Education - Shape
WHICH DIAMOND SHAPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The shape of a diamond (round, princess, etc) refers to the outline of the diamond as viewed from above. The shape of a diamond can also be referred to as diamond cut.
Each diamond shape is very different, comprised of their own individual characteristics which determine the attributes for each shape. From the classic and versatile round brilliant, which accounts for more than half of all diamonds sold today, to the Contemporary Princess cut and the Vintage glamour of the Emerald cut, choosing a diamond shape can be daunting, especially as it will probably be one of the most significant decisions you will ever make!
Don’t worry we at Lover’s Rock Diamonds have made choosing a shape as easy as possible for you. All you have to do is select from the shapes below to learn about, and discover, the most beautiful diamond that caters for your personal taste, and how to find the best quality diamond based on your budget.
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact one of Diamond and Jewellery Experts who can help you find the diamond that’s perfect for you.
ROUND BRILLIANT
INTRODUCTION
The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most sought after and researched diamond shape in the industry, accounting for more than 75% of all diamonds sold globally. For over a century, advanced theories of light reflection and precise mathematical calculations have been utilised to optimize the fire and brilliance in a round diamond, over any other shape.
STYLE
Modern, classic and timeless – the signature diamond. Combine this with superior fire and brilliance than any other shape; the round brilliant cut diamond is the epitome of beauty – making it the most desired choice of Diamond Engagement ring for generations.
RECOMMENDATION
In some cases, the brilliance of a round brilliant can enhance a lower colour grade stone in a way which a fancy cut stone cannot.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
To achieve optimum fire and brilliance within your budget, Lovers Rock recommends a diamond with a very good cut, polish and symmetry.
PRINCESS
INTRODUCTION
The princess cut diamond is the most popular of the fancy shaped diamonds (non-round) and the most preferred of the square shapes. The Princess diamond is a square brilliant cut diamond with sharp, pointed corners and is generally seen more square in shape than rectangular
It combines the brilliance of a round cut with an overall square or rectangular appearance. However due to its unique shape, some of its brilliance is sacrificed but it still attains the most brilliance of all square- and rectangular-shaped stones.
STYLE
The Princess cut is classic and elegant in style; however its unique square shape and pointed corners set it apart from other square shapes giving it more of a contemporary feel. Designed to achieve maximum brilliance from a square cut, the Princess cut diamond when set in an engagement ring looks truly stunning with a brilliance and fire that is difficult to beat
RECOMMENDATION
Princess-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how square or rectangular they are, therefore it is important to understand the length-to-width ratio which determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For a princess diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer more of a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.10.
A Princess cut diamond is more likely to have slightly visible colour (yellow tints), especially in the corners. At Lover’s Rock Diamonds we only sell Princess cut diamonds of the best quality which have been cut to achieve maximum fire and brilliance. Due to its sharply squared corners, a Princess cut diamond ring is very flattering on a hand with long fingers.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
To strike a good balance between quality and value we recommend you choose Princess cut diamonds with a minimum colour of H, clarity of VS2, and very good cut.
For good quality on a tighter budget, look for a princess cut diamond with a minimum colour of I, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.
EMERALD
INTRODUCTION
The Emerald cut diamond has its own individual and remarkable style. It is rectangular in shape, with truncated corners and broad, flat planes which resemble the steps of a stair case. This style is known as a ‘step cut’.
Due to the open nature of the cut, the clarity inclusions and colour weakness of a diamond will be more prominent, and in the case of lower grade diamonds, more visible to the naked eye than when compared to a round brilliant. Therefore choosing higher grades of colour and clarity are recommended.
STYLE
The Emerald cut diamond is perfect for those looking for vintage glamour. Although the Emerald cut displays less traditional fire and brilliance than other shapes, it is still a highly favoured cut when bought as a high quality stone as the openness of the cut highlights the clarity to unequalled measure.
RECOMMENDATION
It is worth noting that Emerald cut diamonds can vary greatly in how rectangular they are, therefore it is important to understand the length-to-width ratio which determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). If you are looking for the most elegant and classic emerald-cut shape, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 to 1.50 with 1.40 being considered as the “ideal” and as a result the most desirable. The higher the ratio the more rectangular the shape, the lower the ratio the more square the shape will be.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
Due to the open nature of the cut we at Lover’s Rock recommend a minimum colour of H, clarity of VS2, and very good cut.
For those looking for good quality on a budget, a minimum colour of I, clarity of SI1, and very good cut is recommended.
HEART
INTRODUCTION
The Heart cut is the ultimate symbol of love and romance. The unique shape of the Heart Diamond cut really is a great way to distinguish your diamond from other popular shapes, whilst still retaining the perfect balance of brilliance and fire in your diamond.
STYLE
What better way is there to express your love than through the ultimate symbol of love and romance – the Heart Diamond cut says it all.
RECOMMENDATION
The length-to-width ratio determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For a traditional Heart shaped diamond look for a ratio between 0.90 to 1.10 (almost square), which is most appealing to the eye.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
We at Lover’s Rock recommend you choose a minimum colour of G, clarity of SI1 and very good cut.
For good quality on a budget, look for a diamond stone with a minimum colour of H, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.
MARQUISE
INTRODUCTION
Due to its elongated, curved shape, a marquise diamond can maximise carat weight making it appear larger than other diamond stones of the same size. The shape of the marquise can also make fingers appear longer and more slender.
STYLE
If you are looking for an elegant and exquisite diamond that demands to be the centre of attention then the Marquise cut is for you.
