It’s a common misconception to use the terms cut and shape interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. While cut is one of the 4Cs, alongside carat, clarity, and color, and pertains to the arrangement of a stone’s facets, diamond shape specifically refers to the outline of the stone and becomes more relevant in choosing the style of jewelry.
For instance, a diamond can have an emerald cut and shape, but the quality can vary based on how the stone is cut. This variation influences the diamond’s value, and it’s crucial to consider the other 3Cs (carat, clarity, and color) in conjunction with the cut. Notably, the shape of a diamond on its own does not impact its price.
Diamonds are available in a wide variety of shapes, whether you’re in the market for an engagement ring or another piece of diamond jewelry. Explore more about the most common diamond shapes to make an informed decision.
Round
The round diamond holds significant popularity, particularly in solitaire engagement rings, with approximately half of engagement ring center stones being round. Renowned for its perfect symmetry, the round diamond is considered the most brilliant cut available. The versatility of the round shape makes it well-suited for various styles of jewelry, spanning from modern designs to those inspired by vintage aesthetics.
Princess
The princess-shaped diamond enjoys popularity due to its sophisticated square shape, which creates the illusion of a larger diamond. Although it holds a second-place ranking after round-shaped stones, diamond cutters favor the princess shape because it necessitates the fewest number of cuts and can retain more weight.
Similar to round diamonds, princess-cut diamonds are versatile and complement almost any style of ring. Proper setting is essential, and they should always be set with prongs to protect the stone’s four corners and prevent chipping.
Oval
Oval-shaped diamonds, renowned for their stunning appearance, have achieved fame through notable examples such as the Koh-I-Noor diamond housed in the Tower of London and the 184-carat Victoria, cut in 1887.
The popularity of today’s oval diamonds emerged in the 1960s. While showcasing the fire and brilliance reminiscent of round shapes, the oval cut also creates the illusion of elongating the wearer’s finger. This combination of aesthetics has contributed to the enduring appeal of oval-shaped diamonds.
Marquise
The marquise diamond stands out for having one of the largest surface areas per carat, making it a favorable choice for maximizing perceived size.
Symmetry holds particular significance with this diamond shape, as even slight variations can result in an uneven appearance. The marquise shape is versatile and can work effectively as a distinctive take on a solitaire style or as the central stone framed by accent diamonds.
Pear
The brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamond seamlessly combines elements of round and marquise shapes, featuring a tapered point on one end. An ideally shaped pear diamond exhibits excellent symmetry, with the point aligning precisely with its apex at the rounded end.
Traditionally, when wearing a pear-shaped diamond, it is recommended to position the point outward toward the finger for an aesthetically pleasing and balanced appearance.
Emerald
Originally crafted to accentuate the qualities of emeralds, the emerald shape has seamlessly transitioned to showcase the beauty of diamonds.
Characterized by step cuts on its pavilion and a large, open table, emerald-shaped diamonds create a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect, captivating observers with a play between light and dark planes. This shape is particularly well-suited for stones of very high quality, enhancing the overall allure of emerald-shaped diamonds.
Asscher
If you appreciate a vintage aesthetic, consider an Asscher-shaped diamond. Named after its creator, Joseph Asscher, the Asscher-cut diamond gained popularity in Art Deco jewelry.
Resembling the emerald cut, the Asscher cut features larger, generally square facets rather than rectangular ones, along with a higher crown and a smaller table. This combination often results in more brilliance compared to the emerald cut, contributing to the enduring appeal of Asscher-shaped diamonds, especially in the context of vintage-inspired designs.
Cushion
The cushion diamond, also referred to as the old mine cut diamond, is meticulously crafted to preserve as much diamond weight as possible. Exhibiting a square cut with rounded corners, this diamond shape resembles a pillow, hence its name. Renowned for its vintage flair and exceptional sparkle, the cushion diamond is particularly popular when paired with a halo setting. The unique combination of its shape and setting makes it an appealing choice for those seeking timeless elegance and brilliance.
Radiant
Radiant-cut diamonds feature a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern on both the crown and pavilion, resulting in a diamond that exudes vibrancy and liveliness.
The intricate design of the radiant cut necessitates more diamond mass to achieve optimal brilliance, making it imperative to choose a stone of high quality. This cut is ideal for those who appreciate a dynamic and sparkling appearance in their diamond, and the emphasis on quality ensures that the radiant-cut diamond showcases its brilliance to the fullest extent.
Heart
The brilliant-cut heart-shaped diamond is a stunning symbol of love and romance — that’s why it’s a popular choice at Valentine’s Day. Only very skilled cutters can create the heart shape, with its sharp and distinct cleft and rounded wings. Heart-shaped diamonds are generally only found in larger sizes due to the difficulty of creating this fancy cut.
Jewelry Care
Jewelry possesses the potential to endure a lifetime and become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. Whether worn daily or reserved for special occasions, maintaining proper care is essential.
Explore the intricacies of cleaning various metals and gemstones, and gain insights into considerations when insuring your jewelry. Learn more about the nuances of jewelry care to ensure the longevity and continued beauty of your investment.
