The Many Shapes of a Diamond

by on in Jewelry, Love Stories, Proposals, Stones, Wedding

 

ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMOND

The round brilliant diamond is by far the most popular diamond shape. Perhaps this is because the round brilliant diamond has the most sparkle of any of the shapes. The round diamond is often perceived to have a ‘classic’ style that complements almost any style of setting that it accompanies.

PRINCESS DIAMOND

The princess diamond, like the round brilliant diamond, is cut with a brilliant facet pattern, maximizing the sparkle in the gemstone. Although the length-to-width ratio can vary, princess diamonds are traditionally square in shape.

CUSHION DIAMOND

The cushion diamond features a square shape with rounded corners. They can vary in the length-to-width ratio with some being more elongated than others. The cushion diamond has experienced several refinements since its creation some 200 years ago, leading to a recent resurgence in popularity.

EMERALD DIAMOND

The emerald diamond, unlike the brilliant cuts mentioned above, is characterized by a step cut facet pattern. While emerald diamonds do not give off the same ‘fiery’ reflections as some of its counterparts, the step cut creates a mirror effect that reflects light in a dramatic way. Emerald diamonds are traditionally more elongated, but can also be cut to more of a square shape.

RADIANT DIAMOND

The radiant diamond can range in its length-to-width ratios with some being more square in shape and others being more elongated. With cropped corners and its brilliant facet pattern, the radiant diamond has characteristics similar to both the princess and cushion diamonds.

ASSCHER DIAMOND

The Asscher diamond was first developed in 1902 by the Asscher family from Holland and experienced its peak popularity in the 1920’s. For this reason, it is often perceived to have a ‘vintage’ style. With its square shape, cropped corners and more extreme step cut (than its emerald diamond cousin), the Asscher diamond has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

OVAL DIAMOND

The oval diamond is a modified round brilliant cut that offers a similar fire and brilliance as its more popular round diamond counterpart. For this reason, the oval diamond is a great option for those who are attracted to the round diamond’s features but is looking for something a little more unique.

PEAR DIAMOND

The pear diamond is another modified brilliant cut that combines the looks of a round diamond and a marquise diamond. As its name suggests, the pear diamond features a round shape on one end and tapers to a point on the opposite end.

MARQUISE DIAMOND

The marquise diamond is a modified brilliant cut with an oblong shape featuring two points on either end. With its long and narrow shape, the marquise diamond can make the wearer’s finger appear longer and slimmer.

HEART DIAMOND

The heart diamond is a modified brilliant cut that is obviously derived from the universal symbol of love. Symmetry is perhaps the most important quality to look for in a heart shaped diamond.