RECOMMENDATION
The length-to-width ratio determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For the most traditional marquise cut, look for approximate length-to-width ratios of 1.75 to 2.25, which provide the best balance between length and width creating an elegance that is most pleasing to the eye.
It is important to note that due to the shape of the Marquise diamond, colour and clarity are more apparent, therefore for the Marquise to look its very best, it is important to choose high colour and clarity grades.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
Lover’s Rock suggests that you choose a marquise cut diamond with a minimum colour of H, clarity of SI1 and very good cut.
OVAL
INTRODUCTION
The Oval cut Diamond is an excellent choice for those looking for the beautiful brilliance of a round diamond but in a slightly more unique and elongated form. The elongated shape optimises carat weight, making the Oval diamond appear larger than round stones of a similar weight. Oval cut diamonds are also very popular as their shape is an ideal way to elongate shorter fingers.
STYLE
For those who want all of the stunning characteristics similar to that of a round cut, but in a more unique form, whilst retaining the classic appeal, then the Oval Diamond is for you.
RECOMMENDATION
The length-to-width ratio determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For the most pleasing and traditional oval diamond cuts, look for approximate length-to-width ratios of 1.33 to 1.66.
Oval cut diamonds reflect light brilliantly and are generally best at high colour grades. The clarity and colour is of paramount importance as usually, inclusions can be much easier to spot.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
Lover’s Rock recommends an Oval cut diamond with a minimum colour of G, clarity of VS2 and very good cut.
If you are looking for good quality on a modest budget, look for an Oval Cut Diamond with a minimum colour of H, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.
PEAR
INTRODUCTION
The pear cut, or tear drop as it is also known as, is a unique hybrid diamond cut which combines the exceptional brilliance and sparkle and design style of both the Round Brilliant and the Marquise Cut resulting in a shape with a single point and rounded end.
If you choose an elongated Pear shape, the length of the diamond can create a flattering effect to a hand with small to average-length fingers.
STYLE
If you love the outstanding brilliance and fire of the Round cut diamond, but would like a unique shape which really defines you, then the Pear shape, which is widely renowned as one of the more interesting fancy diamond cuts, really is for you.
RECOMMENDATION
The length-to-width ratio determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). The optimum ratio for a pear shaped diamond is between 1.50 to 1.70.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
Lover’s Rock recommends that for a Pear Shape you choose a minimum colour of H, clarity of SI1 and very good cut.
If you are looking for a good quality Pear cut diamond on a modest budget look for a Diamond with a minimum colour of I, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.
RADIANT
INTRODUCTION
The Radiant cut is a square or rectangular shape which is characterised by trimmed corners, combined by the brilliance of the round and the elegance of the emerald and princess cuts.
STYLE
If you are looking for a diamond that exudes elegance, combined with more brilliance than any other of the squared shapes, then this exceptionally beautiful diamond stone really is for you.
RECOMMENDATION
The length-to-width ratio determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For a radiant diamond shape that is square, look for ratios ranging between 1 to 1.05. For a rectangular shape, look for ratios greater than 1.10.
Due to its large facet, the Radiant cut will show inclusions and imperfections easily so it is important to choose higher colour and clarity grades
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
Lover’s Rock recommends you select a Radiant cut diamond with a minimum colour of G, clarity of VS2, and very good cut.
For those who want quality on a modest budget, look for a Diamond stone with a minimum colour of H, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.
ASSCHER
INTRODUCTION
The beautifully unique Asscher cut diamond is a stepped square cut, often referred to as the ‘square emerald cut’ and like an Emerald cut; the Asscher cut has cropped corners. The very nature of the Asscher cut allows for a remarkable sparkle and creates a fascinating optical illusion known as the “Hall of Mirrors” effect.
STYLE
The Asscher cut diamond is a beautifully unique diamond, which combines Art-Deco cool with a timeless elegance. Couple this with the “Hall of Mirrors” optical illusion it creates, this truly is a mesmerising choice of Diamond for those who just want to be a little different.
RECOMMENDATION
The length-to-width ratio determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For a square symmetrical outline the Asscher cut is known for, aim for ratios between 1.00 to 1.05.
The very nature of this shape draws your eye into the diamond and therefore you should always select the highest quality stone you can afford.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
We at Lover’s Rock recommend an Asscher cut diamond with a minimum colour of H, clarity of VS2, and very good cut.
If you are after good quality on a budget, look for a diamond with a minimum colour of I, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.
CUSHION
INTRODUCTION
The Cushion cut (also known as “pillow-cut”) is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, which has been popular for over a century. One of the rarer and more unique choices, the cushion cut’s larger facets allow for greater brilliance, really highlighting the sparkle of the stone.
STYLE
Although a scintillating stone in its own right, this cut is not quite as fiery or brilliant as many modern cuts, however if you are looking for a diamonds cut, synonymous with romance for over a century, then this is the one for you.
RECOMMENDATION
Cushion-cut diamonds are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular, therefore it is important to understand the length-to-width ratio which determines the outline of the Diamond (how the diamond looks when viewed from above). For a cushion cut diamond that is square, aim for ratios between 1 and 1.05. For a rectangular shape, look for ratios greater than 1.15.
The large open facets of the Cushion cut really highlight the diamond’s clarity, and colour we recommended that you choose the highest clarity and colour grades, within your budget.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET?
We at Lover’s Rock recommend a Cushion cut diamond with a minimum colour of H, clarity of VS2, and very good cut.
For a good quality Cushion cut diamond on a modest budget look for a stone with a minimum colour of I, clarity of SI2, and very good cut.