Start with a Shape
While selecting a diamond the first thing to decide on is the shape. Diamonds offer a wide variety of unique shapes that can define ones personality in best ways possible.
Diamond Shape
The shape of a Diamond refers to its physical structure as they are available in assorted shapes starting from classic round shape to a fancy. pear cut diamond. It is important to study and identify the attributes of the different shapes of a diamond to make the right choice before making a purchase. The physical structure or the form adds to the beauty or appearance of the diamond. A diamond is interestingly accessible in beautiful and striking shapes which definitely depends on the skills of the craftsmen. Shaping or cutting a diamond is considered an art as the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond is based on the cut.
How to Decide on a Diamond Shape
Each diamond has its own unique characteristics, just like a fingerprint. it is cut into various shapes, the shape is decided on the basis of the inclusions and the raw form of the diamond procured.
Round Brilliant
The round cut is, by far, the most preferred diamond shape, the cut is also the most optically brilliant because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. A round brilliant is a great choice if you want the most sparkle and the most enduring classic shape. The round silhouette works with almost every mounting, from classic solitaires to the most avant-garde designs.
Princess
The Princess Cut combines the liveliness of a Round diamond and the contemporary shape of an Emerald or Square cut to create one of the most brilliant fancy shapes of all. The princess cut is a modern classic with clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. The shape of the Princess is distinguishable by its sharp right-angle corners and it is second most popular shape, after the round brilliant.
Cushion
The Cushion Cut is an elegantly shaped diamond that has recently gained popularity because of the heightened demand for vintage-styled jewelry. Combining the cut characteristics of both the round and the oval, the Cushion Cut's rounded corners and larger facets increase this special diamond's brilliance.
Emerald
The emerald-cut is defined by its special facet arrangement, which is cut with parallel facets to create a unique optical appearance. The top (the table) is large and open, and the special “step-like” cut highlights the clarity of a diamond. The emerald shape is traditionally rectangular, but the length-to-width ratio can vary.
Radiant
A radiant cut combines the outline of an emerald with the brilliance of a round. The faceting pattern is quite similar to a round brilliant, though the outline is either square or rectangular, with the corners cut. Similar to a princess cut, radiant carry more weight in the depth of the diamond and have higher color concentration than other shapes.
Oval
The shape of an oval diamond is recognizable, as its shape is defined by its name. The sparkle of the brilliant cut combined with the elongated shape of the oval makes it the perfect shape to accentuate long, slender fingers or at least give the appearance of longer, slender fingers.
Pear
The Pear shape is a unique hybrid cut, shaped like a tear drop and combining the best of the marquise and round brilliant cut. Well proportioned, it gives a depth of scintillation to the point of the diamond. Pear shapes are extremely popular in rings, earrings and pendants.
Marquise
The Marquise has a slender shape characterised by two sharp points on either end. Like the Oval, the Marquise accentuates long, slender fingers and has a large surface area. The standard number of facets on a Marquise cut is 58.
The Marquise Cut was inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by King Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match the smile.
Heart Shape
Living up to its name, the heart cut diamond has become synonymous with love and affection, making it an excellent choice for an anniversary or engagement ring. One of the most demanding diamond cuts to create, a heart shaped stone requires great skill and dexterity from the diamond cutter.
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A Diamond’s Shape refers to the outline of a Diamond and the general shape it appears like. This is not to be confused with a Diamond’s Cut which pertains to the make or manufacturing fineness of a Diamond and the proportions and Dimensions to which a Diamond is cut.
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Each Diamond Shape has its own Diamond Cut grade e.g., Ideal or Excellent and Very Good. The most recognizable shape of a Diamond and representing the vast majority of Diamonds sold is the Round Brilliant Diamond as shown here.
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However, other shapes belonging to two family of cuts exists and those are Step Cuts.
referring to your Emerald Cuts, Baguettes, among others and the others refers to brilliant cuts such as Pears, Ovals, Marquises, etc.
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Brilliant Cuts tend to have more facets and as a result are said to exhibit more fire and sparkle. While Step Cuts although may appear to have less fire, tend to look whiter and cost less.
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However, other shapes belonging to two family of cuts exists and those are Step Cuts referring to your Emerald Cuts, Baguettes, among others and the others refers to brilliant cuts such as Pears, Ovals, Marquises, etc.
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Brilliant Cuts tend to have more facets and as a result are said to exhibit more fire and sparkle. While Step Cuts although may appear to have less fire, tend to look whiter and cost less.
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While non round shapes or as we say fancy shapes which refer to all the shapes apart from Round tend to be cheaper apples to apples versus Rounds the cost savings are mitigated in large part by the face up size difference that a Round of the same or similar carat weight will show.
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In short, a 1 carat Round might cost 10 to 20% more than 1 carat Princess Cut Diamond in the same carat weight and with most or all other parameters being the same but it will also appear 10 to 20% bigger than a comparable Princess Cut Diamond.
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Therefore, and once again it is good to use carat weight as a guide to optical impact – but when your Diamond or Diamonds come together with other gemstones, diamonds or even on its own as a solitaire set in a gold or platinum setting – then as an ensemble you will find the sum is greater than the parts.