Diamond Education
Diamond Shapes
Round is the most popular of the diamond engagement ring shapes, and it holds this title because the round brilliant cut is designed to produce maximum brightness, fire and sparkle in a colorless diamond. The modern round brilliant cut diamond has a round girdle outline, 56 symmetrically placed triangular and kite-shaped facets, a table facet and an optional culet facet, for a total of 57 or 58 facets.The perfect version of a round brilliant cut diamond exhibits the Hearts and Arrows phenomenon. Such diamonds are cut with utmost precision and possess superior characteristics; their facets are ideally aligned, displaying the pattern of eight hearts and eight arrows. Browse Round Diamonds
Although a shape that is many hundreds of years old, the oval diamond has gained popularity for engagement rings in recent years because of its elegance and the fire it shows when cut in the brilliant faceting style. In addition, with its greater surface area, an oval diamond may appear larger than a round brilliant diamond of the same weight (and, like rectangular and marquise diamonds, can help elongate shorter fingers). One advantage over other fancy shapes is that the rounded edges make it less prone to chipping.Oval shaped diamonds, along with other elongated fancy shaped diamonds, may display a bow-tie effect to a certain degree. the bow- tie on a well-cut oval diamond will be minimal. The recommended length-to-width ratio is between 1.33 and 1.66. Browse Oval Diamonds
Also known as the pillow cut, this cut has been adorning the fingers of brides for centuries with its curved sides and rounded corners.Some cushion cut diamonds have a “crushed ice” look which the sparkle is similar to a radiant or princess cut diamonds. While other cushion cut diamonds sparkle more like an excellent cut round brilliant. Personal taste is the deciding factor on which type of sparkle you prefer. But most clients usually pick the cushion brilliant look sparkle over the crushed ice look. Browse Cushion Diamonds
With its crisp, sophisticated lines, the emerald cut is the most popular of the step-cut diamonds. Its four longer sides have beveled corners with two, three or four concentric rows of facets, parallel to the girdle, on the crown and pavilion. The sleek clean(hall of mirrors) look of this cut highlights the diamonds clarity, color and flawlessness.An emerald cut diamond engagement ring is a perennial favorite with the stylish elite.Usually recommended length-to-width ratio for Emerald cuts is 1.50-1.75. Browse Emerald Diamonds
One of the newest rectangular shaped diamonds is the radiant cut, a modified brilliant cut introduced in 1977. It boasts the fire of a round brilliant cut diamond in a rectangular or square shape with cropped corners.The typical length to width ratio for square radiant shaped diamonds is between 1.00 and 1.08. If you prefer a slightly rectangular shape, the length to width ratio should be 1.10 – 1.20. Browse Radiant Diamonds
Created in 1981, the princess cut diamond has a modified brilliant facet arrangement that gives it electrifying sparkle and scintillation. It is important to choose a prong or bezel setting that protects the pointed corners. The ideal length to width ratio for square Princess cut diamonds is between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer a slightly rectangular Princess cut diamond, the length to width ratio should be between 1.10 and 1.20. Browse Princess Diamonds
Asscher cut was first introduced in 1902 but has since modified for greater brilliance.
Due to this unique faceting pattern, Asscher Cuts glimmer, like a hall of mirrors, as opposed to the traditional “sparkle” of round diamonds.The sleek clean look of this cut highlights the diamonds clarity, color and flawlessness.usually the recommended length-to-width ratio for asscher cuts is 1.00-1.05. Browse Asscher Diamonds
What’s great about marquise diamond shapes?
An attractive, elongated shape with a royal pedigree, the marquise (pronounced “mahr-keez”) was supposedly named for the Marquise de Pompadour, a mistress of King Louis XV, as its outline resembled the shape of her mouth. Because of its shape, a marquise diamond ring will look larger face up than a round diamond of the same weight. A marquise diamond engagement ring can also make the finger appear longer and more slender. Usually the recommended length to width ratio for marquise is 1.75 and 2.25. Browse Marquise Diamonds
An irresistible blend of the marquise and round brilliant, the pear shaped diamond is a stylish choice among diamond shapes. Worn with the point toward the tip of the finger, its graceful, tapered shape can make the hand look slimmer and more elegant, perfect for an engagement ring.When buying a Pear shaped diamond, one should avoid intense bow-tie effect. Usually the recommended length to width ratio for marquise is 1.45 and 1.75. Browse Pear Diamonds
The heart shaped diamond is the essence of romance. It is also a very flattering style for larger fingers.
There are good reasons why this is one of the rarest of diamond shapes for engagement rings. A well-shaped heart requires a large diamond, at least one-half carat. In addition, inclusions tend to be more prominent in this shape, so you want a diamond that has good clarity. Symmetry is also key: The well-rounded lobes should match in size and shape, as well as faceting style, and the cleft between them (as well as the point) should be well defined.The standard length to width ratio is between .90 and 1.10. Browse Heart Diamonds
