When it comes to buying a diamond, it’s important to know the 4Cs of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) to ensure you get the right diamond for you. Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most popular types of diamond cuts.
A diamond’s cut is determined by the number and position of its facets. These facets are also responsible for determining the stone’s sparkle and brilliance.
Round
Round diamonds are by far the most popular types of diamond cuts. This is due to the fact that they are the most economical shape to produce from rough diamond crystals and also because of their ability to maximize light performance.
The modern round brilliant has a standard basic facet pattern of 57 facets (58 if the culet has a facet on it). Depths, angles and proportions work together to create a diamond that reflects and refracts light with intense sparkle.
Emerald
The emerald diamond cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes. Its rectangular shape with chiseled step cuts and straight linear facets creates a strong optical effect.
Emerald cut diamonds are often more expensive than round and cushion cut diamonds due to their facet design. Emerald cuts do not hide imperfections well with long step facets and slow scintillation, so inclusions tend to stand out more in lower partyguise clarity diamonds.
Pear
A popular cut with a history that goes back to 1458, the pear diamond was designed by a polisher named Lodewyk Van Berquem. This shape combines the soft-sided curves of the marquise and the rounded bottom of the round brilliant cut.
The pear diamond’s ideal table, depth and length to width ratio combinations maximize the look of the stone and how it reflects light. A pear diamond with a lower ratio will appear shorter and skinnier, while a higher one will look longer and fuller.
Princess
The princess diamond cut is one of the most recognizable and popular diamond cuts. First invented in the 1960s by London-based cutter Arpad Nagy, the princess cut is a profile cut.
Princess cut diamonds can have a variety of facets on the pavilion and crown of the stone, which produce flashes of light and color. These facets are usually arranged in a chevron pattern, which increases the brilliance of the diamond.
Radiant
The radiant cut is one of the most brilliant diamond cuts and has a stunning look that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings. Radiant diamonds are also very durable and have carefully beveled corners that make them resistant to chips and breakage.
A good radiant cut has a lot of sparkle and flash, and will often look like crushed ice, a twinkling effect that is reminiscent of small, random reflections that bounce around in the diamond. This crushed ice effect is very appealing to many shoppers and can be hard to find.
Marquise
Marquise diamond cuts are a classic for couples looking for a unique engagement ring. They’re known for their elegance and romance, and are a symbol of old world aristocracy.
They have 56-60 facets and are fairly good at hiding inclusions. They’re also popular for their ability to make fingers look thinner and longer, which is why they’re often set in cocktail rings.
Heart
Unlike most other cuts, the heart diamond cut takes a lot of skill and precision to create. It requires that both halves of the heart are identical and that its cleft is distinct and even.
The length to width ratio is another important factor that influences how the diamond looks. The ideal heart shape diamond should have a ratio between 0.90 and 1.10.
Butterfly
The butterfly diamond cut is a popular option for those seeking a classic shape that’s also slightly different. It’s been crafted in many iterations over time, including antique versions by Faberge and Luigi Ferrara, as well as contemporary designs made in the 21st Century.
This GIA-certified diamond cut has been designed to create brilliance. Its symmetrical faceting curves complement the anatomy, enhancing light reflections.
Star
The Star diamond cut has more facets than the traditional 58-facet round brilliant, giving it the appearance of more sparkle and fire. It is cut using laser technology, enabling it to deliver a level of economy and precision never before seen in a diamond.
When choosing a Lab grown diamonds, it is important to consider the four Cs – color, clarity, carat and cut. Experts will also consider the weight relative to its diameter, the thickness of its girdle, the design and craftsmanship of the diamond, the facets proportions and symmetry and polish.
