If you’re thinking about a potential upcoming engagement, you might be looking at engagement ring styles to find out what you like best! In addition to deciding on a ring design you should also be asking, “What diamond shape should I get?” When researching shapes, you’ll see the term “cut” used quite a bit and this term actually has two applications. Many people think the cut refers to the shape of a diamond, but they are actually two different things. Cut generally focuses on the grading from “ideal” to “very good”, which is based on the refraction of light and brilliance of the diamond. The cut is also used to reference the shape of the diamond that you choose. While the traditional and most popular center stone shape is the round cut, we have quite a few fancy shapes to show you that may just pique your interest, and each of them are sure to highlight your unique style. The diamond shape you choose can say a lot about your personality. Each fancy shape below has its own distinct set of qualities, and we love all of them!
Two of these fancy shaped diamonds are cut with steppe facets, focusing on the straight lines of the diamond. The Emerald cut and Asscher cut are stunning cuts that look best with high grade clarity and color. Because of the way the facets are cut, inclusions will be easier to see, which is why the clarity is of even more importance.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a rectangular shape that showcases the long internal steppes, and it was originally referred to as the “table cut”. It features a larger flat table, allowing you to see directly into the center of the diamond. This shape is a classic, and is very prevalent in art deco inspired jewelry. Emerald cuts are brilliant in a different way than round cuts, they have a “hall of mirrors” effect on the eye and reflect larger portions of light. Emerald cuts look gorgeous as solitaires or in halo styles.
Asscher Cut
The Asscher is an octagonal cut in a square shape, very similar to the emerald cut. Some may think that the emerald cut came first, but it’s actually the other way around! The “table cut” that emerald shaped diamonds are based on was actually square cut to begin with. Asscher cuts are known for their “windmill effect” which are triangular facets that extend from each corner to the center of the stone.
Do you want the most sparkle in your diamond? We’ve got you covered there! While the steppe cuts like Emerald and Asscher may seem “less sparkly”, they actually reflect light in larger sections instead of the vibrant reflection you see from round shape diamonds. The next four shapes listed below are cut with different facets and reflect light in much smaller amounts, leading to that brilliant disco ball effect you may be looking for!
Trillion Cut
Trillion cut diamonds are triangle-shaped as their name suggests, and typically feature rounded edges. You’re likely to see these diamonds as an accent stone but they are rising in popularity for center stones as well! Trillion cuts tend to look larger than round cuts of the same carat weight because of their shallow cut and wider table area. Be sure to have a secure prong setting for these stones to ensure their edges are safe from chipping.
Cushion Cut
Cushion shaped diamonds have a visual similarity to round cut diamonds, but are in a soft-cornered square shape. If you’re looking for a very one-of-a-kind diamond, a cushion cut might be for you! There is no specific faceting pattern or ratio required for cushion cut diamonds, so each one is very individual. Cushion cut diamonds are deeper cuts and have smaller table percentages, so they may look smaller compared to ones like the trillion or pear cut.
Pear Cut
The pear shaped diamond, also known as the “teardrop” cut, is a unique combination of a marquise cut and a round cut. The tapering end of this shape elongates the look of the stone, and with its larger table it tends to look larger than its emerald cut or round cut equivalents. With many brilliant facets, slight inclusions are more difficult to see, which can equal a better price for a stone that looks flawless to the naked eye.
Oval Cut
The oval cut has become quite popular in fancy shapes of choice, and it’s easy to see why! Their elongated shape adds a lengthening quality to the hand of the wearer, and without any sharp edges this shape is quite durable and less prone to chipping. The brilliant cut of this shape adds beautiful light refraction and fire, and they look stunning in modern, vintage, or solitaire settings. Oval diamonds are great for small hands with shorter fingers because they help elongate the look of the hand.
No matter your preference of diamond shape, we can find the best quality lab-grown diamond, Nautral Diamond or Moissanite that fits your budget. If you don’t see the perfect setting for your one-of-a-kind stone, we’d be happy to create a custom setting for you! Please contact us for custom designs or special stone shape requests.