DIAMOND SHAPE OVERVIEW

Diamond Shape Overview

Diamonds are glamorous, fashionable, and luxurious. Their radiance is known throughout the world. Gemcutters have devised quite a few cuts and shapes over the years, so as to ensure a diverse range of silhouettes available that cater to every taste. From the brilliant round to the understated marquise, you’re sure to find a diamond shape that best resembles your romance. Our team at Clarkes Jewelers have put together a guide of diamond shapes that are popular for engagement rings.

Round

Sometimes called the “brilliant cut”, this shape is noteworthy in that it is, by far, the most popular. Around 75% of diamond engagement ring sales feature this shape, making it the most desirable. So, why is it so ubiquitous? This shape has the highest brilliance of any cut, reflecting light from the most angles. It has about 57 polished sides (“facets”) that are positioned in such a way as to emit the most light.

While one might assume that their popularity might make them less expensive, that is not at all the case. Round cut stones are more expensive than almost any other cut, as more diamond mass is lost in the creation of these incredible stones plus they are in peerlessly high demand. Still, they evoke a luxurious and illustrious beauty that makes them a classic.

Princess

With its regal look and eye-catching radiance, the princess cut has an appropriate title. It is also referred to as the “square brilliant” due to its shape and shine. Princess cut stones look like an inverted pyramid. The front bears an unmistakable X shape. They have a unique aesthetic that is truly unforgettable simply by virtue of their contrast to round stones. Moreover, their eccentric square shape gives each stone an air of regality and extravagance.

Princess cut stones have been a favorite of designers for many seasons as they have a mysterious air that is individual and stunning. In a three stone setting or as a solitaire, you will not be disappointed with a ring that utilizes this cut.

Oval

The oval cut diamond is a fascinating stone. Its slender, elegant silhouette has a vintage evocation. What makes these stones special is their large surface area. It produces a distinctive light display that is particularly radiant, especially when viewed from the front. Ovals are much less common than round stones but exhibit around 56 facets, so they are almost – but not quite – as brilliant as round cut diamonds. Their shape also serves to make one’s fingers appear long and slender.

Oval cut diamonds are well-suited for halo settings, as a layer of diamonds strongly elevates the light. For those who seek a gemstone with high luminescence but want an individualistic effect, ovals are a great option.

Emerald

Not to be confused with the verdant green gemstone, emerald cut stones have a rare rectangular shape. The unmistakable elongated sides create a gorgeous infinite hallway effect (some like to call it a “hall of mirrors”). Not only is this beautiful, but it has the side effect of showing off the gemstone’s clarity. As a result, it’s not great for lower-quality diamonds, as any inclusion is easy to see.

Emerald cut stones are rare, making up less than 5% of all diamonds sold. Still, their unique characteristics make them beloved by celebrities. If you have a high-quality diamond and want to show it, this is an excellent choice.

Cushion

The cushion diamond is a combination of round and princess cuts, as it is a square shaped stone with rounded edges. It is said to resemble a pillow, although it certainly lacks the softness of its namesake. These rounded edges grant a warm and pleasant aesthetic with an old-world style. Cushions are the third most common diamond used in engagement rings.

There are two primary varieties of cushion diamonds: the standard and the modified. The former has rounded sides and an antique style but is much rarer than its counterpart. With its straight sides, the modified is the more prominent variety. Cushions are among the oldest diamond cuts, so they have a long history and have undergone many changes over the years.

Pear Shape

Pear shape cuts are also commonly known as teardrops. They have a rounded bottom and narrow top that ends in a point. These stones have a unique and elegant aesthetic, as well as a few other desirable properties. Due to their shape, they make smaller stones appear more prominent. Meanwhile, larger stones have a sophisticated glamor.

Another benefit of pear diamonds is that they are less expensive than many other shapes. Coupled with their illusory properties and charming shape, they are great, affordable center stones.

Marquise

Possibly the rarest shape, the marquise cut diamond has a wonderfully slender shape. They are named after the Marquise of Pompadour, as King Louis XIV commissioned a diamond that resembled her allegedly perfect lips. What makes them the rarest shape? Their silhouette makes larger stones appear smaller, which many find undesirable. Still, their scarcity gives them a peerlessly special style.

For those who appreciate understated and contemporary elegance, marquise diamonds are a solid choice. Some designers will even arrange them horizontally for stunning intrigue.

Baguette

The baguette stone resembles a baguette: rectangular in shape with rounded edges. They can appear either horizontally or vertically. These stones have 14 facets, making them much less brilliant than other gems.

Usually, baguettes are used as accent or accessory stones. This is because they fit neatly on the band and won’t overshadow a center stone. However, they still look delightful and make for an excellent center stone if their incredibly unique silhouette appeals to you.

Heart

Heart shaped diamonds have a fascinating, novelty design. They evoke a playful, romantic, and chic look adept for symbolizing romantic love. As such, they’re most often used in engagement rings or in pendants. Heart diamonds are surprisingly brilliant as well.

These stones are not as expensive as round cut varieties but are nonetheless more pricey than many other shapes. This is because they are rare but desired, as well as quite difficult to cut.

Find Diamonds at Clarkes Jewelers

Clarkes Jewelers has long been a Shreveport institution. Our wide selection of fine jewelry and diamonds guarantees that every visitor receives something they love. To best view all the diamonds available, reserve an appointment for a personalized consultation to see how light interacts with each gem. Our team will also show you our exquisite settings. Call (318) 865-5658 to learn more.