If you want to know in-depth about diamond shapes and cuts then this article is a perfect read for you.
When you think of diamonds, the glittering effect and a classic round shape may be the first thing that crosses your mind. But, there’s definitely more to diamonds than just that. Diamonds come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and cuts to suit your style and taste. Each shape has its own peculiar features.
What are the different shapes of diamonds? How can you select the right shape for you? Read this blog to get a basic understanding of the different diamond shapes and cuts.
What is a Diamond Shape?
A diamond shape is simply the outline of the diamond as it looks from top to bottom. The popular shapes of diamonds are round, emerald, oval diamond, pear shape diamond, heart-shaped, and so on. You may be already familiar with the shape of a diamond (like a square shape, rectangular shape, etc. ) but not aware of its technical name. No worries, this blog will help you level up.
But, why is the shape important? Imagine you bought the least expensive diamond cut with a large face-up area but it doesn’t add much to the overall appeal of the ring. On the contrary, a perfect shape can enhance the appeal of the diamond and magnify the radiance of your ring!
So, what factors to consider while selecting a perfect diamond shape? Though there isn’t any hard and fast rule, you can consider the shape with a heart capturing spark, or the shape of your partner’s finger, or on a more practical note, your budget.
What is a Diamond Cut?
In simple terms, diamond-cut exhibits the symmetrical design, proportions, polish, and design of the diamond. The ‘Cut’ of a diamond is a part of the 4Cs of diamond (used for assessing the quality of a diamond) along with Carat, Clarity, and Colour.
There are a variety of cuts of diamonds from which you can choose such as cushion-cut diamonds, emerald-cut diamonds, fancy-cut diamonds, pear cut, Trillion-cut diamonds,radiant-cut diamonds, marquise-cut diamonds, oval-cut diamonds, heart shape diamonds, etc.
But, why is the cut important? The cut determines the degree of sparkle and ultimately the overall brilliance of the diamond!
The SGL Labs assigns a diamond cut grade by considering several factors on a scale of poor to excellent. Usually, very good and excellent are the desired diamond cut grades.
Difference Between a Diamond Shape and Diamond Cut
A majority of people mistake diamond shapes with diamond cuts but not anymore! Let’s check some of the distinguishing factors among these two!
As mentioned earlier, shapes are nothing but the outline of the diamond, and cuts are the symmetrical measurements. For instance: a heart-shaped diamond can be cut either deep, dull, or brilliant based on your requirement. These factors won’t change the shape of the diamond (i.e heart) but add to the overall spark and brilliance of the diamond!
How do you decide the perfect shape and cut while selecting a ring?
To find the ideal ring, it would be better to first select your desired shape. Gradually, work your way up to the perfect cut that’ll offer the most appealing look for your selected shape.
What Are The Different Types of Diamond Shapes?
1. ROUND SHAPED DIAMONDS
Looking for a classic ageless diamond shape suitable for every occasion? None is better than round-shaped diamonds! Round-shaped diamonds exhibit a brilliant spark making them the most suitable choice for every occasion. Moreover, these diamonds are cut in such a way that it returns the light thus, maximizing the sparkle and overall appeal.
Round-shaped diamonds are one of the most popular shapes among buyers, representing two-thirds of the total diamonds sold.
So, what points to consider while buying a round shaped diamond?
Foremost, check the cut quality of the diamond, as it impacts the overall beauty. Additionally, you may check reviewers’ ratings, SGL Lab’s diamond certification reports or you can take the help of a gemologist to get your desired diamond.
2. PRINCESS DIAMONDS
Princess-shaped diamonds have a square outline with a shallow crown. Though it offers the same brilliance as round-shaped diamonds, the price per carat of princess diamonds is comparatively lower.
While buying princess shaped diamonds, consider the following points. Apart from checking the colour, carat and clarity, you must also check whether the diamond has prongs attached on the corners. The prongs will hide the inclusions thus, making your diamond look comparatively flawless.
3. EMERALD DIAMONDS
If you’re looking for a good piece of diamond without spending a hefty amount, emerald-shaped diamonds are the best fit for you!
Cut in elongated and elegant rectangles, Emerald diamonds are the perfect choice for rings, pendants, and earrings! With the graceful shape and shallow crown, emerald diamond adds more colour and clarity to the jewellery! Furthermore, it offers abundant shine through its long and straight lines (a.k.a steps).
While buying an Emerald shaped diamond, keep the following points in mind. Because of its enormous size, there are more chances of inclusions being visible. Thus, it is advisable to pay extra attention to the clarity of the diamonds. Most often VS1 and VS2 clarity is recommended for emerald shapes.
4. CUSHION DIAMONDS
If you’re looking for vintage-style rings then cushion shape is the best fit for you! Cushion-shaped diamonds are square or a rectangle with rounded corners. It offers a luxurious appeal to the ornaments along with a modern flair. With an abundance of cut options available at hand, Cushion diamonds offer creativity and personalization.
While buying a cushion-shaped diamond, always look for depth to be under 70% and the table to be under the same range. This careful consideration will help you ensure brilliance and fire throughout the depth of the diamonds.
