Looking to buy an engagement ring? A wedding band? Maybe the perfect promise ring?
The gemstone that’s most likely to cross your mind would be a diamond. There are many things that make this stone special – the unmatched sparkle, stunning clarity and a variety of cuts.
Among these, the diamond’s cut and shape are what grab our attention the first time we see it. In this article, let’s take a look at some popular diamond cuts and diamond shapes you can choose from.
Diamond Cut vs. Diamond Shape: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between diamond cuts and diamond shapes is essential when selecting your ideal stone.
A diamond’s cut refers to how a diamond’s facets are proportioned and polished. It plays a critical role in the diamond’s ability to interact with light, impacting its brilliance, sparkle and scintillation. As a key component of the 4Cs of diamonds (Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat), the cut directly affects the diamond’s value.
Diamond shape, on the other hand, refers to the outline of the diamond as viewed from the top. The shape influences the way light enters and exits the stone, enhancing its sparkle.
Read: What Diamond Shape Says About Your Personality
Why Diamond Shape and Cut Matter
A diamond’s shape and cut are very important for assessing its quality and overall appearance. An expertly cut diamond will exhibit extraordinary brilliance and sparkle from every angle, while a poorly cut diamond may appear dull. Hence, understanding the different types of diamond shapes and cuts is crucial for selecting a diamond that maximizes sparkle and visual appeal.
Popular Diamond Shapes
Here are some of the most sought-after diamond shapes:
1. Round
The round-shaped diamond is the most popular of all shapes. It makes up about 70% of all the diamonds that are available in the market today. The faceting pattern is carved in such a manner that it delivers just the right amount of sparkle to the diamond making it the most valuable shape and a timeless option.
2. Oval
Oval-shaped diamonds are a close relative of the round variety. This cut gives the radiant diamond an elongated look. It is perfect for people with small hands as it makes the fingers look stretched out and beautiful. Due to its elongated shape, it appears larger than a round diamond of equal carat.
3. Pear
Pear-shaped, also known as ‘teardrop’ is a little bit of both oval and round. Symmetry is the most exuberant factor about this ring. A perfectly carved pear-shaped diamond exudes unmatched style and uniqueness. Delivering an elongated silhouette of the finger, this shape is becoming a classic choice for ring selections.
4. Marquise
Marquise diamonds are pretty similar to oval-shaped diamonds except that the ends are stretched out. They also display the largest surface area. Delivering both beauty and style, rings featuring the marquise-cut diamond surely make heads turn.
5. Cushion
Cushion-cut diamonds are a slightly varied form of a princess cut diamond. They showcase subtle oval curves around the edges of a rectangular or square-shaped diamond. Exuding a vintage charm fused with modern-day appeal, cushion-cut diamonds are definitely a treat for the eyes.
6. Emerald
Named after the gemstone, the emerald-cut is typically rectangular and features “step” cuts that resemble stairs when viewed from above. Its wide, flat facets provide a clear view into the stone, making it an ideal cut for diamonds with high clarity and vibrant color. This elegant shape highlights the purity and brilliance of emerald-cut diamonds beautifully.
7. Heart
Symbol of love and romance, the heart shape diamond is a popular gifting choice. It might look simple but it features a lot of complex carvings. Hence it is important to choose an evenly shaped diamond with an ideal length-to-width ratio.
8. Radiant
What do you get when you combine the elegant emerald-cut with the brilliant round cut? It’s the radiant shape. This one is available in square as well as rectangular versions with distinctly trimmed corners. Radiant-shaped diamonds, with their non-traditional cut, have become a favorite choice for contemporary engagement rings.
9. Asscher
Also known as a square emerald cut, the Asscher diamond is popular for its square shape and step-cut facets. The Asscher cut is both durable and visually captivating, making it a popular choice to consider when you’re out to buy diamond engagement rings.
Shop Diamond Rings by Shape
Find a unique shape that suits your personality.
Popular Diamond Cuts
Learn about the different diamond cuts and their characteristics:
1. Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant diamond cut is the most popular and versatile diamond cut, known for its unparalleled sparkle and brilliance. This cut features 57 to 58 polished facets. Each facet is precisely aligned to maximize the diamond’s interaction with light, creating a mesmerizing display of brilliance, fire and scintillation.
2. Fancy Brilliant Cut
The fancy brilliant cut encompasses a range of diamond shapes that exhibit the brilliance and sparkle characteristic of the round cut but in unique forms. This category includes shapes like a cushion, pear, oval, marquise and heart brilliant cuts. Each of these fancy cuts is designed to reflect light in different ways, allowing for a personalized touch while maintaining exceptional brilliance.
3. Step Cut
The step-cut diamond is known for its elegance and clarity, achieved through its distinctive arrangement of facets. This cut features long, parallel facets that resemble steps, hence the name. Step cuts are most commonly seen in the emerald cut and Asscher cut. Step cuts are favored for their classic, understated elegance and ability to highlight the diamond’s clarity.
4. Vintage Cuts
Vintage cuts capture the charm and craftsmanship of earlier diamond-cutting techniques, often seen in styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The old European cut is a precursor of the modern round brilliant cut, characterized by its larger facets and a more rounded shape.
5. Rose Cuts
The rose cut is one of the oldest and most cherished diamond cuts, known for its soft and romantic sparkle. It consists of triangular facets arranged in a symmetrical pattern that rises from a flat base. The cut’s name reflects its resemblance to rose petals, with a design that allows light to gently pass through the stone, creating a delicate, understated shine. The flat bottom helps maximize the stone’s transparency, making it ideal for vintage-inspired jewelry.
Each of these cuts offers its own unique attributes, allowing you to choose a diamond that best fits your style and preferences.
Does a Diamond Cut and Shape Affect Its Price?
The 4Cs– cut, carat, clarity and color– determine a diamond’s price. Among these, the cut is crucial for maximizing sparkle, and higher cut grades often command higher prices. For instance, the round brilliant cut is the most expensive due to its popularity and exceptional sparkle. On the other hand, the shape of a diamond affects its cost based on its popularity and intricacy of the cutting process.
By balancing these factors, you can find a diamond that aligns with both your taste and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. How do I choose a diamond shape?
Choose a diamond that offers exceptional brilliance and suits your preference, budget and finger shape.
Q2. Which diamond cut shape is best?
The round brilliant cut is widely regarded as the best for its unparalleled sparkle.
Q3. Which diamond cut is the most expensive?
The round brilliant cut diamond is the most expensive due to its superior brilliance and high demand.
