There are many different types of diamond cuts. Each one has its own unique qualities and benefits.
The cut of a diamond directly impacts its beauty and brilliance. It also relates to symmetry, proportions and polish.
Round
The round diamond cuts is one of the most popular types of diamond cuts. They are available in all price ranges and can be used in almost any design aesthetic.
When a round diamond is cut properly, it will showcase regular, clean and balanced lines and patterns, which are symmetrical. These characteristics allow the stone to reflect and refract light in a display of brightness, fire and scintillation.
When a round diamond is not well-cut, it will not display the same patterns and will seem chaotic and disorganized to the eye. These diamonds may not look as beautiful as those that are well-cut, which will also result in a lower GIA grade.
Emerald
The Emerald diamond cut flaunts an elongated, rectangular shape with chiseled step cuts and straight linear facets. The corners of the stone are usually cropped to add stability and prevent fractures.
These long step cuts provide a large surface table and deep clarity, which are evident through their reflections of both white and colored light. In addition, they are known to be a great choice for value shoppers who want to highlight the beauty of their stone.
The emerald cut’s long faceted table and open facets are like a huge window into the center of your diamond, allowing inclusions to be seen much more readily. For this reason, it’s important to focus on clarity grades, preferably VVS1 or higher. This will ensure that your emerald cut is eye clean.
Oval
The oval diamond is a popular choice for couples looking for a long, slender diamond. It also tends to be less expensive than round diamonds of similar size and quality.
A high performing oval will have crisp, clean facets that show even brilliance and contrast. This will ensure a more consistent light return and help hide dark bowties.
It is important to note that the GIA doesn’t provide cut grading for ovals; however, some online vendors now offer advanced light performance images on their products. These will give shoppers a better understanding of how the diamond handles light.
While all diamond cuts are subject to imperfections, some can be more severe than others. One of these is called the bow tie effect and can look like two black triangles meeting in the center of the diamond.
Marquise
The Marquise cut is an elegant diamond shape that was originally developed in France in the 1740s. It was named for the Marquise de Pompadour, a mistress of King Louis XV.
It is a delicate and feminine shape, and it looks especially beautiful in classic, solitaire, and halo settings. It’s also a great choice for couples who want to make a bold statement with their engagement ring.
It is important to select a Marquise diamond that is properly set with two prongs securely holding the pointed ends. This prevents chipping and ensures stability for the stone within your ring.
Princess
Princess diamonds are one of our most popular diamond shapes, and for good reason. They’re the second most common shape after round brilliants, with thousands of exciting styles to choose from!
Unlike the other diamond shapes, princess cut diamonds show more color from the side than they do face up. They’re also more prone to chipping, so be sure to look for a ring setting that protects the corners of your diamond from damage.
While princess cut diamonds do not have a specific number of facets, they typically have two to four ‘chevron’ patterned faces. These facets create bolder flashes of white and colored light when the diamond is moved.
