Diamonds are some of the most sought-after and treasured gemstones due to their timelessness, beauty, and radiance. For centuries, people have incorporated diamonds into jewelry to create breathtaking pieces that fit any style.
The selection process may seem daunting; however, our guide helps you navigate the various diamond shapes available on the market. Information about cut shape and characteristics can make the decision easier while ensuring a wise purchase. Let us help you discover your perfect diamond!
Round
The classic round-cut diamond is famous among brides because it can sparkle and reflect light. The shape of the stone is versatile, fitting well in solitaires, two- or three-stone settings, and even in geometric settings for a different vintage look. Whether you’re looking to stay traditional or be more unique, round brilliant-cut diamonds offer something for every bride who appreciates good quality and timeless style. Also If you want wide selection round diamond rings, check out kingofjewelry.com.
Princess
The princess cut is considered one of the most illustrious diamond shapes and offers an advantage over a round regarding cost – around 25-35% off. Also, because of its long diagonal measurement, this shape has the illusion of being more significant than its actual size, making it perfect for short hands with wide or narrow fingers. It is important to note, however, that the sharp corners of a princess cut can be prone to snags or chips; therefore, they should be secured in prongs while buying. Moreover, ensure no inclusions near the edges as these weaken their integrity. In conclusion, thanks to its brilliance and scalability across different finger sizes, this diamond cut is a popular choice among customers!
Cushion Cut
For romantics, the classic charm of cushion-cut diamonds is hard to deny. With its antique design, this cut is incredibly flattering for those with slim oval hands and long fingers. It’s no wonder that these gems are so popular—the slanted angles create an optimized amount of sparkle! Plus, cushion-cut diamonds can be up to 42% cheaper than equivalent rounds. Just keep in mind: for a given quality and carat weight, the diamond’s size may appear slightly smaller when it has a cushion cut.
Oval
Oval-cut diamonds are a popular choice for East-West settings. They have a unique, elongated shape that can create the illusion of larger stones and longer fingers. Their brilliance rivals round cuts, and they’re 10-30% more affordable than rounds, with an 8% increase in face-up area. The oval-shaped stone is an elegant and unique option that dazzles like a round-cut stone when appropriately cut. Although, if it is not cut correctly, it can exhibit “bowtie” effects or reveal flaws in the stone. To counteract this, select a salt-and-pepper oval diamond to make any imperfections part of your look. When finding the perfect diamond, an oval cut might be your best bet!
Pear
An enigmatic hybrid, the pear-shaped diamond is both modern and timeless. Its unique shape has been around from as far back as the 1400s. This cut may be for you if you’re a vintage-loving bride who wants something exceptional! Since more of the stone is visible from the top view, it tends to appear larger than other cuts – significant if the size is your primary concern. But because it’s prone to chipping at its pointed tip, stick with a bezel or half-V setting for added protection. In general, it will also show inclusions more readily than other diamonds, so ensure it’s correctly cut for optimal brilliance.
Marquise
The distinctive silhouette of a marquise cut, also known as the Navette cut, gives off a regal feeling. Its curved sides and pointed ends create an elegant football shape outline. This diamond cut offers the illusion of a bigger size and can elongate the finger when set vertically while providing maximum sparkle with its brilliantly-cut facets. It’s important to note, though, that its delicate pointed edges may be prone to chipping and breakage if not set correctly. Additionally, poor craftsmanship may provide an unwanted “bowtie” appearance across the center of the diamond.
Heart
Heart-shaped diamonds are a sign of love that comes with many benefits. These vibrant, rare diamonds feature an aperture at the top for a brilliant shine. However, heart cuts should be avoided on tiny and thin hands as they appear bulky. Heart-shaped diamonds are pretty romantic and cost less than rounds, though they have an approximately 7% smaller face-up area. It’s best to stick to 1 ct diamonds or larger when purchasing a heart-cut diamond due to their vulnerability to chipping and snagging.
Emerald
The emerald-cut diamond is characterized by its long lines and distinct “hall of mirrors” sparkle. It’s an expensive diamond shape that may be up to 12-42% cheaper than a round shape of the same carat weight because it lacks fire and brilliance compared to other shapes, such as cushion shapes. Emerald cuts are perfect for an edgy yet sophisticated look, slimming on the finger, and work great with East-West rings. While you can easily spot inclusions with this cut, remember that emerald cuts also appear smaller because of their lack of fire and brilliance.
Asscher
The Asscher cut is a classic shape, featuring 58 high-faceted step cuts that allow it to hold its radiance and sparkle. It was patented by jeweler Joseph Asscher in 1902 and was popular during the Art Deco period. Its unique octagonal shape makes it a fashion favorite even today, and it looks great in any number of settings. The lack of sharp edges makes this cut relatively solid and resistant to damage. However, a high-quality diamond with lots of clarity is strongly recommended, as the facets tend to show blemishes more readily than other cuts.
Radiant
Radiant cut diamonds are cut in a non-traditional shape and feature cropped corners, combining aspects of both princess and cushion cuts. They’re brilliant and can often be priced 20-39% less than round diamonds. However, the face-up size is about 4% smaller than rounds, so if you want to maximize carat weight per size, the round may be the better choice. Radiation may be the way to go if you have wider fingers since this setting looks incredibly flattering on broad hands.
Bottom line: Which Shape is Right For Your Engagement Ring?
When deciding which diamond shape is best, it’s essential to consider your budget and the cut of the diamond. Round diamonds are known for their brilliance and sparkle; however, they come at a higher price than fancy cuts such as Princess, Cushion, etc. While fancy cuts may be more affordable, they’ll only sometimes have extra sparkle than brilliant round diamonds. In the end, you should choose the diamond shape that pleases you most!
