Think you can use the words cut and shape interchangeably? Think again.
When it comes to diamonds, shape refers to the outline of the stone — round, oval, princess, etc. A diamond’s cut, on the other hand, refers to the arrangement of a stone’s facets. This means a diamond’s shapes can be faceted, or cut, in many ways.
Diamonds can be purchased in a wide variety of shapes and cuts. Let’s take a look at the most popular diamond shapes:
Princess
The princess-shaped diamond is popular because its sophisticated square shape creates the illusion of a larger diamond.
Like round diamonds, princess-cut diamonds work in almost any style of ring. It should always be set with prongs that protect the stone’s four corners and prevent chipping.
Pear
The brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamond combines round and a marquise shapes, with a tapered point on one end. Ideally, a pear-shaped diamond should have excellent symmetry with a point that lines up with its apex at the rounded end.
As for wearing a pear-shaped diamond, tradition says that the point should always be directed out toward the finger
Oval
Oval-shaped diamonds are so stunning they have gained fame — the Koh-I-Noor diamond that resides in the Tower of London or the 184-carat Victoria, cut in 1887, for example.
Today’s oval became popular in the 1960s. It suggests the round shape’s fire and brilliance, but creates the illusion of a longer finger
Round
The round diamond is popular in solitaire engagement rings, earrings, and pendants. In fact, roughly half of engagement ring center stones are round — chosen for their exceptional fire and brilliance.
Marquise
Carat for carat, the marquise diamond has one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape, making it a good choice for maximizing perceived size.
Symmetry is especially important with this shape — even the slightest difference can create an uneven look.
Emerald
Originally, the emerald shape was designed to highlight the qualities of emeralds — but the shape transfers beautifully to diamonds.
With the step cuts of its pavilion and its large, open table, emerald-shaped diamonds produce a unique hall-of-mirrors effect, with captivating interplay between light and dark planes.
This shape works best with stones of very high quality.
Cushion
The cushion-cut diamond, also known as the old mine cut diamond, is designed to retain as much diamond weight as possible.
It has a square cut with rounded corners, and resembles a pillow — hence the name. It’s a great option for vintage flair and maximum sparkle.
About Us
Simply Majestic is your source for unique, fine jewelry. Owned and operated by Susette Tibus and Chuck Sneddon, Simply Majestic is located at 59 Williams Avenue in Mystic, CT. Whether searching for a traditional engagement ring; or a custom-design, our team will help with every jewelry need. Simply Majestic has a beautiful and extensive selection of wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces, diamonds, loose diamonds, gemstones, watches, earrings, charms and pendants.
From repair to re-design; from remount to restoration – or custom jewelry creations – enjoy the comfort of knowing utmost care of your treasures is top priority. Simply Majestic will clean your jewelry at no charge. Our repairs are legendary – from simple sizing to total restorations for antique and vintage jewelry. We set the standards others try to follow and while your jewelry is here to be serviced, why not get an up-to-date appraisal for your insurance company. You can be the designer – using your creativity with Simply Majestic’s Digital Design Studio – new technology meets old world craftsmanship. Design on our website or come to our store. We can’t wait to help you start your journey!