5. ASSCHER DIAMONDS
Though square in shape, Asscher’s shaped diamonds are characterized by their pointed culets and square corners. Widely considered as similar to Emerald, however, comparatively, it offers more spark due to its high crown and 58 facets.
If you’re willing to go for Asscher’s shaped diamond, keep the following points in mind. Colour forms an integral component in the overall appeal of the diamond and Asscher’s shaped diamonds offer maximum brilliance, clarity and lustre. Thus, it is advisable to at least look for H colour while buying Asscher’s shaped diamonds.
6. PEAR-SHAPED DIAMOND
An enchanting blend of Round and Marquise shape, Pear-shaped diamonds are an exotic fit for engagement rings. Also, these diamonds exhibit maximum sparkle and add to the overall brilliance!
While purchasing a pear-shaped diamond, pay utmost attention to the severity of the bowtie. (A bowtie is a dark area running across the centre of a diamond) Almost, every elongated shaped diamond has a bowtie. Thus, it is advisable to pay extra attention to the bowtie to make sure it doesn’t tarnish the appeal of your diamond.
7. OVAL DIAMONDS
If you’re looking for something more elegant than the classic round diamond, an oval-shaped diamond is a perfect choice! These versatile and oblong diamonds give rings an eye-snatching appeal while flattering the fingers.
Just like Pear-shaped diamonds, Oval diamonds also consist of bowties. Thus it is advisable to look for it before buying or consulting an expert to help you make a better decision.
8. HEART-SHAPED DIAMOND
A heart-shaped diamond is undoubtedly the most beloved shape of all! With the premium cut, elegant shine, and eye-snatching appeal, a heart-shaped diamond can be your ultimate choice for any important occasion!
As we know, heart-shaped diamonds come in a higher carat such as 1 or 2 due to their form. However, if you’re buying a lesser carat, it is advisable to use a three-prongs setting to highlight the outline of the diamond.
Do you know you can add a Laser Inscription to your diamond? It adds as an additional safety measure and assures you peace of mind.
Alphanumeric characters and personalized messages can be inscribed on the girdle or outside the circumference of the diamond using a very fine and precise laser beam.
9. RADIANT DIAMOND
If you’re looking for a diamond best-suited for a hustling lifestyle, check out the radiant shape! Radiant is a proportionate combination of Emerald and Round Brilliant exhibiting maximum sparkle. The beauty of this shape is further enhanced by triangular and kite-shaped facets.
While looking for radiant diamonds, pay attention to the cut quality to ensure maximum brilliance. Moreover, as the colour differences in radiant diamonds are comparatively harder to perceive, we recommend you consider H colour while buying a radiant diamond.
10. MARQUISE DIAMOND
If you’re looking for a larger stone (in appearance) at the same carat, check out the Marquise-shaped diamond! Marquise diamonds are elongated oval-shaped with refined curves enhancing the overall appeal of the fingers.
While looking for marquise-shaped diamonds, always pay extra attention to the symmetry and designs. Thus, you must consult an expert while buying a marquise diamond.
11. TRILLION DIAMOND
Trillion diamonds are presumably the most exotic shapes of all! It has immense width, sharp and unique features, which adds to the overall appeal of the jewellery!
While looking for a trillion-shaped diamond, make sure that the edges are protected by prongs. These prongs will hide the inclusions near the corners of the diamond.
12. BAGUETTE DIAMOND
Baguette-shaped diamonds are characterized by a long bar shape that exhibits exceptional size even at a low carat. Further, its bright and clear symmetry gives it an eternally appealing look.
While looking for a baguette-shaped diamond, always pay extra attention to the symmetrical design of the diamond.
Which is the Best Diamond Cut?
There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ among diamonds. Usually, the best diamond cut varies from person to person. It may differ due to individual tastes, preferences, or even budgets.
For instance: The Round Brilliant shape is the most exotic shape of all and offers eye-snatching sparkle. However, from a budget perspective, it might be a costlier option.
Similarly, shapes like oval, marquise, and pear exonerate spark and can be a value for money. Moreover, shapes like the princess cut offer a great value for money and carats together.
Which is the Most Expensive Diamond Cut?
The round brilliant cut is undoubtedly the most expensive cut of all.
But, what does it mean?
Simply put, you might pay more for a round-shaped diamond than you would for any other shape, colour, or quality.
But, why is it so?
The primary reason behind this is that, during the cutting and polishing process, almost 60% of the rough diamond is wasted. Thus, round-shaped diamonds are the most expensive choice!
On the other hand, Asscher cut, emerald cut, radiant cut, princess cut, and cushion cut are widely considered as the most affordable choices (as they use a large amount of the original rough diamond).
With that said, the unique characteristics of diamonds can even affect the pricing to a great extent.
Conclusion
A thorough understanding of various diamond shapes enables you to make the right choice. However, it is also important to consider various other factors while selecting the diamond shape. The person who’ll be wearing the diamond, style, the occasion are some of the other things to take into account.
SGL is the most modern diamond certification and grading laboratory in the business. With state-of-the-art instruments and qualified diamond specialists, SGL Labs can identify a diamond’s qualities quite easily, giving you a detailed report after completing the entire process.