Every diamond shape has its own unique characteristics which gives each one its desirable appearance. From traditionally classic and versatile round brilliant to the meticulously and mathematically cut marquise there is a shape for everyone. Every shape with its own unique traits can completely change the appearance of a ring design, from vintage to contemporary, from being elegantly subtle to extravagantly bold. Let your personality choose the right shape for you.
Research over the years has given gemstone cutters the precise calculations to create ideal proportions giving this shape potential fire, brilliance and sparkle, therefore making it by far the most superior and popular of all shapes. Choosing a round brilliant gives you the versatility in regards to balancing the colour, clarity and virtually all round diamonds are brilliant cut giving it 58 facets and 57 with no culet.
The princess cut diamond is typically cut perfectly square, however sometimes are slightly rectangular. The brilliant- style shape with sharp, uncut corners is the most popular amongst the fancy shapes especially in engagement rings. The number of facets on the bottom of the princess cut influences its performance. Therefore the princess cut is more favourable to those who appreciate the characteristics of a round brilliant but prefer the square look.
The emerald cut diamond is a very popular shape known for its beauty and precision. This elegant cut is a rectangular shape with diagonally cut corners. This style is also referred as ‘the step cut’, if viewed from above resembles a staircase. Its rectangular cut facets give it an optical appearance making it quite the unique cut.While it lacks the brilliance of diamonds cut with triangular and kite shaped facets, it more than makes up for its extreme clarity.
The Asscher Brothers were the first to produce this unique shape in 1902, making them famous at the time for cutting the largest rough diamond. Earning its popularity at the time, today the Asscher cut has had many modifications, likelarger step cut facets, higher crown and a smaller table producing more brilliance than the emerald. Although the modern Asscher cut is similar to that of the emerald, it is square in shape. Like the emerald the Asscher cut also highlights the clarity of a stone.
This pillow shaped diamond (hence the name) is a square or rectangular brilliant cut diamond with rounded corners and curved sides. Over the years with refinements to creatinglarger facets, a smaller culet and improved angles, it has given this shape more brilliance than ever before. Today the cushion cut is chosen by those who still want an antique feel with a contemporary performance.
Radiant is similar to the princess cut but more rectangular (although not always) and has blocked corners like those of an emerald, a cut cornered modified brilliant. The radiant is a dramatic look for a centre stone, however looks great paired with sides stones like baguettes or trapezoids. Due to its angled corners, it lacks issues during setting in comparison to the sharply cornered princess cut.
The oval cut combines round’s sparkle with an elongated outline. This unique elongated shape which not only gives the illusion of greater size but when well- proportioned creates the illusion of longer and slender fingers for the wearer, whilst also exhibiting brilliance similar to that of a round brilliant and a marquise.
Like the oval, marquise or Navette,‘(French for ‘little boat’) resembles the hull of a boat. It can maximise carat weight giving you a much larger looking diamond. This fancy shape also maximises the perception of longer and slender fingers. Marquise cut diamonds also looks good paired with rounds or pear shapes as side stones.
Pear This water drop shape is quite a desirable cut especially if you wish to create an illusion of slender and longer fingers when cut in the ideal proportions. It shares similar characteristics to the marquise and round brilliant in regards to brilliance and design style. The optimal pear shape is one with a polished girdle and rounded base, and makes more of an impression due to its unusual shape.
The heart is also a unique and popular shape especially in pendants and rings. Its shape representing the symbol of love undoubtedly entices people’s desirability towards this cut. When choosing this shape it is important to keep in mind the importance of its symmetry as it is essential that the two halves are identical to achieve the classic love heart shape.
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