Many people have heard about the 4 Cs of diamonds. These are color, cut, clarity and carat. The “S” for shape is not included, but it is no less important to your purchase than the grading items listed above. The shape of your stone will dictate the outward appearance, though it will only affect the brilliance, or fire, of your diamond somewhat. Most of that is due to the cut of the stone. However, as mentioned already, the shape of your diamond is important, if for no other reason than because the person you are giving the gift to finds it attractive.Below, you’ll find a list of the most common shapes and their benefits, as well as their drawbacks.
Cushion Cut: This is an old cut, resembling stones from the late 1800’s that were popular around the world. This stone is rather oval in shape, with fewer facets than modern cuts. However, the simple, elegant look of this cut speaks volumes about romance and love. You may also hear this cut called a pillow cut.
Trillian Cuts: These are triangular in shape, hence the name. A trillian cut diamond offers a truly unique shape and immense fire. However, the shape is not loved by all, especially those who like classic or traditional cut diamonds. That said, there are few cuts that provide more beauty, sparkle and blazing light than this one.
Radiant Cuts: 70 facets can be found on this cut, increasing the brilliance of the stone phenomenally. In shape, it is square or rectangular, though it combines some elements of brilliant round stones. This is also a very deep cut, due to the wide shape. In order to create the dramatic fire that this cut is famed for, the cut must be very deep. These are usually larger stones, as well.
Princess Cuts: This is the most popular style of diamond shape in the US. Usually found in square shapes, though rectangular shapes can be found as well, the Princess cut is another deep cut because of its shape. This shape is often found in engagement rings and other diamond solitaire settings and can flatter a woman’s hand quite a bit.
Heart Shaped Cuts: This is a shape based on the pear shape diamond cut, with a slice taken out of the top of the stone. Romance is in the air with a heart shaped diamond, though not all women find this style appealing. Stones with this shape require careful consideration because the actual shape can vary due to the skill of the gem cutter. When done correctly, this style can provide an amazing amount of fire and beauty, though specimens with odd proportions should be rejected.
Emerald Cuts: This style is one popular with emeralds and involves stepped sides. This stone will provide less fire, but larger flashes because of the long lines involved in the facets. Emerald cut diamonds make an elegant, sophisticated statement.
Marquis Cuts: This is an oval shape, with defined points on the end of the stone. It dates back to Luis the Sun King in France, though today it makes a dramatic statement, especially when combined with smaller stones to provide accents. This cut is ideal for solitaires, as well, though very large stones can be seen as gaudy.
Pear Shaped Cuts: This type of cut is actually a modified oval shaped diamond, with a singular point at one end of the stone. While this stone looks wonderful on a ring, it is especially suited to pendants and drop earrings. It also can flatter hands with short fingers. The pear shaped cut can provide surprising brilliance and beauty.
Oval Cuts: There are many cuts based on the oval shape. This style can flatter any hand, especially one with short fingers. The oval itself can provide astounding fire and sparkle for any setting. In addition, oval cut diamonds make good stones for necklaces and earrings.
Round Brilliant Cuts: Developed around 1900, this stone is the most popular style of diamond shape around the world. It provides amazing beauty and unmitigated fire and sparkle. 58 facets make up the shape of the stone, while the round shape provides optimum room for light dispersion and refraction. Brilliant cut stones make up over ¾ of those sold around the world. With the popularity, comes a little bit of price increase. So, expect to pay a little more for a round cut.
Regardless of the style that you choose, you must find a diamond in your price range. Remember, that a more involved cut will result in a higher priced diamond, relevant to its size. Therefore, it is possible to buy a larger diamond with fewer facets for less money than a smaller stone with more facets. The cut and facets are what determine the fire and beauty of your stone, though, so the more facets the better!
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