Diamond Shapes Guide
Diamonds come in various shapes, each with its unique characteristics and allure. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or a special piece of jewelry, understanding different diamond shapes can help you make an informed decision that suits your style and preferences.
Round Cut Diamonds
Characteristics: Round cut diamonds are classic and timeless, known for their brilliance and fire. They are the most popular choice for engagement rings due to their versatility and ability to maximize light reflection.
Popular settings: Round cut diamonds pair well with various settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. Their symmetrical shape allows for a wide range of mounting options.
Pros and cons: Pros include exceptional sparkle and widespread availability. However, round cut diamonds tend to be more expensive per carat compared to other shapes due to their high demand and wastage during the cutting process.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Features: Princess cut diamonds feature a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. They offer a modern and elegant look, combining the brilliance of round diamonds with a unique silhouette.
Ideal settings: Princess cut diamonds are often set with four prongs to secure the corners while allowing maximum light reflection. They are popular choices for engagement rings and are frequently seen in channel or pave settings.
Advantages and drawbacks: Advantages include excellent brilliance and a contemporary appearance. However, princess cut diamonds may show visible inclusions more prominently than other shapes due to their large table facet.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Description: Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular with stepped facets and trimmed corners. They exhibit a hall-of-mirrors effect, creating a mesmerizing play of light and dark flashes.
Suitable settings: Emerald cut diamonds shine in minimalist settings that emphasize their elongated shape, such as a solitaire or a sleek bezel setting. They are also popular in vintage-inspired designs.
Benefits and limitations: Benefits include a sophisticated appearance and the illusion of larger size due to their broad, flat facets. However, emerald cut diamonds may reveal clarity imperfections more prominently, requiring higher clarity grades for optimal beauty.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Attributes: Asscher cut diamonds resemble emerald cuts but feature a square shape with cropped corners. They offer a blend of vintage charm and modern appeal, diamond shapes guide, characterized by a mesmerizing step-cut faceting pattern.
Recommended settings: Asscher cut diamonds shine in settings that enhance their geometric elegance, such as a simple four-prong solitaire or a halo design. They are ideal for those seeking a distinctive yet timeless look.
Pros and cons: Pros include a unique appearance and excellent clarity, thanks to their large facets that showcase internal characteristics. However, Asscher cut diamonds may appear smaller than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their depth.
Oval Cut Diamonds
Characteristics: Oval cut diamonds feature an elongated shape with rounded edges, offering a flattering silhouette that elongates the finger. They exhibit brilliance similar to round diamonds but with a more distinctive appearance.
Ideal settings: Oval cut diamonds are versatile and complement various settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. They are particularly popular for engagement rings due to their elegant and elongating effect.
Advantages and disadvantages: Advantages include a unique blend of brilliance and elongated shape, creating a flattering look on the hand. However, oval cut diamonds may show the bowtie effect—a dark area across the center—due to uneven light distribution.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
Features: Marquise cut diamonds boast an elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling a boat or football. They offer a regal and eye-catching appearance, with elongated facets that accentuate their brilliance.
Suitable settings: Marquise cut diamonds shine in settings that complement their shape, such as a solitaire with V-shaped prongs or a vintage-inspired setting with accent diamonds along the band. They are ideal for those seeking a distinctive and glamorous look.
Benefits and drawbacks: Benefits include an elongating effect on the finger and excellent brilliance due to their large surface area. However, marquise cut diamonds may be prone to chipping at the pointed ends if not properly protected.
Pear Cut Diamonds
Description: Pear cut diamonds, also known as teardrop diamonds, combine the elegance of a round and the sophistication of a marquise shape. They feature a rounded end and a pointed tip, creating a unique silhouette.
Recommended settings: Pear cut diamonds shine in settings that accentuate their graceful curves, such as a delicate solitaire or a vintage-inspired halo design. They are versatile and suitable for both engagement rings and pendant necklaces.
Pros and cons: Pros include a distinctive shape and excellent brilliance, with the ability to create the illusion of longer fingers. However, pear cut diamonds may show color more noticeably at the pointed end, requiring careful consideration of diamond quality.
Heart Cut Diamonds
Attributes: Heart cut diamonds are romantic and symbolic, lab made diamonds, featuring a distinctive heart-shaped outline with a pointed tip. They evoke love and affection, making them popular choices for romantic occasions and heartfelt gestures.
Ideal settings: Heart cut diamonds shine in settings that highlight their unique shape, such as a solitaire with heart-shaped prongs or a delicate pavé band. They are often chosen for engagement rings as a symbol of love and commitment.
Advantages and limitations: Advantages include symbolic meaning and a captivating appearance that stands out. However, heart cut diamonds may be challenging to find in larger sizes, and symmetry is crucial to achieving the perfect heart shape.