As Marilyn Monroe once said, diamonds are a girl’s best friend – and boy, was she right! What she failed to mention though, is the different diamond cuts available, or how diamonds are made. Not to worry, we still love you, Marilyn! And we’re here to help you understand the different diamond cuts and what they work best for.
Diamond Cut Types
Variety is the spice of life, and the same can be said about diamond cuts.
Diamonds can be cut into so many different shapes and sizes. Each cut serves to maximize the stone’s brilliance and add character to the piece. The unique cuts are also associated with different personalities, as well as events.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
This diamond cut is made up of fifty-eight and does a stellar job of reflecting white lights – more commonly referred to as brilliance. It’s one of the most popular cuts and is often seen as a classic. 75% of all diamonds sold are round brilliant cuts, with 60% of all engagement rings sold featuring this cut.
Princess-Cut Diamond
When it comes to popular diamond shapes, the princess cut comes in second after the round brilliant cut. People often describe it as an inverted pyramid featuring bevelled edges with a rectangular or square base.
It is also one of the newer diamond cut types, having been created in 1961. The current shape, however, was only finalised in 1980. Like the round brilliant cut, the princess cut also features fifty-eight facets.
Emerald-Cut Diamond
Unlike the previous cuts, the emerald cut only has fifty-seven facets. It features a rectangle shape with cut-off corners. The liner facets create a hall of mirrors effect much like a real emerald, instead of the sparkle and brilliance of the more popular diamond cuts.
Radiant Cut Diamond
The unusual shape of this stone adds to its appeal. While it is often mistaken as a princess cut, this uniquely crafted cut features seventy facets. This cut is often seen as more practical and is suitable for active individuals.
Cushion Cut Diamond
As diamond shapes go, this one is extremely common for engagement rings. The pillow-like shape with rounded corners has fifty-eight facets. This hybrid cut is a more contemporary version of round brilliant cuts. This cut is often a rectangle or square with curved edges.
Oval Cut Diamond
Oval cuts are not graded by the Gemological Institute of America as a result of the unique shape. To assist you in determining the value of the cut, you need to look at the depth, angles, polish, and proportions of the stone. You are going to want to find a gem with round edges and no harsh, sharp points.
Asscher Cut Diamond
This can easily be described as a square emerald cut. The facets feature large steps as well as a high crown. As a result, it creates an impressive brilliance that resembles an endless hall of mirrors. It features cropped corners, making it almost look like an octagon.
Marquise-Cut Diamond
Another gorgeous stone cut with fifty-eight facets with an elliptical shape. The narrow, long shape helps the stone appear bigger than it really is. It also gives the finger a more slimming appearance, making it one of the more flattering stones.
Pear Cut Diamond
Pear cut, pear-shaped, or teardrop diamonds are another brilliant diamond cut type. As the name implies, it looks like a pear. The diamond shape is elongated like the oval or marquise cuts, however, one of the ends is more rounded while the other end remains pointed. This unique appearance is much coveted and can result in unique jewellery pieces.
When set in a ring, it creates a long, slim effect to the fingers. The shapes are never identical, with some being longer or rounder than others.
Heart Cut Diamond
The heart has always been a symbol of love, which is why this cut is so popular. This shape is unique, rare, and often seen as a more special or personal stone choice. This stone is not nearly as popular as the round or princess cut diamonds currently available.
While this stone can be used for a wide range of jewellery pieces, it is most often used in engagement rings. The first known version of this cut goes back to the 16th century when Mary Queen of Scots gave Queen Elizabeth a heart-shaped diamond ring.
Baguette Cut Diamond
This beautiful rectangular cut steers away from the traditional cut of diamonds and instead only has 14 facets. These stones are often quite small and thin, mostly used in ring settings or other more delicate jewellery items.
Trillion Cut Diamond
The trillion cut is one of the more unusual diamond cut types with between 44 and 50 facets. It has a triangular shape with slightly curved edges. Almost like a heart but without the dip in the middle. This style of cut enhances the sparkle of the stone and makes any piece of jewellery a showstopper.
My Girl Cut Diamond
If you’re looking for a square cut, look no further. This diamond cut features a four-sided shape, however, the edges are cut off, almost as if it had been framed. This cut is fairly new, but that doesn’t mean that it is not nearly as popular as the more established cuts.
Lozenge Cut Diamond
This is another four-sided shape but resembles more of a “diamond” or squished square. It features a step cut that works wonders when it comes to showcasing the brilliance of the stone.
There Is A Cut, Size, And Shape For Everyone
The reason there are so many diamond cut types available is more than likely due to the many different people, tastes, and style preferences the world is made up of.
Each cut is expertly crafted to bring out the beauty of the stone as well as to compliment the wearer. The person selecting the stone has a lot to consider before making that initial purchase. Whether the gem will be worn by them or if it will be given to someone else – it all requires the same amount of forethought.
The perfect cut and diamond are out there! You just need to find it.