Having no idea what kind of cut to get for your diamond? Here are some of the most popular diamond cuts and what they mean. A round diamond, a princess cut diamond, or a princess-cut diamond – these are all options. However, there are a few other options, too. Learn about the Asscher cut, Cushion cut, and radiant cut. And, as always, don’t forget to ask your jeweler for advice if you aren’t sure.
Asscher cut
The Asscher cut is the most popular diamond cut, but is not for everyone. It is a traditional, long-line cut that enhances the color of the stone and looks good types of diamond cuts in a variety of settings. Because of its unique shape, the Asscher cut is the perfect choice for engagement rings. In addition to being the most popular cut of diamond, this one also has an attractive color and a good clarity grade.
The Asscher cut was invented more than a century ago, in 1902. It took a few decades for it to gain popularity, and only then did it achieve its current popularity. It was created during the Art Deco era, when geometric inspiration was popularized and architecture projected a modern message. The Asscher cut was one of the first diamond cuts to be popular, and is still widely used today.
Heart cut
A heart-shaped diamond is one of the 16 most popular shapes in a wedding band, and it is a classic choice for many women. Heart-cut diamonds have a smaller face-up area than other diamond shapes. They look their best at about one-carat sizes and a SI1 or SI2 clarity rating. While diamonds with a higher color grade are still white, heart-shaped stones have an elongated shape, which is a romantic symbol.
Oval-cut diamonds are most commonly found in engagement rings, and they are considered a traditional choice for East-West settings. They are also less expensive than round diamonds, and their face-up size is approximately 8% smaller than a round. A heart-shaped diamond is the most affordable of the 16 diamond shapes, and most diamond retailers sell them at a price a few percent less than a round.
Cushion cut
The Cushion cut is one of the 16 popular diamond shapes. Although its name sounds glamorous, the cut is actually the smallest of the 16 diamond shapes. It is the most popular cut for engagement rings, and Adam Brody proposed to Leighton Meester with a 4 carat Cushion cut. In 2015, Dwayne Wade surprised Gabrielle Union with an 8.5-carat Cushion cut ring. In the same year, Bar Refaeli received a 5 carat Cushion cut ring from Adi Ezra. While the Cushion cut is popular, other shapes are also available and can provide a similar look and unique point of differentiation.
Despite the emerald-cut diamond cuts, the cushion cut is currently experiencing a renaissance in the diamond market. Cushion diamonds feature rounded corners and a squarish shape. Though not superior to other cuts, they are not as easily accessible as other styles, and you’ll need to consult an expert in order to choose the best one.
Determine its clarity
An Asscher diamond should have a perfect square look and be perfectly symmetrical. If this is not the case, the diamond will appear like a piece of glass and may have darkened areas. Moreover, diamonds of poor cut quality will not be as valuable as those with perfect symmetry. The next step in evaluating an asscher diamond is to determine its clarity. It should be VS2 or higher if it is GIA certified.
The Asscher diamond cut resembles an emerald, but is square rather than emerald. It features large step facets and a high crown. The result is brilliance unlike anything else. Diamond experts liken the cut to an endless hall of reflective mirrors. Furthermore, Asscher diamonds are excellent for color fans, as the diamond’s square shape makes it easier to spot its natural color than any other cut.
Step cut
The emerald fancy cut is one of the most popular step cuts in the diamond world. It was first known as the table cut, but is now more popular in earrings, bracelets, and pendants. This cut is also more vulnerable to chipping during the cutting process. Emerald cut diamonds typically have fifty or 58 facets. This cut is one of the most expensive and rarest of diamond cuts.
Another step cut is the triangular cut, which resembles a bow tied across the table. This cut is among the oldest of the 16 types of diamond cuts. This cut is believed to have been first introduced in the 14th century, by Lodewyk and Berquem after they discovered the cutting wheel. The step cut has several advantages, though it is still not as popular as other cuts.
Emerald cut
Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular in shape and have several facets. They are ideal for highlighting a diamond’s original clarity and color because of their large table. An Emerald cut diamond will generally have a color grade of VVS1 or higher. The emerald cut is also very popular because it allows for a higher facets-to-carat ratio and a better overall brilliance of color diamonds.
Remarks
The history of the emerald cut dates back to the 1500s, when stonecutters began to cut emeralds into rectangular shapes. Emeralds are notoriously difficult to cut due to their inclusions. To combat this, stonecutters began to use stepped facets to give them stability. These facets run along the length of the gem in a row of parallel receding lines, reminiscent of steps in an Aztec temple. The emerald cut design gives a diamond a hall-of-mirrors effect and gives it a unique look and feel.
