Guide to Diamond Shapes
Introduction to Diamond Shapes
Diamonds are a symbol of luxury, beauty, and romance. Diamonds do not automatically come cut and polished, however. In fact, newly mined diamonds are relatively dull in appearance. When cut, they reveal their true reflective nature. For centuries, artisans have been creating a variety of diamond shapes, or cuts, to fulfill a variety of roles. Here are a few of the most common in our Rumanoff’s Jewelry showroom.
Round Cut Diamonds
When you think of diamonds, what likely comes to your mind is the round cut. This is the quintessential shape, making up around 75% of all diamonds sold. This may be due to the fact that they are the most brilliant, owing to the sheer amount of facets carved in them. Each round cut stone has 58 sides that have been designed through both art and science to provide unparalleled radiance.
The round cut cannot be beaten when it comes to a classic, timeless style. They are also excellent for those looking for a truly glittering, radiant engagement ring.
Princess Cut Diamonds
These square-shaped stones are the second most popular. Beloved for a pleasant modern edge, the princess cut has a distinctive design that is sure to attract attention. They tend to have a more regal effect due to their distinct shape. This is magnified when accented by more of their peers, so a three-stone setting or pavé side stones give off an exquisitely radiant aesthetic. Princess cuts are sometimes referred to as “square modified brilliant.”
People who prefer eccentric and glamorous looks may find this cut to suit their style. There are only a few stones that match the spectacular shine of the princess cut.
Oval Cut Diamonds
The oval cut diamond is sophisticated, elegant, and refined. Sometimes called “modified brilliant,” they have a larger surface area that creates a bright and brilliant display. In fact, the oval cut is a close second to the classic round when it comes to light reflection. Unlike the round, these are uncommon and thus carry an eccentric allure.
The oval cut is feminine and dainty, beautifully elongating the fingers of the wearer. It may suit people who adore sophistication and elegance as well.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
An emerald cut diamond shape has an elongated, rectangular appearance. As a result, it creates a unique display of reflected light, sometimes referred to as the “hall of mirrors.” This also means that the emerald cut reveals the diamond’s quality in ways that other cuts do not. For lower-quality diamonds, we cannot recommend this cut.
If a stone with a clarity ranking of G or higher is used, however, it exhibits the diamond’s beauty in ways no other cut can. This is likely why many celebrities count the emerald cut as a favorite for engagement rings.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
Also called “teardrop”, the pear shaped diamond has a wide bottom and a narrow top. This attractive design is unique and elegant. For smaller stones, the shape makes the gem seem larger than it actually is. Their distinctive and feminine characteristics make them best suited for solitaire settings, so as to ensure the eye focuses on this gorgeous stone.
The pear cut is an excellent choice for brides in search of a feminine stone that is as refined as they are. It can also be an option for people wanting to make a relatively small stone look larger.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
The radiant cut can be seen as a hybrid of other styles, pulling features of many cuts for a dazzling effect. It could be described as a convergence of the princess and the oval, producing a fantastic combination of elegance and glamor. The rounded rectangular shape of a radiant cut diamond is rare and exquisite with over 70 facets cut into the stone.
This cut is ideal for a number of couples. The radiant is an exceptional option for people who love the emerald cut but want something more brilliant, as well as those with a penchant for the unique.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion cut features soft rounded edges and wide rectangular shapes, hence its name, and has an inviting, delightful appearance. These stones are the third most popular cut, beloved for their vintage style. There are, in fact, two variations of the cushion cut diamond. “Modern scintillation” has smaller facets put together to provide more radiance. “Vintage” has larger facets that create a star-shaped light display.
This cut is ideal for lovers of old-style jewelry. It is also an extraordinary option for those with extraordinary tastes.
