its center culet. The brilliance of its faceting can mask certain inclusions and lower color grades. Asscher cut diamonds have a clean balance, visual appeal, and can reflect clarity inclusions and color. Higher grades in both categories are generally recommended. The step cut emphasizes the clarity of the diamond, and it is ideal for showcasing higher clarity diamonds. Asscher cuts are a popular shape that was developed during the Art Deco Period. Suggested Cut Ratio: 1.00 to 1.05 for square proportions.

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Marquise: STYLE: dramatic, moving, joyful

The marquise cut diamond goes by many nicknames, including the football cut, boat cut, eye cut, or the navette cut. While this diamond shape is not the most popular of all of the diamond shapes, its intriguing shape and style are still incredibly beautiful; this cut allows the bride much more creativity in her ring choice.

The marquise cut is a classic and historic diamond that resembles the delight of a smile. The marquise is a variant of round and pear shaped diamonds, and like the oval is a perfect complement to long, slender fingers. The marquise cut's elongated body can make its appearance larger than its actual carat weight. It is an excellent cut to show the impression of long, slender fingers. Suggested Cut Ratio: 1.75 to 2.25 is the ideal shape.

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Pear: STYLE: contemporary, unique, gentle

The pear shaped diamond settings take into account marquise shaped diamonds and oval shaped diamonds in order to create a more brilliant and magical diamond cut. A pear shaped diamond engagement ring is incredibly unique, and many women praise its one-of-a-kind nature. Pear shaped diamond settings allow for many different creative routes in rings. A pear shaped diamond ring is unmistakable because the stone is in the shape of a teardrop with a slightly flatter and larger bottom with a the rest of the diamond coming to a skinny point at the top of the stone.

The pear shape diamond is artistic due to its many stylish variations. With 58 facets, light dances through the diamond similar to a round brilliant, maximizing sparkle. It's teardrop appearance leaves a lasting impression. The pear shape’s body allows the wearer the option of pointing it up or down. Its faceting often masks inclusions, and those found near the point tend to be less visible. Pear shapes can be wide or elongated, with longer pear shapes providing a slimming effect on fingers. Suggested cut ratio: 1.5 - 1.7. Most flaws such as naturals, and extra facets are at the point of the diamond. Always set the diamond with a prong covering the point of the stone to prevent any chipping.

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Oval: STYLE: trendy, elegant, delicate

Created in the mid 1900s, the oval cut is simply an elongated round brilliant cut diamond. Oval diamonds have the brilliance of the round, but they grab more attention thanks to their unique shape. This is a fashionable cut because, though you'll need to watch for a couple factors when shopping, they can appear larger than a round diamond at the same caract weight. It's also beloved for its ability to flatter the hand. The shape may have been developed to represent the longevity of a relationship, but it's valued because the oval diamond can make one's fingers look longer and thinner.

The oval diamond's ability to elongate your hands adds elegant to any ring with this style stone. But it's delicate thanks to its rounded edges. They add a gentle touch to the length of this stone, in contrast to the marquise cut's bold points. You need to be careful when selecting your diamond color with this style stone, though. The rounded ends have a tendency to show more color than a round diamond would, so it's wide to go up a color grade to make sure the ends appear colorless.

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