Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes with a single focus : to preserve and maximize carat weight. Since rough diamonds can come in unpredictable shapes and sizes, the diamond cutter will create whichever shape maximizes carat weight and value.
Round cut diamonds result in the most wastage of rough diamond carat. The other fancy shapes are deeper and tend to have longer, less uniform shaping so they capture more of the rough diamond.
Diamond value is often in part by the amount of wastage in the rough diamond when cutting a particular diamond shape. Shapes that save more of the rough diamond can be less expensive. Popularity and availability are the other factors that determine the price of the diamond.
While diamonds can be cut in any shape, there are 10 popular diamond shapes: Round, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Emerald, Pear, Marquise, Asscher, Radiant and Heart shape.
Exotic shapes include Baguettes, Bullets, Half Moons, Trillion, Old Mine, Rose, even Horse head.
While new diamond shapes are being invented, there are a classic few that have stood the test of time. They have endured for their beauty, and ability to showcase the sparkle of the diamond. Find your desired Diamond Shape here
Diamonds Shapes by Popularity
Different diamond shapes represent different styles. Some are considerably more modern while others seem more classic. These vibes are incredibly important to look out for when choosing a diamond because the shape could change the entire feeling of the ring as a whole.
When choosing a shape for an engagement ring, be sure to pick something that resonates with your likes and personality, since you will be wearing it for a long time. Something classic and versatile will also blend in easily with any other jewelry and clothing that you wear. Don’t make a decision simply based on what is trending.
Shapes
Round Cut
Vibe : classic, elegant, sparkling
It took centuries of diamond cutting in order to create this style which is incredibly popular today. Unlike most other diamond cuts, the round cut diamond was invented through the attempt to find the diamond cut with the most facets and the most sparkle.
This diamond cut is perfect to display classy, elegant, and timeless look. Today most round diamonds are cut in the brilliant style. This means that they have more facets and angles. Rounds are the most popular shape for not only engagement rings but for other jewelry like necklaces and earrings as well.
When cut well, the proper reflection of light, the potential of brilliance and brightness is maximized. The round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets. 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.
When cutting a rough stone, more is lost in shaping a round diamond, so the cost of each carat retained is higher. Over 75% of the world’s diamonds are Round Brilliants.
Princess Cut
Vibe : trendy, beautiful
This cut has an incredible sparkle despite being a square cut but available in rectangular shape also. The princess cuts that are slightly rectangular tend to be lower in cost.
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 common. Ideal square ratio ranges from 1.00 to 1.05.
A princess cut should always be set for 4 prongs protecting its corners from chips. It has 57 or 58 facets and is known as square modified brilliant cut or Rectangular Modified Brilliant when the ration is greater than 1.10.
Cushion Cut
Vibe: graceful, sophisticated
The origins of the cushion cut diamond dates back to the 19th century. While similar to the princess cut, it features a relatively square shape. However, the cushion cut is special in the fact that it can come in many ratios, making it either square or rectangular with rounded corners.
Cushion cuts blend sparkle of a round brilliant with the symmetry of a radiant cut. It’s appeal is reflected in its larger 58 facets and rounded, squared corners. Also known as the “pillow cut,” the cushion cut has larger faceting, which augments the diamond’s brilliance.
Larger facets can show clarity inclusions, so evaluate the location of inclusions by examining its certificate.
Cushion cuts are popular in both square and rectangular shapes. Square cuts are generally a bit rarer, but do look more symmetrical in an engagement ring. Cushion cut diamonds have great fire (the light that is reflected out of a diamond in a rainbow of color).
Emerald Cut
Vibe: modern,glamorous
Emerald diamond cuts were some of the very first diamond cuts in the world. This cut is perfect for colored gemstones as well as high-quality diamonds; if choosing an emerald cut, it is recommended not to compromise in diamond quality because the style emphasizes the color in the stone.
Emerald diamond cut represents unification, being well proportioned and bringing out the pure brilliance of a diamond. Also known as “step cut” because of the layered faceting, the emerald cut possesses unique appeal with symmetrical sparkle. The faceting is minimal and simple, and therefore tends to show inclusions. The diamond has 58 facets, roughly 25 on the crown, 25 on the pavilion, and 8 on the girdle with 3 rows of bottom steps and three rows of top steps. An open setting can also show the diamond’s color, so closed or bezel type settings are recommended with lower colors.
Radiant Cut
Vibe: fire,bold
Originally invented by Henry Grossbard in 1977, to combine the best aspects of the round cut with the best aspects of the emerald cut. The radiant cut diamond is considered to be one of the shiniest cuts of diamonds because of its 70-facet cut.
A beautifully symmetrical, non-traditional cut, the radiant cut combines the brilliance of a round and the purity of an emerald cut. Trimmed corners give it versatility among all kinds of jewelry, especially engagement rings. The faceting of a radiant cut gives it a fiery look compared to a princess cut, while maintaining soft, cut corners.
The radiant fuses the plus points of other popular diamond shapes. The rectangular radiant cut is an excellent option for buyers who like the emerald cut shape, but want something with the brilliance of a round. A ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 will create a square shape, and from 1.30 to 1.50 will produce a rectangle.
Asscher Cut
Vibe: Vintage,Classic
Originally developed in 1902 this cut is nearly octagonal in shape due to all of its curved edges. Asscher cuts give off a timeless effect with their vintage and unique designs. Asscher cut diamonds create more of a soft glow emanating from the stone than a brilliant statement piece.
The asscher cut is (also a step cut diamond like the emerald cut) is a blend of the princess and emerald cuts with X-shaped facets from its corners to its center culet. The brilliance of its faceting can mask certain inclusions and lower color grades. Asscher cut diamonds have a clean balance, visual appeal, and can reflect clarity inclusions and color. Higher grades in both categories are generally recommended. The step cut emphasizes the clarity of the diamond, and it is ideal for showcasing higher clarity diamonds. Suggested Cut Ratio: 1.00 to 1.05 for square proportions.
Marquise Cut
Vibe : moving, joyful
The marquise cut is a classic and historic diamond that resembles the smile. Also known as the football cut, boat cut, eye cut, or the navette cut, this diamond shape is not the most popular of all of the diamond shapes. Yet, its intriguing shape and style are still incredibly beautiful
The marquise is a variant of round and pear shaped diamonds. The marquise cut’s elongated body can make its appearance larger than its actual carat weight. Suggested Cut Ratio: 1.75 to 2.25 is the ideal shape.
Pear Cut
Vibe: : artistic,gentle
The pear shape diamond is artistic due to its many stylish variations. With 58 facets, light dances through the diamond similar to a round brilliant, maximizing sparkle. It’s teardrop appearance leaves a lasting impression.
Oval
Vibe : trendy, elegant
Created in the mid 1900s, the oval cut is simply an elongated round brilliant cut diamond. Oval diamonds have the brilliance of the round, but they can appear larger than a round diamond at the same caract weight.
It’s rounded edges add a gentle touch to the length of this stone, in contrast to the marquise cut’s bold points.
You need to be careful when selecting your diamond color with this style stone, though. The rounded ends have a tendency to show more color than a round diamond would, so it’s wide to go up a color grade to make sure the ends appear colorless.
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