Diamond Shapes
History : The round brilliant cut has its origins in the early 20th century when diamond cutting technology advanced enough to create a shape that maximized light return above all others. Its design was perfected by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919, establishing the round cut as the premier choice for maximum brilliance and fire. This shape has dominated the diamond market for over a century due to its unmatched sparkle and versatility.
- Exhibits exceptional brilliance and fire with its 57 or 58 facets.
- Accounts for approximately 75% of all diamond sales worldwide, making it the most popular diamond shape.
- Ideal for a wide range of settings, from classic solitaires to elaborate halo designs.
- Works beautifully with all types of metal, highlighting the diamond’s natural brilliance.
- Versatile enough to complement both traditional and modern jewelry designs.
History : Introduced in the 1980s, the princess cut quickly rose to prominence as the second most popular diamond shape after the round brilliant. Its creation was aimed at combining the high brilliance of a round diamond with a more unique, square shape. The princess cut reflects a modern aesthetic, appealing to those seeking a contemporary twist on traditional elegance.
- Known for its sharp angles and square or rectangular shape, offering a similar level of brilliance to the round cut.
- Its unique cutting style allows for efficient use of the rough stone, making it a popular choice for both beauty and value.
- Fits a variety of settings, notably modern and geometric designs that highlight its sharp lines.
- Protective settings are recommended to safeguard its pointed corners.
- Complements both simple and intricate band designs, allowing for versatility in personal style.
History : The cushion cut diamond has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, where it was originally known as the “old mine cut.” Its romantic glow and soft edges have made it a beloved choice through the ages, embodying a vintage charm that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The modern cushion cut combines the old mine cut’s classic appeal with improved cutting techniques to enhance its sparkle.
- Features a square shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or cushion.
- Offers a unique blend of brilliance and fire, with a soft, romantic appearance.
- Ideal for vintage-inspired and romantic settings.
- Works well in halo settings or with side stones, adding to its allure.
- Metal choices such as yellow or rose gold enhance its vintage feel, while white gold can accentuate its brightness.
History : The oval cut was developed in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan, coming into the scene as a modern take on the traditional round brilliant. Its elongated shape offers a unique, contemporary look while maintaining the sparkle of the round cut. The oval diamond has gained popularity for its ability to stand out and offer a distinctive, yet timeless elegance.
- Shares a similar facet pattern with the round cut, providing excellent brilliance and fire.
- The elongated shape can make the diamond appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
- Suitable for a wide range of settings, from simple solitaires to more elaborate designs.
- The shape is flattering on the hand, often chosen for its ability to elongate the fingers.
- Popular in both engagement rings and as a choice for other fine jewelry like earrings and pendants.
History : The emerald cut has its origins in the stone cutting techniques developed for emeralds in the 1500s. This cut was adapted for diamonds, gaining popularity in the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s for its clean lines and symmetry. The emerald cut is known for its elegance and understated glamour, offering a window into the diamond’s natural beauty.
- Known for its open table and step-cut facets, creating a unique “hall of mirrors” effect.
- Offers less brilliance than other cuts but is prized for its clarity and sophisticated appearance.
- Best showcased in simple, elegant settings that do not detract from the diamond’s geometric beauty.
- The elongated shape and clean lines make it ideal for a sleek, contemporary look.
- Often set in white gold to enhance its crisp, cool appearance.
History : The Asscher cut was introduced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It gained fame in the early 20th century and saw a revival in popularity in the early 2000s. Similar to the emerald cut but with a square shape, the Asscher cut is known for its deep pavilion and high crown, offering a distinctive, vintage look that appeals to those who appreciate antique style.
- Features a square shape with deeply cropped corners, giving it an almost octagonal appearance.
- Renowned for its depth and clarity, the cut emphasizes the diamond’s natural beauty.
- Suits elegant, vintage-inspired settings that highlight its unique shape.
- Protective settings are recommended to preserve the corners.
- Works well with both simple bands and more elaborate designs, depending on personal preference.
History : The marquise cut’s origin dates back to the 18th century when King Louis XV of France commissioned a diamond shape that resembled the lips of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. This elongated shape with pointed ends is known for its ability to maximize carat weight, giving a larger appearance than other diamonds of the same weight.
- Its elongated shape and pointed ends create an illusion of greater size and lengthen the look of the finger.
