When it comes to buying a diamond, one of the most important factors to consider is the shape of the stone. Diamond shape refers to the physical appearance of the stone, which can greatly affect its overall beauty and value. In this guide, we will explore various diamond shapes and their characteristics, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond.
Understanding Diamond Shapes
Diamond shape refers to the outline or silhouette of the stone when viewed from above. It is important to note that diamond shape is not the same as diamond cut. While diamond cut refers to how well a diamond has been cut and faceted to maximize its brilliance, shape refers to the overall geometrical form of the stone.
When it comes to diamond shapes, there is a wide variety to choose from. Each shape has its own unique characteristics and appeal. Let's explore some of the most popular diamond shapes:
Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, known for its exceptional brilliance and sparkle. Its symmetrical shape and 58 facets allow for maximum light reflection, creating a dazzling display of fire and scintillation. This classic shape is timeless and versatile, suiting a wide range of jewelry styles and settings.
Princess Cut
The princess cut is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with pointed corners. It is the second most popular diamond shape and is known for its modern and elegant appearance. The princess cut combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a unique square shape, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a rectangular-shaped diamond with step-cut facets. This shape is characterized by its clean lines and large, open table, which allows for a unique play of light and showcases the diamond's clarity. The emerald cut is often chosen for those who prefer a sophisticated and vintage-inspired look.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with rounded corners. It is known for its pillow-like appearance and romantic appeal. The cushion cut combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a soft, antique-inspired shape, making it a popular choice for vintage-style engagement rings.
Marquise Cut
The marquise cut is a football-shaped diamond with pointed ends. This elongated shape creates an illusion of length, making the finger appear slimmer and more elegant. The marquise cut is often chosen for those who want a unique and dramatic look.
Oval Cut
The oval cut is an elongated and symmetrical diamond shape with soft, rounded edges. It combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a flattering elongated shape, making it a popular choice for those who want a classic yet unique look.
Pear Cut
The pear cut, also known as the teardrop shape, is a combination of a round and marquise shape. It has a rounded end and a tapering point, resembling a drop of water. The pear cut offers a graceful and feminine look, making it a popular choice for pendants and earrings.
Heart Cut
The heart cut is a romantic and symbolic diamond shape. It is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top, resembling a heart. The heart cut is often chosen for special occasions and represents love and affection.
How Diamond Shapes Affect Value
While the value of a diamond is determined by various factors, including the 4Cs (carat weight, color, clarity, and cut), shape can also influence its value. Some diamond shapes, such as round brilliant cuts, are more popular and in higher demand, resulting in higher prices. On the other hand, less common shapes may offer a unique and distinctive look at a more affordable price.
It's important to consider personal preference and style when choosing a diamond shape. Ultimately, the right diamond shape is the one that speaks to you and complements your individual taste and personality.
Round Cut Diamonds
Round cut diamonds are the most popular and classic diamond shape. Known for their brilliant sparkle, round cut diamonds are often chosen for engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces. Their symmetrical shape and 58-facet cut maximize light reflection and create a captivating sparkle.
When it comes to round cut diamonds, there is a rich history and tradition that adds to their allure. The round cut has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. It was during this time that diamond cutters discovered the optimal way to shape a diamond to maximize its brilliance and fire.
The round cut is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also offers superior light performance. The 58 facets of a round cut diamond act as tiny mirrors, reflecting and refracting light to create a mesmerizing display of brilliance. This is why round cut diamonds are often referred to as the "sparkliest" of all diamond shapes.
Characteristics of Round Cut Diamonds
Round cut diamonds are characterized by their circular shape with a cone-shaped pavilion, a flat table, and a crown made up of triangular and kite-shaped facets. This cut is designed to maximize light performance and enhance the diamond's brilliance.
One of the key features of a round cut diamond is its symmetry. Each facet is carefully placed to ensure that light is evenly distributed throughout the stone, resulting in a balanced and dazzling display of sparkle. The cone-shaped pavilion allows light to enter the diamond from all angles, further enhancing its brilliance.
Another characteristic of round cut diamonds is their versatility. Due to their popularity, round cut diamonds can be found in a wide range of sizes, from small accent stones to large center stones. This makes them suitable for various jewelry designs and settings.
Ideal Settings for Round Cut Diamonds
Round cut diamonds are versatile and can be set in a variety of settings. They look stunning in solitaire settings, where the focus is solely on the diamond, as well as in halo and pavé settings, where smaller diamonds surround the center stone, enhancing its sparkle.
In a solitaire setting, a round cut diamond takes center stage, allowing its brilliance to shine through. This classic and timeless setting puts all the attention on the diamond, making it the star of the show.
For those who want to add extra sparkle and glamour to their round cut diamond, a halo setting is a popular choice. In this setting, smaller diamonds are set around the center stone, creating a halo effect that amplifies the diamond's brilliance.
Pavé settings, on the other hand, feature tiny diamonds set closely together, creating a continuous sparkle that extends beyond the center stone. This setting adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a round cut diamond.
Whether set in a solitaire, halo, or pavé setting, round cut diamonds are sure to make a statement. Their timeless beauty and exceptional sparkle make them a popular choice for those seeking a classic and elegant diamond shape.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are known for their contemporary and elegant appearance. They have a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners, similar to an inverted pyramid. Princess cut diamonds offer a combination of brilliant sparkle and geometric style.
Features of Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds have a unique faceting pattern that enhances their brilliance and fire. This cut features sharp corners and a large table, providing a modern and trendy look. Princess cut diamonds can also show more color compared to round cut diamonds, making careful color grading important for these stones.
Best Uses for Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are versatile and can suit various ring styles. They are particularly popular in engagement rings, where their square shape adds a touch of modern elegance. Princess cut diamonds also look beautiful in three-stone settings, where they can be paired with other diamond shapes for a unique and sophisticated look.
Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds offer a brilliant sparkle and a unique elongated shape. They are a popular choice for those seeking a diamond that appears larger than its carat weight suggests. Oval cut diamonds are known for their elegant and elongating effect on the finger.
Defining Traits of Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds have an elongated oval shape with rounded corners. They typically have 58 facets and a brilliant cut, which maximizes their fire and brilliance. Oval cut diamonds can also have a bow-tie effect, a dark area in the center of the stone caused by light leakage.
When to Choose Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds are a great choice for those who prefer a unique and elongated shape. They can create the illusion of longer and slender fingers, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings. Oval cut diamonds also pair well with other diamond shapes in multi-stone settings, allowing for endless design possibilities.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald cut diamonds are known for their unique and sophisticated appearance. This rectangular or square-shaped diamond cut is characterized by long, step-like facets, which create a reflective effect known as the "hall of mirrors" effect.
The Appeal of Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald cut diamonds have a distinctive and elegant look that appeals to those seeking understated glamour. Due to their larger table and step-cut faceting, emerald cut diamonds showcase clarity more prominently than brilliance. They offer a timeless and vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Selecting the Perfect Emerald Cut Diamond
When choosing an emerald cut diamond, it is important to consider its clarity. Since the step-cut faceting tends to highlight inclusions, look for diamonds with higher clarity grades. Additionally, emerald cut diamonds look stunning in solitaire settings, as well as in three-stone or halo settings, where their unique shape can be enhanced with additional diamonds.
Conclusion
When selecting a diamond, considering the shape is crucial to finding a stone that aligns with your personal style and preferences. From the classic brilliance of round cut diamonds to the modern elegance of princess cut diamonds, and the sophisticated charm of oval and emerald cut diamonds, each shape offers its own unique beauty. By understanding the characteristics and features of different diamond shapes, you can confidently choose the perfect diamond that suits your taste and captures your heart.
