Diamond Shapes

Diamond Shapes

Congratulations! Chances are, if you are reading this you have made the decision to propose to your significant other. Now that you have one big decision out of the way, let us help you resolve another. We have put together a simple guide of some of the things to consider when selecting the perfect engagement ring. 

It is very important to look at some of the most popular diamond shapes and their attributes to help you decide on which shape is the right one for you.

 

Round

The round diamond is the most popular, accounting for almost 70% of diamond sales across the globe. It is the most versatile shape and goes with all hand and finger types. The round brilliant cut has the most brilliance and life out of all diamond shapes with an optimum light reflection and sparkle. This is mainly down to the fact that a round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets spread across the stone. The round brilliant cut is so even and perfectly shaped that this is the only shape diamond that is given a cut grading during the certification process by gemologists.

An ideal choice if you're confused and cannot decide what to get, you can never go wrong with this one. A round diamond goes equally well with a traditional or a modern design.

Princess

The princess cut is also a favourite with engagement ring buyers, the symmetry of the stone makes for great visual appeal. The unique shape also allows more light to come through the corners as compared to some other cuts. This cut disperses more light than any other square-shaped diamond, giving the princess cut a stunning and generally preferred brightness. 

The unique cut of this shape reflects light towards the centre of the diamond giving the diamond a lot of fire and brilliance. 

Oval

The oval cut is yet another popular cut that is particularly known for creating the illusion of a higher carat weight and size due to its oblong shape. The oval cut does so because it covers a larger surface area. To get the best light reflection we recommend a ratio of between 1.35 to 1.65. 

Emerald

The ideal choice for art deco style jewellery, the rectangular facets of the emerald cut showcase the diamonds clarity beautifully, although the inclusions are more apparent. The emerald cut has a smooth top and delicately stepped sides, inviting the wearer to look within and admire the magnificent symmetry.

 

Pear

The pear shape is sometimes referred to as the tear drop. A well cut and symmetrical pear shape stone can make the fingers look slimmer due to its elongated shape. The ideal ratio for a pear shaped diamond is between 1.50 to 1.70

The pear shape diamond has a long standing association with royalty and nobility. The largest diamond ever found, known as the Cullinan, is a pear shape diamond that is a prominent feature in the Crown Jewels of His Majesty King Charles III.

Cushion

The cushion cut is called so due to its cushion like appearance, with the corners being rounded for a softer effect. The cushion cut is very versatile and works with most setting types and ring styles.

With soft corners the diamond is a beautiful alternative to a round or princess cut diamond without comprising on light reflection and sparkle. It also provides great affordability per carat compared to other diamond cuts.

Marquise

If you are looking to make a statement, look no further. The stretched shape with two pointy ends helps the stone cover more surface area, once again creating the illusion of size and making the fingers look longer and slimmer. The Marquise cut diamond is vintage shape and design that maximises carat weight and appears larger than other stones of the same weight.

It is important that the Marquise is not too shallow so as to avoid light passing through the back of the diamond and diminishing its brilliance and fire.

Asscher

An asscher cut is a unique shape that is cut in a similar style to the emerald cut diamond but with a square shape. The standard number of main facets on an Asscher cut is usually 57 and the typical ratio for the more popular square shaped asscher cut diamonds is between 1.00 to 1.05.

Radiant

The radiant has trimmed corners like the emerald cut, the squareness of the princess cut and the general shape like that of a cushion cut, this is a more modern cut developed in the 1970's. Rectangular radiant cuts are most common with a ratio from 1.05 up to 1.50 – these give a better size per carat and will elongate the finger of the wearer.

Heart

The heart shape cut speaks for itself. This cut was created to showcase the importance of love and romance. It is not as commonly used as the others. Formed of between 56 and 58 facets, the diamonds are a sign of love with a powerful structure of fire and brilliance.

The traditional heart shape should have a ratio between 0.90 and 1.10 in order to be evenly formed and display the shape we all know.