- Offers a unique, eye-catching appearance with a good amount of sparkle.
- Typically set in a north-south orientation to maximize its elongated appearance.
- Complements intricate and vintage settings that enhance its elegant shape.
- Can be paired with simple or elaborate bands, offering versatility in style.
History : The pear cut, also known as the “teardrop cut,” combines elements of the round and marquise shapes. Its origins can be traced back to the 1400s, credited to Flemish polisher Lodewyk van Bercken. The pear cut is cherished for its unique shape and the skill required to craft it, offering a blend of elegance and individuality.
- Features a rounded bottom and a single point, combining the brilliance of a round cut with the uniqueness of a marquise.
- The shape is versatile, suitable for a variety of jewelry pieces, and can create the illusion of elongated fingers.
- Often oriented with the point facing down in rings for a flattering effect on the hand.
- Popular in pendants and earrings where its distinctive shape can be fully appreciated.
- Suitable for a range of settings, from classic solitaires to more decorative designs that highlight its unique silhouette.
History : Introduced in the 1970s, the radiant cut is a relatively recent innovation designed to combine the best attributes of the round and emerald cuts. Its creator, Henry Grossbard, aimed to create a cut that offered the elegance of a step cut with the brilliance of a round cut. The radiant cut is known for its versatility and vibrant sparkle, making it a favorite among those who seek a balance between classic and contemporary styles.
- Features a square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners, combining the brilliance of traditional round cut diamonds with the clean lines of an emerald cut.
- Provides intense fire and brilliance due to its unique facet pattern.
- Fits a wide variety of settings, including solitaires, halos, and more intricate designs.
- Its shape allows for flexibility in style, appealing to both traditional and modern tastes.
- The cut’s brilliance is enhanced when set in white gold , though it also pairs well with yellow and rose gold.
History : The heart cut diamond is considered one of the most romantic and symbolically significant shapes, with its origins traced back to the 15th century. Initially popular among royalty and the aristocracy as a symbol of love and devotion, the heart shape has evolved over centuries. Its current form, with superior brilliance and symmetry, was perfected with the advancement of cutting technology, making it a favorite for romantic gestures, especially in engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
- Features a distinctive shape with a cleft at the top and a pointed end at the bottom, resembling a heart.
- Requires a high degree of precision in cutting to ensure the two halves are symmetrical and the overall appearance is harmonious.
- Often set in solitaire settings to highlight its unique shape, but also looks stunning with halo designs that enhance its size and brilliance.
- The setting should provide protection for the pointed end, which is the most vulnerable to chipping.
- Works well with both delicate and wide bands, depending on the desired look, and pairs beautifully with romantic, intricate designs.
History : While the octagonal cut does not refer to a single diamond shape, it encompasses various cuts featuring eight sides, including the popular Asscher and emerald cuts. This geometric shape has been appreciated for its symmetry and balance, dating back to ancient times. In the context of diamonds, octagonal cuts often draw inspiration from Art Deco design principles, celebrated for their clean lines and architectural beauty. The modern interpretation of octagonal cuts prioritizes both the clarity of the diamond and its capacity to reflect light, marrying classic aesthetics with contemporary cutting techniques.
- Characterized by its eight-sided geometric shape, which can vary from true octagons like the Asscher cut to modified shapes such as cushion cuts with octagonal outlines.
- The cut emphasizes the diamond’s clarity and offers a unique combination of brilliance and architectural precision.
- Suitable for bold, contemporary settings that accentuate the diamond’s geometric shape.
- Works exceptionally well in Art Deco-inspired designs, which highlight its clean lines and symmetrical form.
- Metal choices such as white gold can enhance the diamond’s clarity and brilliance, while yellow or rose gold can add warmth to the geometric precision of the cut.
FAQ's:
The least expensive diamond shapes tend to be the emerald and the Asscher cuts. These shapes use a larger percentage of the rough diamond, leading to less waste and thus a lower price.
The round brilliant cut is known to sparkle the most. This is due to its precision cut with 57 or 58 facets, which are specifically designed to maximize light reflection and refraction.
In terms of appearance, the marquise diamond shape often appears larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to its elongated cut.
The most rare diamond shape is typically considered to be the radiant cut. This is due to its complex cutting style, which is not as widely practiced as other shapes.
