DIAMOND SHAPE GUIDE

Understanding the various diamond shapes is a good idea before choosing your ideal diamond cut, particularly if you're purchasing a diamond engagement ring. Diamonds come in a wide variety of shapes and cuts, each with a distinct look and undeniable attraction. Everyone looks great with cut diamonds, which are also a great choice for engagement rings, necklace pendants, and earrings. Certain persons and events may be better suited for particular diamond cuts. We look at and provide more information on ten of the most common cut diamond shapes in this post.

First off, there's a widespread misperception that a diamond's cut and form have the same meanings. This is untrue, though. When discussing cushion cut or marquise cut diamonds, for instance, it's common for people to use the word "shape," but in actuality, shape and cut are completely distinct. The actual form of the stone, such as a pear, square, or round cut diamond, is what is meant when we talk about the shape of a diamond cut. Conversely, the cut represents the jeweler's skill and attention to detail in precisely cutting the diamond to minimize inclusions and reflect light.

A diamond's cut has a significant impact on its value since a poor cut can make a diamond appear dull, while a good cut can enhance the diamond's color and brilliance. We have another post that goes over what constitutes a good diamond cut if you're interested in learning more about cut and cut grade.

On the other hand, a diamond's shape refers to its actual form rather than its capacity to reflect light. Let's examine a few of the most well-liked diamond shapes.

 

ROUND-CUT

Many people will say "round" when asked to characterize the shape of a diamond. In fact, the round cut diamond is the most common shape for a traditional diamond engagement ring and is thought of as a classic design. While a round diamond technically can have practically any shape, the round brilliant cut is the most well-known and noticeable. The diamond's renowned glitter is attributed to its unique cut, which has either 57 or 58 facets. Some people believe that the round brilliant-cut is the ideal shape for cut diamonds.

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PRINCESS-CUT

The current princess-cut, which has pointed corners, is a relatively new design. Some princess-cut diamonds are slightly rectangular in shape, despite the fact that they are typically square; however, the untrained eye could find it challenging to see this. Another fashionable cut that's a favorite for a stylish engagement ring is the princess-cut. Up to 76 tiny facets are possible for it. For princess cuts, the traditional prong setting works best since it highlights the beauty of the diamond and lets more light enter the stone. Less metal is used than in other contexts. Generally speaking, princess-cut diamonds are less expensive per carat than round diamonds.

CUSHION-CUT

Antique-style cushion diamonds, which were quite fashionable in the late 19th century, have recently seen a rise in demand and are now a popular choice for engagement rings. Diamonds with cushion cuts offer a gentle, romantic aspect. This style of cut was inspired by the old mine cut, which had huge facets and rounded corners. When thinking about a cushion-cut diamond, the height to length ratio—which can range from square to rectangular—is crucial. With this shape, clarity is especially crucial because the larger facets draw attention to the quality of the diamond.

ASSCHER-CUT

With its pavilion cut featuring rectangular facets, the modern Asscher cut diamond is comparable to a square emerald cut diamond. Asscher-cut diamonds offer brilliance in addition to their distinctive attractiveness. Their step facets and cropped corners give them an octagonal appearance when viewed from above. With an Asscher cut diamond, you can look right through it, emphasizing clarity. Two varieties of Asscher Cuts exist. There are two types of Asscher cut diamonds: the regular and the royal. The Royal Asscher business created both. The typical Asscher diamond has 58 facets, which is equal to a round brilliant. It seems like a vintage "hall of mirrors" because of the way these facets are arranged, which makes it ideal for vintage engagement ring

EMERALD-CUT

Emerald cut diamonds are valued for their clear lines rather than their brightness. The cut was originally devised for the purpose of cutting emeralds. Emerald cuts have a distinctive appearance that particularly highlights their elegance and purity thanks to a sizable table and the step cuts on the pavilion. Emerald-cut diamonds can have a variable length-to-width ratio, just like oval diamonds. An optimal length-to-width ratio for a traditional emerald-cut form, which typically has 57 facets, is between 1.40 and 1.50. Emerald cut diamond shapes are ideal for three-stone engagement ring settings and go nicely with solitaire and straightforward pave settings.

MARQUISE-CUT

A variation on the brilliant cut, the uncommon marquise-cut has two pointed ends and curving edges. Marquise cuts give the appearance of a larger stone since they have the biggest crown surface area of any diamond shape thanks to its long, narrow boat shape. A marquise-shaped diamond's style is also perfect for lengthening the wearer's fingers.

OVAL-CUT

The exquisite elongated shape of an oval cut diamond is combined with the brilliant faceting of round diamonds. Without altering the actual carat size and weight of the diamonds, oval diamond cuts actually make them appear larger than they actually are. Additionally, it may give the wearer's fingers a longer, thinner appearance. The ratio of length to breadth of traditional oval diamonds ranges from 1.35 to 1.50.

RADIANT-CUT

A radiant-cut diamond features square corners and straight sides, just like an emerald-cut. But because of their faceting, which increases its brilliance significantly, the diamond is extremely brilliant. Radiant-cut diamonds are cut using a hybrid technique that blends the round brilliant cut's faceting with the crisp lines of square cuts. Radiant-cut diamonds can be square or rectangular in shape. Because more of the original diamond rough is used throughout the cutting process and less is wasted, radiant cut diamonds are among the most reasonably priced cuts.

