Diamonds are renowned for their brilliance and fire, but these dazzling qualities are heavily influenced by the way they are cut. While a diamond’s clarity and carat weight are important factors, the cut is often referred to as the most crucial aspect, impacting a diamond’s beauty and value.
There are two main categories of Different Diamond Cuts: brilliant cuts and step cuts. Brilliant cuts, like the round brilliant, feature triangular and kite-shaped facets designed to maximize a diamond’s brilliance (light reflection) and fire (rainbow flashes). Step cuts, like the emerald cut, have a distinctive hall-of-mirrors look with rectangular facets that showcase a diamond’s clarity and geometric form.
Here’s a closer look at some popular diamond cuts:
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Round Brilliant: The most popular cut, the round brilliant features 58 facets for exceptional brilliance and fire. It’s a classic and versatile choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
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Princess: A square cut with pointed corners, the princess cut offers a modern and elegant look. It’s known for its brilliance and durability, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
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Emerald: With a rectangular shape and stepped facets, the emerald cut exudes a vintage charm. This cut prioritizes clarity over brilliance, allowing for the diamond’s natural beauty to shine through.
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Oval: Offering a similar brilliance to the round cut, the oval diamond has an elongated shape that can create the illusion of a larger stone. It’s a flattering cut that can add a touch of elegance to any piece of jewelry.
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Cushion: The cushion cut has a softer, square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. It offers a romantic and vintage feel, and because less rough is lost during cutting, it can be a more affordable option.
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Pear: Shaped like a teardrop, the pear cut is known for its brilliance and unique silhouette. It can add a touch of individuality to an engagement ring or pendant.
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Marquise: With pointed ends and a curved body, the marquise cut has a glamorous and elongated look. It’s important to choose this cut carefully as its brilliance can vary depending on the proportions.
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Asscher: Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut is square shaped with a high crown and large facets. It offers a unique brilliance and a vintage feel.
Ultimately lab grown diamonds, the best diamond cut for you depends on your personal style and preferences. Consider factors like brilliance, fire, shape, and price when making your decision.