Fast Search
Fast Search
Sep 25,2023
The terms "diamond shape" and "diamond cut" are often used interchangeably, but they are different concepts. The former refers to the external outline of a diamond, while the latter emphasizes the diamond's processing craftsmanship.
When selecting an engagement or wedding ring, you'll be more visually aware of the diamond ring shapes, as each carries a unique beauty that reflects your taste. To help you distinguish diamond shapes from cuts and find the perfect ring, Darry Ring has gathered 10 common diamond shapes for engagement and wedding rings, along with their features in this post. Let's take a look!
Round diamonds have a perfectly circular outline with a large table at the top and a pointed bottom, also known as brilliant cut diamonds. Typically, round diamonds have 57 or 58 facets: 33 on the crown, 24 on the pavilion, and 1 or no facets at the culet. This cut proportion allows more light to enter the diamond and reflect back as tiny rainbows, creating stunning brilliance and contrast. As a result, round diamonds are the most popular diamond shape and dominate engagement rings and fine jewelry.
The oval-shaped diamond is an elongated diamond ring shape, which has recently become a popular choice for engagement rings. With 57 or 58 facets, its optical performance is similar to that of a round diamond. Better yet, the unique length-to-width ratio (typically 1.3:1 to 1.5:1) can enhance visual effects, making the fingers appear longer. However, the downside is oval shaped diamonds easily show a shadow resembling a black bowtie, known as the "bowtie effect," which can only be minimized with a highly skilled diamond cut.
The marquise diamond ring shape resembles an olive or the bow of a ship. From the front, it appears as a symmetrical oval that enhances the slender look of the finger, while the pointed ends distinguish it from the oval shape. Marquise shaped diamonds typically have 56 to 58 facets, offering excellent optical performance. At the same carat weight, such diamonds often appear larger due to its wider table, which showcases more of the diamond's surface.
The pear-shaped diamond is an innovative design that combines round brilliant cut with the marquise diamond. With 56 to 58 facets and a unique ratio between 1.4:1 and 1.75:1, this diamond shape features one rounded end and one pointed end, resembling a teardrop. It appears both feminine and dedicate. Its graceful curves also allow the stone to shine extra brightly in the refraction of light, so it's no wonder it's one of the hottest shape for engagement ring trends right now.
The princess-shaped diamond is a classic square shape for engagement rings. It has a modern, geometric look and boasts exceptional fire and brilliance with 58 facets, almost rivaling that of a round diamond. In comparison, a princess cut diamond often appear larger in size, making it a highly cost-effective and popular fancy diamond shape for rings.
The emerald shaped diamond is inspired by the cutting style of emeralds, featuring a step-cut design in a rectangular or square shape. It typically has 25 to 30 facets. All of these contribute to its simple and elegant appearance, along with good transparency and light refraction. Therefore, when selecting an emerald-cut ring, it is crucial to pay close attention to the clarity of the diamond's 4Cs, ensuring it has no inclusions or only very minor ones.
The radiant shaped diamond mimics the emerald cut. It features a high number of facets, typically between 70 and 74, which enhances its brilliance and sparkle. Although still square or rectangular in shape, radiant diamonds have cropped corners that minimize chipping. For those seeking a bright and durable engagement or wedding ring, the radiant diamond shape is an excellent choice.
As the name suggests, the heart-shaped diamond has a heart outline and is rich in symbolism of love and commitment. Therefore, this diamond shape is often used in engagement rings and requires high craftsmanship to maintain perfect symmetry. But please be aware that despite the strong visual impact, pointed ends are prone to damage. so it is recommended to choose a protective setting such as a bezel or prong setting.
The cushion-shaped diamond has a square design with rounded corners, inspired by the princess cut to resemble a pillow, hence the name. Its cut is a hybrid, blending step cuts and brilliant cuts. With soft edges and 58 large facets, this diamond shape exudes an old world vibe perfect for a vintage setting. As a result, many designers use it in traditional engagement rings or jewelry accessories..
The Asscher shaped diamond is known for its step-cut design and octagonal shape. Created in 1902 by the Asscher brothers from the Netherlands, it has remained a favorite for its stunning silhouette that combines vintage charm with modern style. Asscher diamonds have no sharp edges, and feature the emerald cut's rectangular stepped facets, making them look elegant in any setting.
No, the shape and cut of a diamond are not the same thing. They refer to two different concepts of a diamond. Diamond shape refers to the outline of the diamond, focusing on its overall visual form. In contrast, diamond cut represents the cutting proportions, symmetry, and polish that significantly impact the diamond's brilliance, fire, and reflection. Diamond cuts are graded into five levels: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.
In fact, there is no such thing as the "best" diamond shape. It all depends on your personal preference and style. Try exploring different options to find what suits you best. Additionally, when making a purchase, pay close attention to the cutting quality of different diamond shapes. A well-executed cut is key to creating the most brilliant and sparkling diamond.
At the same carat weight, round, marquise, cushion, and emerald-shaped diamonds tend to appear larger. This is because they have advantages in cut, table proportions, and visual impact. If your preferred diamond shape is not among these, consider choosing a smaller setting and a narrow band. This can enhance the diamond's visual impact.