Diamond Fun Fact
Diamonds derive their name from the Latin word adamas, meaning unconquerable or invincible
The term 'Diamond Shapes' refers to the actual inherent shape of a diamond but is
sometimes used to when referencing diamond cut. A Radiant cut and an Emerald cut
share the same shape - a rectangle with trimmed edges, however their cuts are different
which makes the 2 cuts very distinguishable from each other. Some shapes are traditionally
cut using only one cut. One such example is the round diamond, which is always cut
using a Brilliant Cut - so much that it is simply known as Round Brilliant. To learn
more about diamond cut, read Diamond Cut Explained.
With all this said, there are several diamond shapes that are popular today and
make up the vast majority of diamonds that are used in jewelry. It is only when
a raw diamond is cut into these shapes that the real beauty, shine and luster of
a diamond comes out.
Round diamonds
Round Diamonds are the most popular of the diamond shape out there. A round brilliant,
is what most people associate with round diamonds. This shape has been around for
over a century, and has been researched and improved over the years. Today's know-how
and technology can be used to achieve truly amazingly cut brilliant round diamonds.
Round Brilliant's popularity means that there are more rings for you to choose from,
making it easier to find a ring design and a diamond that you like.
Princess diamonds
The princess shape, or princess cut, is square-shaped and cut similarly to a round
brilliant. This gives it a fiery effect like a round brilliant diamond when looked
from above. The princess shape has become very popular with diamond rings, and engagement
rings. The square shape with pointed corners alongside its sparkle and fire characteristics
make it a desirable shape.
Marquise diamonds
The Marquise shape is a good for making a diamond appear larger. Looking at diamonds
of the same carat weight, the Marquise shaped diamond will usually appear larger
than the others. It's also a good shape to keep in mind when for the center diamond
of a 2 side-stones ring, because of its elongated shape.
Oval diamonds
The Oval shape is a brilliant cut, giving it the characteristic sparkle and fire
you would expect. Like the Marquise shape, it has an elongated shape, which compliments
long fingers, giving them a more slender look. It can also look great as a center
diamond when accompanied by 2 side-stones.
Pear-shaped diamonds
The Pear shape, also known as the Teardrop shape has a unique unsymmetrical shape.
Its special shape along with its brilliant cut its make it an appealing choice for
engagement rings, mostly as a solitaire.
Emerald diamonds
Emerald diamonds are classic. These are step-cut diamonds, rectangular shaped with
trimmed edges. They have high luster due to the large flat surface area and show
off the beautiful properties of a very clear diamond - for those who are willing
to appreciate it. Emeralds are not usually popular choices for engagement rings
since the step-cut lacks the brilliancy and fire of the brilliant cut. This shape
is more suited for old-fashioned looking prestigious jewelry.
Radiant diamonds
The Radiant cut is similar in shape to the Emerald - both are rectangular with trimmed
edges. However, Radiant cut diamonds are not step-cut. The Pavilion bottom part
of the diamond is cut using Brilliant cut facets, while the top part is a combination
of step-cut and brilliant cut. Radiant cut looks very different than Emerald cut
in that it has the brilliancy and fire that you would expect from a brilliant cut
diamond. This cut might be an option to consider for engagement rings as a center
stone.
Heart diamonds
The Heart shape is cut in brilliant cut fashion which gives it fire, brilliancy
and scintillation. When choosing a heart shaped diamond it's important to look at
the symmetry of the stone. If the stone does not have good symmetry, the stone will
perform poorly under many light conditions. The table must be centered and not favoring
a specific side. Try to vision imaginary lines across and along the stone and see
that both sides are symmetrical.
Asscher diamonds
The Asscher cut is a step-cut very similar to the Emerald cut, only it is square-shaped
do to its length to width ratio. Like step-cuts it has a classic old fashioned look
with great luster coming off the flat planes of the diamond. When choosing an Asscher
cut make sure that no inclusion are visible through the table since the step-cut
makes these inclusion more visible when compared to brilliant cut.