A Guide to Diamond Shapes
Every diamond begins its journey as a raw, unpolished crystal, waiting to be transformed by expert craftsmanship into a breathtaking gem. Each facet captures and reflects light in a mesmerizing dance. While the Round Brilliant cut remains a timeless icon, diamonds come in a diverse range of fancy shapes, from the graceful Oval to the regal Emerald, to the modern Princess, each offering its own unique character and charm. Read on to explore the world of diamond shapes and discover the perfect cut to reflect your style.
The Three Distinct Cuts of Diamonds
Brilliant Cut
A masterpiece of light and precision, brilliant cuts maximize fire and brilliance. Found in shapes like Round, Oval, and Cushion, these diamonds create a scintillating display of sparkle.
Step Cut
Understated yet captivating, step cuts, like Emerald and Asscher, feature sleek, parallel facets that evoke a hall-of-mirrors effect, enhancing clarity, depth, and timeless sophistication.
Old Cut
Steeped in history and romance, old cuts reflect the charm of a bygone era. From the soft glow of the Rose Cut to the distinctive proportions of the Old Mine and Old European cuts, these hand-cut gems possess an enchanting vintage allure.
Popular Diamond Shapes Explained
Brilliant Cut (Round Brilliant)
The pinnacle of diamond brilliance, the round brilliant cut features 58 expertly crafted facets that capture and reflect light for exceptional sparkle. Its enduring elegance and unmatched fire make it a perfect choice for any setting.
Oval Cut
Combining sophistication with modernity, the oval cut’s elongated form flatters the finger and creates the illusion of a larger stone. It retains the brilliance of the round cut with a refined, contemporary twist.
Cushion Cut
With its square or rectangular shape and rounded corners, the cushion cut evokes vintage romance. Larger facets reflect light in flashes, creating a warm, enchanting allure perfect for timeless pieces.
Princess Cut
A symbol of modern sophistication, the princess cut’s square silhouette and sharp corners produce a dazzling display of fire and sparkle. Its bold symmetry suits those seeking a striking yet refined look.
Radiant Cut
This cut merges elegance with brilliance, featuring a rectangular shape with trimmed corners. It combines the linear look of the emerald cut with the fire of a brilliant, creating dynamic sparkle from every angle.
Asscher Cut
A geometric classic, the Asscher cut features step-cut facets with a square shape and octagonal outline. Its deep crown and sparkle offer vintage-inspired elegance and a refined glow
Marquise Cut
Known for its elongated shape, the marquise creates the illusion of a larger diamond while slimming the finger. Its pointed ends and symmetrical proportions deliver bold, contemporary elegance.
Trillion Cut
Also called the trilliant, this bold triangular shape has three equal sides and exceptional brilliance. It works well as a centerpiece or accent, adding dynamic sparkle to any design.
Baguette Cut
A classic, understated cut with long rectangular form and step facets. Often used as accent stones, baguettes bring refined simplicity and timeless appeal to complement larger diamonds.
Heart Cut
The ultimate symbol of love, the heart cut’s iconic silhouette requires precision craftsmanship. Its perfect symmetry and curves make it a timeless expression of affection and devotion.
Emerald Cut
Featuring a rectangular shape with trimmed corners, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity and color. Its broad table facet and step cuts reflect light in serene, linear patterns, offering understated beauty and elegance.
Pear Cut
The pear, or teardrop, cut blends the brilliance of the round with the shape of the marquise. Its asymmetrical form flatters the finger with a graceful, elongated look, balancing timeless elegance with modern flair.
