Round Cut Diamonds
The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most classic and the most popular. Since the first time diamonds were being cut, variations on the round shape have been used. Its 57 facets bring out the most brilliant fire and sparkle of all the shapes. The incandescent of these magnificently shaped diamonds keep them popular.
A Round diamond sacrifices more of its original carat weight than any other shape during the cutting and processing stage of the diamond. Due to this reason and not the shapes popularity, is what gives Round cut diamonds a higher value than other shapes. The fire and brilliance of Round cut diamonds can be enhanced through the use of scientific calculations and using advanced theories of light behavior performed by expert diamond cutters for almost 100 years.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
Trimmed corners are the signature of this diamond, which makes it popular and a versatile choice for jewelry. The unique shape is a stunning hybrid of a traditional Round-cut and an elegant Emerald-cut, resulting in a near-square or rectangular orientation. The intricate 70 facets of the Radiant-cut diamond brings out the most brilliant, fire and sparkle.
Radiant-cut diamonds can vary in their degree of rectangularity. For a Radiant diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratio’s between 1 and 1.05. For a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratio greater than 1.10.
Princess Cut Diamonds
The second most popular diamond shape is the princess cut. The admirable brilliance and unique cuts make the Princess-cut diamonds favourite for engagement rings. Princess cut diamonds have 90 degree corners and is one of the most efficiently produced types of diamonds, with nearly 60% of the original rough preserved during the cutting process. Princess cut diamonds are square or slightly rectangular in shape with pointed corners and an array of intricate facets that increase the diamonds inherent shimmer.
Princess cut diamonds can vary greatly in how square or rectangular they are. The dimension of the princess cut diamond can be understood by the length-to-width ratio, which will help in determining what the diamond will look like when viewing it from above. For a Princess diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05, for a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.10.
Pear Cut Diamond
Pear shaped diamond also known as "teardrop diamond" because of its shape. The pear shaped diamond is a combination cut of the Round-cut and the Marquise-cut diamond. The unique look of the pear shape helps make it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. There are some variations among pear-cut diamonds, with some appearing wider and others exhibiting a longer, narrower shape. Pear diamonds are noted for their slenderizing effect, creating the illusion of longer, and more tapered fingers. They are also renowned for their high levels of brilliance, boasting 58 radiant facets.
To understand what the diamond will look like when viewing it from above, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.45 and 1.75.
Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval-cut diamonds are timeless and classic, its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the fingers. The Oval diamond has beautiful brilliance that’s similar to a Round diamond. Cuts with the same number of facets as a Round-cut diamond, an Oval-cut diamond emits nearly the same level of brilliance and fire. Its elongated shape makes it appear larger in carat weight than a Round-cut diamond.
An Oval-cut diamond can be 'Short and fat' or 'Long and thin' so one must check the length-to-width ratio of the diamond prior to the purchase. For most traditional Oval-cut diamonds, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.33 and 1.66. However, some people prefer ‘Long and thinner cuts’ and some prefer ‘Rounder and softer cuts’.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion-cut has been popular for more than a century. Cut into a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and sides, it's considered by many to be a softer version of the Emerald cut. With a soft and romantic look, the Cushion-cut has rounded corners and larger facets to increase the stone’s brilliance.
For a cushion-cut diamond that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.15.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
A Marquise shaped diamond with its brilliant cut and tapered point at two ends gives it a timeless elegant look. Reputed to have been made for King Louis XIV of France, who demanded for a diamond which simulated the smile of Marquise de Pompadour. Due to the extended length Marquise diamonds have more size per carat weight than other shapes and boast its 58 facets.
These diamonds when worn as a ring creates an elongated, slender look and makes the finger appear longer. For most traditional Marquise-cut diamonds, look for length-to-width ratio between 1.75 and 2.25.
Heart Cut Diamonds
The fancy-shaped Heart diamond is for the confident woman who is all heart. While sometimes selected for engagement rings, it makes a beautiful choice for pendants in fancy colors such as yellow, pink or red. The unique look of the heart-shaped diamond helps make it a distinctive choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. This unique shape is similar to a pear-cut diamond, differentiated by two rounded edges and a cleft at the top. Most high-quality heart-shaped diamonds are cut with 58 facets, although there are some variants depending on the cutting technique used.
For a more traditional heart-shaped diamond, look for length-to-width ratios between .90 and 1.10.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald-cut diamonds with its long lean lines, gives it a timeless and elegant look. The rectangular cut with a relatively larger open table (top, flat surface) and fewer facets highlights the clarity of the diamond more than any other shape. The Pavilion is what makes this shape different, which is cut with rectangular facets to create to create a unique optical appearance. Distinguished by its bevelled corners and step facets, this type of diamonds is more transparent than other shapes.
Emerald-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how rectangular they are. For a Classic Emerald-cut shape, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.40. An Emerald-cut diamond that is marked by an inclusion will be much more likely to be detected with the naked eye. Hence while choosing an Emerald diamond, its recommended selecting a clarity level of SI1 or higher.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Asscher-cut, often described as a square Emerald. Even Asscher-cut diamonds have a pavilion that is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the Emerald Cut. Named after the renowned diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, introduced first in 1920. What sets it apart from the other shapes are its uniquely angled and cropped corners. The facets of a properly cut Asscher diamond is compared to a hallway lined with reflective mirrors, radiating a great deal of sagacity.
Since the cutting style of an Asscher diamond makes imperfections more visible, its recommended to choose a clarity grade of SI1 or higher.