When planning to buy a diamond, you often hear about the “4 Cs,” which stand for Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color. However, there’s more to picking the right diamond than just those four factors. 

The cut of a diamond is critical in determining its brilliance and fire and affects a diamond’s overall shape. As you will realize, it also defines a fifth “c” – cost. Read on to learn about diamond cuts and shapes to pick the right one for you.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond with beveled corners and step facets on the pavilion (the bottom half of the diamond). It’s named after the green gemstone because its facets resemble an emerald’s. Emerald-cut diamonds are less brilliant than round or princess cuts. 

Still, their sizable open table (the top flat facet of the diamond) makes them appear more significant than their carat weight. They are also a good choice if you want a vintage-style engagement ring. Emerald-cut diamonds require more care than other shapes since their facets can easily trap dirt and grease. 

If you are looking for a sparkling, flashy piece to awe your partner, an emerald cut engagement ring is not the ideal choice. Probably the reason it’s not as costly as other shapes.

Round Cut

The round cut is the most popular and classic of all diamond shapes. It is versatile and used in various jewelry styles, from solitaire rings to diamond stud earrings. Round-cut diamonds also tend to be the most expensive due to their high demand. It’s the best choice if you’re looking for a diamond with the most brilliance and fire. 

It is also the most forgiving cut, as it can hide imperfections better than other shapes. Maintenance is more manageable with round-cut diamonds, as they do not have points that easily chip. All you need is a simple routine of washing with soapy water and rinsing with clean water. Professionals clean it at least once a year.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is the second most popular diamond shape, especially for engagement rings. It is a square- or rectangular-shaped diamond with pointed corners. Princess-cut diamonds are less expensive than round-cut diamonds of the same carat weight. They are also a good choice if you’re looking for a diamond with more fire than a round cut. 

However, princess-cut diamonds are not as brilliant as round-cut diamonds, and their points are prone to chipping, requiring more care. They also need a more careful setting to protect the ends from damage.

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut is a square-shaped diamond with beveled corners and steps on the pavilion. It is very similar to the emerald cut but with a higher crown (the top part of the diamond above the girdle, or the narrowest part) and a smaller table. The Asscher cut was created in 1902 by Joseph Asscher and was very popular during the Art Deco period.

It has since regained popularity and is a favorite among celebrities. Asscher-cut diamonds are less brilliant than round or princess cuts, but their sizeable open table makes them appear more significant than their carat weight. They are also a good choice if you want a vintage-style engagement ring. 

Asscher-cut diamonds require more care than other shapes since their facets easily trap dirt and grease. The shape makes imperfections or blemishes more visible.

The Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is an elongated, oval-shaped diamond with pointed ends. It looks like a boat and is sometimes called a “navette diamond.” King Louis XIV of France popularized the marquise cut when he commissioned it to resemble the shape of his mistress’ mouth. 

Marquise-cut diamonds are a good choice if you want a diamond that appears more prominent. They are also a good choice if you want an engagement ring with a vintage feel. They require more care since their facets easily trap dirt and grease.

The Oval Cut

The oval cut is a modified round-cut diamond with an elongated shape. It is a popular choice for engagement rings because it flatters the finger and makes the hand look longer and slender. They require less care than marquise-cut diamonds since their facets are not as prone to trapping dirt and grease.

The Pear Cut

The pear cut is a modified round-cut diamond with a teardrop shape. It is a popular choice for engagement rings because it flatters the finger and makes the hand look longer and slender.

Pear-cut diamonds are also a good choice if you want a diamond that appears more prominent than its carat weight. They require less care since their facets are not as prone to trapping dirt and grease.

The Heart Cut

The heart cut is a modified pear-cut diamond with a heart-shaped outline. It is the most romantic of all the diamond shapes and is a popular choice for engagement rings. Heart-cut diamonds are also a good choice if you want a diamond that appears large. 

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut is a square or rectangular diamond with beveled corners and a brilliant cut (round or princess). It was created in 1977 by Henry Grossbard and is a popular choice for engagement rings.  They are a good choice if you want an engagement ring with a modern feel. 

Radiant-cut diamonds require more care because their facets easily trap dirt and grease. However, they’re the right choice if you want something in between a round and emerald cut.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut is a modified square or rectangular diamond with rounded corners and a brilliant cut (round or princess). It was created in the early 19th century and is a popular choice for engagement rings. The vintage-style cushion cut is making a comeback in popularity. They capture more light than the radiant cut and appear more prominent than their carat weight.

Work With What Suits Your Taste

There are many different diamond cuts and shapes to choose from when shopping for a ring. The most important thing to remember is what will best suit you or your fiance’s style. If unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a qualified jeweler. They will help you select the perfect diamond cut and shape to suit your needs. For more help for diamonds you can move forward to Teach Jewelry Diamonds.

SHARE THIS POST