Diamond Shapes

ROUND diamonds are the most popular representing approximately 75% of all diamonds sold.  To maximize fire and brilliance of a round diamond it is important to choose the highest quality, cut and symmetry.  Due to the mechanics of its shape the round is the most superior shape for reflection of light, maximizing potential brightness.

PRINCESS cut diamonds are traditionally square and have pointed corners.  It is the most popular fancy cut.  The princess cut should always be set with prongs that protect their corners.  Princess cut diamonds are a good choice for their flexibility in working in almost any style of ring.

OVAL diamonds are an ideal cut for a customer who likes the look of a round diamond, but wants something more unique.  The elongated shape can create the illusion of a larger diamond.  The slender shape of the design can make the finger appear longer and slimmer.  Oval diamonds possess some degree of bow-tie varying from near invisible to severe which can only be ascertained by reviewing the diamond certificate or dimensions.

MARQUISE diamonds are a modified brilliant-cut. Like the oval, the marquise shape is a good choice when trying to maximize the stone as well as make the finger look longer and slimmer. The bow-tie effect can vary from invisible to severe and can be ascertained by review of the diamond certification or its dimensions. Symmetry is also important as the two ends must align for the design to line up correctly of it will appear off kilter in the setting. Excellent of very good symmetry is strongly recommended.

PEAR shape diamonds are a combination of a round brilliant and a marquise shape, with a tapered point at one end.  The diamond is worn with the narrow end turned toward the hand of the wearer.  Ideally a pear shape should possess excellent to very good symmetry to appear balanced in its setting.  The actual shape will predict the choice.  For example: a narrow pear is ideal for earrings, while a wider shape might be preferred in a ring.  Bow-ties can vary from invisible to severe and are obvious by visual inspection.  A pear shape should always be set with a prong at the point to avoid chipping the stone.

CUSHION cut diamonds are a square shape with rounded corners and have been around for 200 years.  While generally less brilliant than rounds, cushions often have better fire, which is part of their appeal.  While the classic cushion cut diamond is a square, they are often found in slightly rectangular shapes as well.  Color and clarity is subjective in cushion cut diamonds.  In a world without color and clarity grading the price premium for higher grading would be much lower, as the actual differences are difficult to perceive.  Each customer is different as to the standards best suits them.  For example:  buyers may prefer a slightly warmer color in a G-H color and others may like the cool color or a D –F and be willing to pay the higher price.

EMERALD cut diamonds are created by the step cuts of its pavilion and its large, open table.  Emeralds cuts produce a hall of mirror effect. While less fiery, the long lines and dramatic flashes of light give the emerald cut an elegant appeal.  Selection of and emerald can be more difficult because it is much easier to observe the clarity flaw from the naked eye.  Color and clarity is subjective as each buyer will have different standards and preferences.

ASSCHER cut diamonds has made a comeback, spurred on by cut modifications that gave the shape more brilliance than the original more traditional cut.  The modern asscher cut diamond is similar to a square emerald cut, usually with larger step facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table.  This combination often produces more brilliance than the emerald cut.  A well cut asscher will appear to have concentric squares as you look down through the table, the result of proper positioning of the pavilion facets underneath.  Often inclusions are easy to see in the asscher cut diamond as in the emerald cut.

RADIANT is a nice bridge between a cushion and a princess cut, and for that reason looks beautiful set with both rounded or square cornered diamonds.  They have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern applied to the crown and pavilion, creating a vibrant and lively square diamond.  In longer radiant cut diamonds, a bow-tie effect is more likely varying from near invisible to and can only be viewed by visual inspection.

HEART is a modified brilliant cut that is unique and an unmistakable symbol of love. When choosing a heart, symmetry is a very important characteristic, since it is critical that the two halves of the heart are identical.  The cleft should be sharp and distinct, and the wings, (the sides curve down to the point) should have a slightly rounded shape.  Heart shape diamonds come in a variety of silhouettes from narrow to fat.  Evaluating color and clarity is subjective as preferences are individual to each buyer.