Cuts & Shapes
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Diamonds come in varying shapes, sizes and cuts. People often attribute classic diamonds to round gems of sparkling brilliance with a kaleidoscope of mesmerizing facets.
But not all diamonds are round gems of brilliance. Diamonds are natural crystals of differing sizes and shapes formed in the earth over millions of years. These crystals are carved into gems of spectacular beauty. A cutter’s skill will produce a diamond of the greatest size with the fewest flaws and the most brilliance.
Round Brilliant Diamonds
The most popular cut, this shape has set the standard for all other shapes, and accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold today. Its 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle (widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance.
Oval Diamonds
Think symmetry. An even, and complete design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.
Marquise Diamonds
An elongated shape with pointed ends inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France’s Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
Pear shapes are comprised of two cuts: the oval and the marquise. It is shaped most like a teardrop. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most complements a hand with small or average-length fingers. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings.
Heart Shaped Diamonds
The symbol of - you guessed it - Love. It is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.
Emerald Cut Diamond
This is a rectangular shape with cut corners. It is known as a step cut because its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Since inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in this particular cut, take pains to select a stone of superior clarity and color.
Princess Cut Diamond
Princess cuts are primarily square or rectangular cuts with numerous sparkling facets. It is a relatively new, trendy cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement rings. Flattering to a hand with long fingers, it is often embellished with triangular stones at its sides. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond’s depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.
Trilliant Diamonds
First developed in Amsterdam, the exact design can vary depending on a particular diamond’s natural characteristics and the cutter’s personal preferences. It may be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners or a more rounded triangular shape with 25 facets on the crown, 19 facets on the pavilion, and a polished girdle. It is definitely for the adventurous.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
This square or rectangular cut combines the emerald shape and the round shape, and its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond’s depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.
Cushion Cut Diamond
An antique style of cut that looks like a cross between an Old Mine Cut (a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries) and a modern oval cut.
