DIAMOND SHAPES
1. Round Brilliant Cut
This is the most popular and traditional diamond shape, featuring 57 or 58 facets that are arranged to maximize the diamond's brilliance, fire and scintillation.
DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 55%-57%, Depth Range 61%-62.4%, Cr 33.5 - 35.5, Polish Excellent, Symmetry Excellent, Cut Grade Excellent, Crown Angle Range 33.5-35.5, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick and Culet Size None.
2. Princess Cut:
This square or rectangular-shaped diamond has pointed corners and is a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. It was introduced in 1981 by Betzalel Ambar, Ygal Perelman and Israel Itskowitz. The facet count is very often left to the cutter and may range from 50 to even more than 60 facets! DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 68%-72%, Depth Range 68%-74%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None, Length to Width Ratio 1.00-1.04.
3. Cushion Cut:
This square or rectangular-shaped diamond has soft rounded corners and larger facets that highlight the diamond's clarity and color. Envision a squarish pillow that sits in the corner of your couch. DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 56%-60%, Depth Range 61%-63.9%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None.
4. Emerald Cut:
This rectangular-shaped diamond has cut corners and a "step-cut" faceting pattern that creates long, narrow facets that highlight the diamond's clarity. DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 60%-64%, Depth Range 64%-66.9%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None, Length to Width Ratio 1.38-1.44
5. Asscher Cut:
Similar to the emerald cut, it is intended to be square with a higher crown and larger step facets that create a unique "hall of mirrors" effect. DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 56%-60%, Depth Range 63%-65.9%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None, Length to Width Ratio 1.00-1.04.
6. Pear Shape:
This diamond has a teardrop shape that is created by combining the round and marquise cuts(the rounded body at the top and the marquise point at the bottom or vice versa depending on how you wish to view the diamond!).For both the Pear shape and the Oval, we are EXTREMELY guided by the visual appearance of the actual shape itself. You will find varying Tables and Depths are not uncommon or as critical as the actual "outline" or "shape" of the diamond. Once the "shape" desired is found, as long as the diamond does not have a "fish-eye" or strong "bowtie", you MAY be good to go. Our preference for the Pear shape is for it to be a true tear-drop outline, not long and thin and not short and stubby. DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 56%-63%, Depth Range 59%-63.9%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None, Length to Width Ratio 1.48-1.55. AVOID BOWTIE!
What will not be described anywhere on any certificate is the actual "outline" of the stone itself. We prefer a rounded top with a soft and subtle flow right to the tip or point of the diamond. We prefer this over the straight edge from shoulder to point(which you will find in many stones) and is not identified by any measurements; it is purely visual.
7. Marquise Cut:
This diamond has a long, narrow shape with pointed ends, and is designed to maximize the diamond's carat weight and create the illusion of greater size. DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 55%-63%, Depth Range 59%-62.9%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None, Length to Width Ratio 1.80-2.00. AVOID THE BOWTIE!
8. Oval Cut:
This diamond has a rounded, elongated shape. The elongated shape allows this diamond to "face up" the largest of all diamonds of the same carat weight(assuming that the diamond is not overly deep). The intended shallow depth combined with the elongated shape creates a large surface area in comparison to the other shapes. You will find countless opinions regarding desirable specs for an Oval diamond(as with almost every other shape!) In regards to the Pear Shape, we prefer an elongated stone as opposed to the short and stubby options that are readily available. When you envision the shape of an Oval, you generally are not thinking of a lumpy round stone, are you?
The stones readily available in the market have an L/W of +/- 1.35 feel just like that, to us. When you put that 1.35 next to an oval with a L/W of 1.48 - 1.54, there is no comparison. For our money, the 1.48 - 1.54 L/W option looks huge in comparison! We again, as with the Pear shape, yield to the actual "shape" of the Oval more so than reliance on the following specs. Simply, we want the proper "outline" or "shape" that we desire first and foremost, ensure there is no "bowtie" and then we review all else. DESIRED SPECS: Table Range 55%-63%, Depth Range 59%-63.9%, Polish Excellent - Very Good, Symmetry Excellent - Very Good, Girdle Range Maximum Slightly Thick, Culet None and Length to Width Ratio 1.48-1.54. AVOID BOWTIE!
The GIA conducted a survey which suggested an elongated oval diamond was visually more desirable than its shorter counterpart of 1.3:1 to 1.4:1 (commonly pushed to the consumer because of easy accessibility) The survey revealed that the most popular length-to-width ratio for ovals was 1.7:1.
However, it is not practical to cut such long oval diamonds from the original rough, so you'll rarely find one(and many may find that ratio to be too long, and thin). The sale of the shorter, squatter stones may be more a function of availability than desirability. More easily sourced ovals are those with ratios ranging from 1.3:1 to 1.4:1. have an affinity for ovals that fall within the ratio of 1.48:1 to 1.54:1.
The Allure of an Oval Diamond - GIA 4Cs
9. Heart Shape:
This diamond has a romantic heart shape that is created by combining two rounded lobes with a pointed bottom. faceting:
10. Radiant Cut:
A radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular diamond with cropped corners, combining the best features of the round brilliant cut and the emerald cut. This cut was created in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, and it features 70 facets that maximize the diamond's brilliance and fire, making it one of the most sparkling cuts available.
Key characteristics of a radiant cut diamond include:
1. Shape: Square or rectangular with trimmed corners.
2. Facets: 70 facets, which provide exceptional brilliance and fire.
3. Versatility: Suitable for a variety of jewelry styles, including engagement rings, pendants, and earrings.
4. Durability: The trimmed corners provide added protection against chipping, making it a durable choice for everyday wear.
The radiant cut's unique combination of shape, facets, and brilliance makes it a popular choice for those looking for a modern and stylish diamond.
11. Trilliant:
A trilliant cut diamond, also known as a trillion or trilliant cut, is a diamond shaped into a triangle with equilateral sides. This type of cut typically features 31 or 50 facets, depending on the diamond's size and the desired effect. The trilliant cut is designed to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond by using its facets to reflect light effectively.
This cut can be used for both center stones and side stones in various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants. The trilliant cut's distinctive shape and intense sparkle make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and eye-catching diamond.
12. Baguette:
A baguette diamond is a type of diamond cut characterized by its long, rectangular shape with straight or tapered edges and step-like facets. This cut is named after the French word for "stick" or "rod," reflecting its elongated form. Baguette diamonds are typically used as accent stones in jewelry rather than as center stones, due to their elegant and understated appearance.
Key features of a baguette diamond include:
1. Shape: Long, rectangular, with straight or slightly tapered sides.
2. Facets: Typically 14 facets, arranged in a step-cut fashion, which gives the diamond a clean and linear appearance.
3. Clarity: Due to the fewer facets, inclusions and imperfections can be more noticeable in baguette diamonds, so higher clarity is often preferred.
4. Use: Commonly used as side stones in engagement rings, eternity bands, and other types of jewelry to complement larger center stones.
5. Style: Known for their sleek, modern look, baguette diamonds add a sophisticated and geometric touch to jewelry designs.
Baguette diamonds are prized for their simplicity and ability to enhance the overall design of a piece without overpowering it.
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