So you’re looking into finally getting your lady that diamond engagement ring she’s been lusting after for ages, but there’s so much choice that it’s difficult to guess what she’s going to like. Well, just like any other kind of fashion, the kind of diamond a woman prefers will most likely speak for her unique sense of style. In this article we’ll explain to you the 10 main diamond shapes, a bit about their history, and what shape will suit her personality best!
Round Brilliant Diamonds for the Classic lady
Most commonly known as brilliant or ‘Round Brilliant cut’ (RBC), this is the classic image of a diamond and suits a classic girl. The modern brilliant cut was born around 60 years ago – it is quite simply the best and most popular cut for diamonds. This refined shape accounts for over 75 per cent of diamonds sold today. Not all round diamonds were and are cut as Brilliants. To be a Brilliant a diamond requires 58-facets divided among its crown (top), girdle (middle-top) and pavilion (base). With a high standard cut, the consequence is a firing gem that shines with absolute brilliance.
It is easy to see why RBCs are by far the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings. Appearing clean, modern and simple it remains elegant, versatile and timeless, perfect for the classic lady who appreciates simplicity and sparkle.
The Trendy Princess Cut Diamond
The princess cut, a square shaped diamond with a seldom rectangular version, was created in the midst of swinging 1960s London and is boastful of its numerous intricate sparkling facets (anywhere from 49 to 144). It is perfect for solitaire engagement rings or earrings, making it a popular choice for trend-setting girls. The design compliments long fingers and is often accompanied by triangular stones at its sides which adds to its brilliance.
The Glamourous Emerald Cut Diamond
The Emerald cut suits a glamorous taste. It has a rectangular cut with extended, lean facets along the sides which surround the shape’s large table (the top flat part) which is what exaggerates the gem’s clarity more than any other. The cut corners resemble stair steps (it is sometimes called a step cut) and this cut got its name for being the most sought after shape for emeralds in the 1920s. Its crystal clarity allows for inclusions and colour to be more pronounced, making it the ideal design for fancy coloured diamonds.
Created in the art deco era, the Emerald diamond was less concerned with brilliant but became renowned for its stylish elegance and cool confidence which every glamorous woman should possess.
Oval Diamonds for the Innovative and Creative
This perfectly symmetrical and even shape is similar to the round diamond and boasts a remarkable brilliance. It has a bigger surface area than a round diamond of similar weight, which cleverly gives the illusion of a much larger diamond. This elongated shape is popular as a solitaire for those with shorter fingers or smaller hands because it presents the illusion of length to the hand, effectively making fingers look more slender.
The shape is commonly bordered with side stones, often smaller diamonds, emeralds, sapphires or other gems which can allows for specific tailoring to the creative tastes of an innovative woman.
Marquise Diamonds for the Drama Queen
The Marquise diamond is historically majestic. Inspired by the Marquise de Pompadour and tailor-made by Louis XIV, “le Roi Soleil” (the sun king) of France, the Marquise is an elongated cut with rounded sides and tapered ends that was designed to match the Marquise’s striking smile. This shape is embedded with enough power to stand on its own and shine as a solitaire but is also extremely popular for bridal sets.
This cut deceives people with a larger look whilst its length helps to make fingers look more slender and leaner and maximise carat weight. The Marquise’s radiant, dramatic and distinguished features reflect the characters of those outgoing women who appreciate a little opulence from time to time.
The Unique Pear Shape
This elegant and fashionable shape is a brilliant cut, meaning it has 58 facets to maximize sparkle. It is also known as the Tear Drop diamond due to its resemblance to a perfectly formed drop of water. The Pear shape is a good choice for the kind of girl who has a unique sense of style. It also has the added benefit of creating the illusion of slimmer fingers.
It is a popular shape for pendants and earrings, but it also works well with engagement rings. Because of the Pear’s unbalanced shape it is not usually set with elaborate accent stones.
The Heart Shape for the Sentimental Romantic
Although the heart is the ultimate symbol of love and romance, this shape is an uncommon choice for an engagement ring. It’s more often seen as a novelty shape and sought after as a fancy pink diamond, however the kind of girl who will fall in love with this shape is the sentimental type. The Heart shaped diamond is a rarity because of the complexity of the cut, and its quality depends a great deal on the skill of the cutter.
The Timelessly Stylish Asscher Cut
Created in 1902 by the Asscher brothers of Amsterdam, the Asscher cut is the square version of the emerald cut. It includes a pavilion with rectangular facets with clipped corners. Because of its remarkable depth it’s easier to see inclusions, so it is recommended that you purchase diamonds of this shape with VS2 clarity or above.
This is the perfect shape for the girl who loves everything vintage. Popular in the 1930s, the Asscher cut is reminiscent of art deco. This trademark design is one of the rarer shapes and is well sought after for its depth and beauty.
The Radiant Diamond Diva
This versatile design combines the brilliance of the round, the grace of the Emerald cut, and the panache of the Princess. The Radiant cut can be found in either as a square or rectangle. It boasts an impressive 70 facets to maximize the effect of its colour refraction, making it sure to get noticed! This shape is the perfect choice for the glamour girl who dresses to impress. This shape, however, is scarcely found on engagement rings because it is a rare cut, still it’s well worth the find!
The Cushion Cut for the Fashionable Romantic
As one of the last century’s oldest and most popular designs, the Cushion cut radiates with elegance and romance. Also known as the “pillow-cut” diamond, it can be found as either a square or rectangular shape, and has rounded corners and larger facets to increase its brilliance. This is the great choice for the kind of girl who’s both fashionable and romantic. Being an old style shape, the Cushion cut is reminiscent of antique engagement rings, which also happen to be back in style at the moment!
