Your Diamonds knows that the same way that diamonds come in all shapes and sizes so do our customer’s taste in diamonds. We are here to educate you on certain diamonds cuts as well as make you aware of the many options available to you when choosing a diamond cut for custom made jewellery. But first, we need to differentiate between what is meant by a diamond’s “cut” and a diamond’s “shape”.
The Different Between the Terms Diamond “Cut” and “Shape”
The “shape” of a diamond refers to the form it takes whereas the diamond “cut” is used to define the way the diamond’s proportions reflect light. The way a diamond reflects light is largely determined by the way it was physically cut. However, the following diamond cuts refer to the popular shapes they are cut into.
Round Brilliant Diamond Cut
This is the shape that probably pops into your head when you hear the word diamond. It is rounded at the top and comes to a point. The point is usually where it is placed in the setting of an engagement ring. It is simple, elegant and traditional, which has made it a consistently popular choice for engagement rings and other custom made jewellery. It is also used to place focus on a large centre stone of the setting in rings.
Princess Cut
The Princess Diamond Cut is favoured for a number of reasons, especially by soon-to-be fiancés. It is less traditional and brings some edge while remaining a very delicate choice, this explains why it is part of so many ring designs to this day.
Cushion Cut
This cut offers the same square centred focal point as the princess cut. However, the cushion cut has rounded edges which make for a softer finish and less geometrically focused than the popular princess cut.
Oval Cut
The oval cut can be considered an elongated round cut. Though they may not reflect light as effectively as a round diamond cut to create the same level of sparkle, it creates a different effect. The light reflection off of an oval cut’s surface makes for larger flashes of reflecting light, meaning big bursts of sparkle, less frequently.
This diamond cut was particularly popular in the 1990’s and has resurfaced among other beloved 90’s trends among those in the market for something elegant but still seen often, almost as much as a round diamond cut.
Emerald Diamond Cut
This shape is also known as Step Diamond Cut. It is comprised of chiseled step cuts all along the rectangular shape that run parallel down the sides. The broad flat plane on the top of the setting draws people with a certain aesthetic and the size is usually rather stunning in itself. It is named after an emerald, because half a century ago they were easily chipped by jewellers when cut differently so they cut with the grain of the stone to avoid chipping the precious stone.
Asscher Cut
This is very similar to an emerald cut diamond and also known as a square emerald cut. It is usually chosen for its Hall of Mirrors effect thanks to the parallel lines cut into it. It is reminiscent of the Art Deco period in the early 20th century and is named after Dutch diamond company owner Joseph Asscher.
Marquise Cut
Often referred to as the boat-shaped, eye-shaped or the navette cut, it has two pointed ends and a rare vintage cut. As well as being strikingly beautiful it has the added advantage of appearing larger while actually being a small stone. It also creates an elongated illusion for fingers, making it particularly dainty and feminine.
Pear Cut Diamond
This could be considered a combination of the round and the marquise diamond cuts with a tapered point, closely resembling a teardrop. Its symmetrical curves paired with its lack of edges makes for a stunning centre piece in almost any setting. They also pair beautifully with another diamond of the same shape to further accentuate its pristine symmetry.
At Your Diamonds we will accommodate and design your ring with the diamonds and diamond cuts of your choosing. Contact us for anything from custom designs to loose diamond sales.