PEAR-CUT

The pear-shaped diamond has a single tapering point that makes it resemble a drop of water. The long pear diamond shape gently slims the fingers when worn with the tip pointing up or down the finger. This cut, which has a high glitter, is in the vintage style. A pear-cut diamond can have different dimensions, but the most common ratio is between 1.45 and 1.75. Pear-shaped diamonds are quite adaptable because they look well as side stones and accent stones as well as center stones.

HEART-CUT

A diamond cut in the shape of a heart makes an unusual and significant choice for an engagement ring. Heart-shaped diamonds, which are a modified round brilliant cut with 56 to 58 facets and great brilliance, are typically worn as solitaire rings or pendants. A heart-shaped diamond engagement ring is a lovely option for customers who are more romantic.

The categorization of Diamond Shapes

How can you choose the ideal diamond shape for you now that you are aware of the various shapes that are available? Here are some pointers for matching your individual sense of style with the ideal diamond shape.

Traditional Design

The best option is usually to go with the basics for more conventional wearers. Your best option is round-cut dazzling. Asscher-cut, marquise, and cushion-cut diamonds are more excellent options. These are classic selections that are always in style. For a traditional, timeless piece of jewelry, place Asscher-cut diamonds in a classic ring or necklace setting.

Modern Design

Elegant and elegant shapes are the most appropriate for you if you tend to like modern designs. Emerald, princess-cut, or oval diamonds are the options available to you. These shapes are more whimsical and look great in contemporary ring and necklace settings.

Trendy Design

Heart-shaped or pear-shaped diamonds are the finest cuts for you if you prefer unusual and distinctive jewelry and are more drawn to trendy pieces. These are less likely to be found in a conventional engagement ring, so if you're looking for something special, these might be your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions Relating the Shape of Diamonds

what shape is a diamond?
Most rough diamonds are octahedrons, which are shaped like two pyramids placed end to end, which is quite close to how diamonds are drawn. Diamonds are cut in a variety of ways when used in jewelry to accommodate the preferences of the new owner.

Which diamond shape is ideal for me?
The length of your finger and your own taste are the two primary considerations when choosing the form of a diamond. If your fingers are stockier and shorter, go for a more elongated form, such an oval, pear, or marquise cut diamond. You will have more possibilities if your fingers are longer, although square or round incisions are usually better.

Which diamond form appears to be the largest?
The appearance of round diamonds is that they appear larger than their true carat weight. Since circular cuts can have a bigger diameter due to their shallower depth, they can give the appearance of a larger stone.

Which cut of diamond has the most sparkle?
With 58 facets, the round brilliant cut is sometimes referred to as the "classic" cut. Diamonds are most recognized for their glitter, and this is what this one delivers the most of because of its many facets.

What is a diamond's carat size?
Single carat diamond cuts will have a diameter of about 6.5 mm, though exact sizes may differ. Although this is a decent approximation, the size may vary depending on the cut and the stone's proportions.

What is the ideal diamond shape?
Because they display the most brilliance, round brilliant cut diamonds are the most sought-after. Diamond shapes like Princess Cut and Cushion Cut are also common for engagement rings.

Which diamond cut is the priciest?
The round brilliant cut is the priciest because it requires the most facets of any shape, meaning that cutters must reject more rough material in their extremely precise job. Although round cut diamonds are more expensive since you pay for a larger stone than you really receive, they are still a common form for rough diamonds.

What Shape Is a Diamond?
The general geometric shape and physical form of a rough diamond are used to characterize the shapes of diamond cuts.

How Should Various Diamond Cuts Be Comparable?
The term "diamond cut" describes the quality of the cut that highlights the brilliance of the diamond, not the rough shapes of the diamond stones. A well cut diamond bounces both colorful and white light back into your eyes. A diamond with inadequate cutting is dull rather than brilliant. Round brilliant cuts bring out a gemstone's maximum glimmer.

How Do Diamond Shapes Affect Price?
Diamond shapes have a direct impact on price because some forms are connected with higher manufacturing costs, more demand, and greater brilliance. The round brilliant diamond cut is one of the most expensive and often used raw diamond shapes.

How Do Diamond Shapes Affect Face-Up Size?
In general, a higher-set diamond makes the ring appear bigger. Face-up, marquise cut diamonds appear 15% larger than round diamonds. Trillion, oval, and pear-shaped diamonds can appear enormous for their carat weight.

Which is the most expensive diamond shape?
The round diamond cut is the most expensive diamond form since a substantial portion of the rough diamond is discarded during the cutting and polishing process, leaving only around 40% of the original stone and providing the most brightness.

How do you wear a pear-shaped diamond?
Pear shaped diamonds are versatile and can be used as both a center stone and stunning diamond accent stones.

How are diamonds carved into shape?
A highly educated diamond cutter can cut diamonds by hand or with a laser cutting equipment. They can cut diamonds efficiently, which needs a high level of precision and artistry.