DIAMOND (and precious gem) SHAPES
What is the difference between CUT and SHAPE?
CUT is often confused with SHAPE, although there is a big difference between them. Before you begin your diamond engagement ring search, learn the important facts to differentiate the two.
The type of CUT a stone has refers to how well it returns light. The amount of light return has to do with the geometric facet pattern of a particular stone. The closer it is to an Ideal standard, the more sparkle it will emit. Stones are often more valuable and desirable the more light they return.
Diamond SHAPE refers to the general silhouette of a stone when viewed face up. These are the common terms you hear such as Round Brilliant, Oval, and Princess. Shapes are created to suit a variety of needs and continue to become more modern and unique. There are dozens of different styles, but only around 11 that are the most well-known.
TYPES OF DIAMOND CUTS AND SHAPES
Round Brilliant: This is by far the most popular diamond shape because it returns the most amount of light due to its Ideal facet pattern. It resembles a simple circle, which makes it extremely versatile. The Round Brilliant cut diamond is renowned for its exceptional light return due to its precisely calculated facet pattern. Its near-perfect circular shape makes it incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of jewelry styles. This timeless classic continues to be the most popular choice for engagement rings, offering unmatched brilliance and a symmetrical, elegant appearance that has captivated hearts for generations.
Oval: Although similar to the shape of Round Brilliant, the Oval cut diamond is much more modern. It returns a great deal of light, almost to the extent of a Brilliant cut. The Oval cut diamond, while similar in brilliance to the Round Brilliant, introduces a contemporary twist with its elongated shape. Its unique proportions create an illusion of a larger size, making it a favorite among those seeking a balance between tradition and modernity. This shape’s ability to reflect light is nearly on par with the Round Brilliant, making it a captivating choice for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication.
Princess: As the second most popular shape, the Princess cut diamond also similarly returns light to a Brilliant. Due to their square shape, their versatility is endless. As the second most sought-after shape, the Princess cut diamond is a square wonder that shares the Round Brilliant’s ability to sparkle brilliantly. Its clean lines and sharp corners add a bold, modern edge to any jewelry piece. Princess cut diamonds offer endless versatility, making them ideal for both solitaire engagement rings and accent stones in intricate settings. The striking combination of symmetry and sparkle makes them a popular choice for contemporary brides.
Emerald: The Emerald cut diamond is referred to as a step cut because it features long, open facets that resemble steps. This shape is similar to a rectangle and is featured in vintage designs. The Emerald cut, often referred to as a step cut, stands out with its unique, rectangular shape and long, open facets resembling steps. This vintage-inspired shape exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate classic designs. The distinctive charm of the Emerald cut lies in its ability to showcase a diamond’s clarity and color, providing a window into its inner world of beauty.
Pear: The pear shaped diamond is a modern style that is often seen in halo settings. It is known to have a slenderizing effect on fingers due to its tapered end. The pear-shaped diamond, resembling a teardrop, epitomizes modern elegance. Its distinctive silhouette gracefully tapers to a pointed end, creating a visually appealing shape that’s often seen in halo settings. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Pear shape is known for its flattering effect on fingers, giving them an elongated appearance. This blend of style and visual impact makes it a sought-after choice for those seeking a touch of sophistication.
Cushion: The Cushion cut diamond shape is a modern interpretation of Princess. It features a similar square silhouette but has rounded corners which give it a pillow-like appearance. The Cushion cut diamond combines the best of two worlds, merging the square shape of the Princess cut with rounded corners to create a soft, pillow-like appearance. This modern interpretation of the classic Princess shape adds a touch of contemporary charm to traditional designs. The Cushion cut’s ability to balance clean lines with gentle curves makes it a versatile choice, suited for a variety of jewelry styles, from vintage-inspired to modern.
Heart: The unique shape of the Heart is feminine and romantic. It is commonly seen in studs and engagement rings in a solitaire setting. The Heart-shaped diamond is the epitome of romance and femininity. Its distinctive silhouette, crafted with precision, captures the essence of love. This shape is commonly seen in stud earrings and engagement rings, often set in a solitaire style to emphasize its unique form. The Heart shape’s sentimental appeal and graceful lines make it a cherished choice for those seeking a symbol of enduring love and affection.
Marquise: Similar to the pear-shaped diamond, the Marquise shape also has a slenderizing effect on the fingers, only more so due to tapered edges on both sides. Similar to the Pear shape, the Marquise cut diamond features an elongated profile, but with tapered edges on both sides. This elegant shape not only adds a touch of drama to jewelry but also creates a flattering illusion of longer fingers. Its elongated form allows for creative design options, making it a popular choice for unique and eye-catching pieces that beautifully balance tradition and modernity.
Asscher: Also known as a step-cut, the Asscher cut features longer facets which give it a staircase appearance. It flashes long lines of sparkle, instead of the typical all-over sparkle. The Asscher cut, also known as a step-cut, captivates with its unique appearance featuring longer facets that create a mesmerizing staircase effect. Unlike traditional cuts with all-over sparkle, the Asscher cut diamond flashes long lines of brilliance, giving it a distinct and captivating allure. This shape is perfect for those who appreciate geometric precision and a vintage-inspired aesthetic, making it a remarkable choice for heirloom-quality jewelry.
Radiant: The radiant cut diamond closely resembles the shape of an Emerald but has a brilliant facet pattern applied to the pavilion and crown which makes it shine with much more brilliance. The Radiant cut diamond offers the best of both worlds, merging the elegance of the Emerald shape with a brilliant facet pattern applied to the pavilion and crown. This fusion results in a dazzling display of brilliance that sets it apart. Radiant cut diamonds are prized for their luxury and captivating sparkle, making them a preferred choice for those who desire a touch of opulence and modern sophistication in their jewelry.
Trillion: Although it looks similar to the shape of a triangle, the Trillion shape features rounded edges that give it a smooth finish, popular in modern designs. The Trillion shape, often mistaken for a triangle, showcases rounded edges that provide a smooth and elegant finish. This shape’s versatility lies in its ability to fit seamlessly into modern jewelry designs. The Trillion cut is favored for its dynamic appearance, combining the geometric allure of a triangle with a touch of softness. Its unique aesthetic appeals to those seeking jewelry that stands out with contemporary flair.
8ct Trillion cut golden Sapphire