The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Shapes in Fine Jewelry
No gemstone is as timeless and unique as the diamond. Exuding beauty and radiating light, there is a reason why the diamond has been idolized by jewelry crafters and jewelry buyers for centuries. From striking wedding bands to eye-catching fashion pieces, the diamond has fit its way into every style of jewelry, and its place in our world is unlikely to change.
However, when shopping for diamond jewelry, the options can seem somewhat overwhelming. With so many cut shapes and characteristics to look out for, it's easy to see why.
Fortunately, we've put together a comprehensive guide filling you in on everything you need to know about the various shapes of the diamond.
Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Otherwise known as the round cut, the brilliant cut is recognized by jewelry experts as the most popular diamond choice for engagement rings. This cut earned its name for the sure amount of light that reflects through the top of the diamond, thanks to the cone shape. The brilliant cut is a timeless choice and is bound to stay popular for years to come.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Few diamond cuts are as iconic as the emerald cut. Shaped into an elongated rectangle or square, the emerald cut is explicitly designed to sacrifice brilliance for clarity.
Initially, the emerald-cut was intended to dramatize the vibrant green hue of emeralds but has been adapted into diamonds as well. Typically, emerald cut diamonds look more substantial than other comparable cuts and can make a perfect fit for all kinds of jewelry pieces.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Closely related to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut diamond typically takes on the shape of an octagon. Asscher cut diamonds use cropped corners and a step-cut process to bring out brightness and clarity that rivals its close cut relative. For Asscher cut diamonds, the more flawless the better, as any mistakes or blemishes in the stone tend to stand out.
Pear Cut Diamonds
The pear cut diamond is a refreshing blend of the round cut and the marquise cut. Designed to play with light in genuinely dynamic ways, the pear or teardrop diamond can make the perfect solitaire engagement ring or wedding band. Symmetry is incredibly important when it comes to pear cut diamonds, as any mistake of proportions can be difficult to ignore. The pear cut diamond is an excellent fit for anyone who appreciates the traditional round cut but is looking to try something a little more unique.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Square yet closely similar to the round cut's cone shape, the princess cut diamond can make for a breathtaking engagement piece. The princess cut diamond is known for its exotic form, and has a rich clarity thanks to the square face.
While the princess cut diamond can make a solid choice for any engagement piece, it is crucial that you choose a setting that shields the corners from wear and tear as they are delicate and prone to damage.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion cut may seem vintage to many, but this beautiful rounded off diamond-cut design is still wowing brides and fiance's today. The cushion cut is a cross between an oval-cut diamond and the Old Mine cut which was in trend back in the 19th century. Cushion cut diamonds do an excellent job at capturing light and can make for some remarkable bridal pieces.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
If you can't decide between a round cut and an emerald cut diamond, the radiant cut may be your diamond of choice. Set somewhere between the two designs, the radiant cut uses the brilliance of a round cut style with a more squared off look to craft something that is beautifully modern. First created in 1977 by Henry Gossbard, the radiant cut is meant to optimize beauty, no matter the type of diamond.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
The marquise cut is one of the most unique cut-shapes out there, and is often compared to the shape of a boat. While this diamond shape is far different from the others, it has always been considered a classic choice for engagement rings. The marquise cut diamond is designed to retain the carat of a stone, which results in the boat-like shape.
Heart Cut Diamonds
Heart cut diamonds are shaped just as their name implies, resembling that of a heart. The heart diamond is probably the most symbolic cut choice out there and exudes a brilliance similar to that of round cut diamonds.
That said, symmetry is crucial to the quality of a heart diamond. If there is any assymmetry between the two sides of the heart, they will be blatantly obvious even at a passing glance. Heart shaped diamonds tend to look smaller than other diamond cuts. However, this size difference can be compensated when placed in a bezel or three prong setting.
Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds are another offshoot of the round cut diamond, offering more variety for fans of tradition who want something a little more unique. While oval cut diamonds are less common in rings, they can make for excellent pieces as they tend to make the fingers look long and elegant.
Diamonds at Frank Jewelers
It's easy to see that there are many diamond shapes out there to choose for your bridal or fashion jewelry piece. To help make sense of the choices, you may want to find a skilled jeweler like Frank Jewelers to guide you through the process.
Frank Jewelers is located in Freeport, Illinois, and has served the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin region for years. From their state-of-the-art showroom, they provide customers with a plethora of fine jewelry, bridal jewelry, timepieces, and loose diamonds. Frank Jewelers also offers professional jewelry services such as on-site jewelry repair, timepiece repair, and custom jewelry design services.
To learn more about the diamonds or special sales Frank Jewelers offers, visit their website at FrankJewelers.com or visit their showroom today.