When it comes to diamonds, understanding the different cuts and shapes can help you find the one that sparkles just right for you!
Diamonds are a expensive and aspirational, hence it’s essential to do all the homework before you step out to buy one. One of the common misconceptions that people have is that diamond shape and diamond cut are the same. However, it’s high time that we break this myth and help you select the best stone that is pocket-friendly and suits your taste.
Read on to learn more about the difference between diamond shape and cut and to see which one is the best fit for you!
Different Cut Categories of Diamond
Cut is one of the 4C’s of the diamond. The cut of a diamond reflects how the facets of the diamond interact with light. It is determined by the various proportions, polish and overall symmetry of the diamond.
Diamond cuts can be confusing because they represent two things: diamond cut quality and diamond cut type.
As per the GIA’s cut quality scale, diamond cuts can be rated as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.
All in all, if a diamond is cut properly (i.e. rated on the first three points), it will exhibit maximum sparkle and brilliance. However, if it is cut poorly, it will look dull even if it has high colour and clarity grade.
The diamond cut type, on the other hand, refers to the arrangement of facets so as to ensure maximum sparkle and brilliance. There are three broad types of diamond cuts; brilliant cut, step cut, and mixed cut. Let’s briefly discuss each of them.
Types of Diamond Cuts
Step Cuts are those designed to accentuate the diamond's colour and clarity. They have rectangular facets that run parallel to the girdle. Due to their large, linear facets, such diamonds reflect light just like a “hall of mirrors.” Also, comparatively, step cuts offer less fire and brilliance than a traditional brilliant cut.
Mixed Cuts, as the name suggests, compares the elements of both the brilliant cut and the step cut to create the best of both worlds. Usually, the crown in such diamonds is of brilliant cut and the pavilion is of step cut. Although it’s a relatively new development, it is finding a lot of popularity among buyers.
Keep reading to find examples of all three cuts!
Diamond Shape vs Diamond Cut
Although these terms are thrown around in common parlance synonymously, they are not the same. Let’s understand it this way: diamond shape refers to the outline, form or silhouette of a stone while the cut refers to the craftsmanship that determines its sparkle. Thus, the cut determines the shape.
Also, the diamond cuts are classified as Brilliant, Step and Mixed Cuts whereas the diamond shapes are broadly classified as Round Brilliant diamonds and Fancy-Shaped diamonds. Moreover, diamond shapes that are not round brilliant cuts are put under the umbrella of fancy-shaped diamonds.
How to Choose the Best Diamond Cut?
Apart from the cut quality and depth, it’s equally important to consider the shape of the diamond cut you’re looking for. For instance, since different shapes have varying cut standards, round brilliant cuts offer maximum sparkle due to their perfect symmetry while fancy shapes (like princess or cushion) may show less brilliance even with a good cut.
Thus, round brilliant cut diamonds are timeless stones with an elegant look and maximum sparkle. Also, remember, the best cut for you is something you define.
Top Diamond Shapes
Following is a non-exhaustive list of diamond shapes with brilliant cuts along with a few step cuts .
● Round
Topping the list is the star of all stones, the round brilliant cut. With 58 facets and a carefully crafted brilliant cut, these diamonds exhibit maximum sparkle and brilliance. Mostly found in statement jewellery, round brilliant cut mask minor inclusions and accentuate the color and clarity of the stone.
● Radiant (Rectangular)
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, radiant cut is your go-to choice. It offers the brilliance of the round cut with the shape of an emerald cut thereby making it a statement piece. Moreover, its 70 facets offer exceptional sparkle and fire. Also, radiant cuts are available in both rectangular and square shapes and thus they’re highly versatile and durable.
● Emerald Shape (Rectangular )
Emeralds are undoubtedly the most classic stones in the history of gemstones. Its timeless green color and overall chic appearance have made it popular among both men's and women’s jewellery. It has a rectangular shape with step-cut facets that emphasise clarity over brilliance. Also, its large, open table creates a "hall of mirrors" effect that gives an unmatched sparkle.
● Heart
Perhaps the most romantic and sensual cuts on this list, the diamond with its heart-liked shape, a cleft at the top and rounded lobes, is the perfect fit for engagement rings and pendants. With 56-58 facets, it offers satisfactory brilliance and fire. Also, if you’re going for a heart cut, do not compromise on the clarity and colour grade so that your piece remains visually appealing.
● Cushion (Square or Rectangular with rounded corners)
Similar to a pillow, cushion cuts are the melting pot of vintage charm and modern brilliance. Cushion cuts have a square or rectangular shape with 58-64 facets and rounded corners. They’re perfect for people looking for a soft romantic glow instead of a fierce brilliance in their stone.
● Princess (Square with pointed corners)
Although a fairly recent development, the princess cut has made its place among all the other diamond cuts. It is a square-shaped diamond with sharp edges and 57-76 t facets that offer brilliance like none other. In fact, it has become the second most coveted stone for engagement rings after the round brilliant cut.
● Pear (Teardrop)
Mostly used in engagement rings, pear cut combines the round and marquise cut to create a mesmerising beauty that enhances the appearance of the fingers. It has a rounded end with a pointed tip and 58 facets that offer maximum brilliance.
● Marquise (Elongated oval with pointed ends)
Popular in vintage and classic settings, the Marquise cut is the epitome of elegance and makes your fingers look sleek and enticing. This cut looks similar to the shape of a rugby ball with its pointed ends. With its 58 facets and a brilliant cut, it offers brilliance like none other.
● Oval
If you like a big stone without burning a hole in your pocket, opting for an oval cut is the way forward. The oval cut makes the stone look bigger even for the same carat and its carefully crafted 58 facets offer a sleek and elegant look. Also, when opting for an Oval Cut, pay close attention to the "bow-tie effect," or a shadow across the centre, which must be minimal.
● Trillion (Triangle with pointed ends)
Nope, the ‘trillion’ in trillion shape does not denote money. In fact, it refers to the triangular shape of this stone. It has three equal sides of typically 31-50 facets that reflect light brilliantly. Also, it is often used as an accent stone in modern jewellery but sometimes it is also used as the centerpiece.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular Diamond Shapes?
Ans. The most popular diamond Shapes are Round, Marquise, Pear, Princess and Emerald shapes.
2. What Diamond Shapes appear the largest ?
Ans. Marquise and Ovals appear the largest. The appearance is due to its elongated shape.
3. Which Shape and cut has the most sparkle?
Ans. The Round Brilliant cut has the most sparkle because of its 58 facets and the angles of the facets generate maximum brilliance.
4. What are the instances one should use Jewellery with fancy shaped Diamonds?
Ans. Fancy Shaped Diamonds such as Marquise, Pear, Ovals, Emerald and Heart are perfect for
Special Occassions
1) Anniversaries
2) Birthdays
3) Engagement
4) Weddings
Fashion and Statement Jewellery for
1) Formal Events
h2) Office wear
3) Parties
4) Daily wear.
5) Complement personal style.
5. What Diamond shapes complement Active lifestyle.
Ans. Jewellery with Emerald or Cushion shaped diamonds complements an active lifestyle. The jewellery design can be in combination with other shape of Diamonds too where the Cushion cut or the emerald cut diamond plays an integral part of the design.