Diamond Shapes
Choosing the perfect diamond is a highly subjective proposition, and the decision isn't made any easier when you consider the vast array of choices at your fingertips. Leave aside the four C's – carat weight, cut, colour and clarity – and you are still left with countless choices on shape, setting, band, and overall design.
Of these, only shape relates to the stone itself, which is why you want to ensure you are getting quality cut diamonds that match your ideal form. Today a number of the top diamond manufacturers in the world have mastered a variety of standard shapes.
Diamond Shape Variety
Round Brilliant Cut
Probably the best known and most popular diamond shape is the round. No cut has benefited more greatly from centuries of experience, and today the finest round diamonds are unsurpassed in their brilliance, fire and reflectivity. Round diamonds also have the advantage of total symmetry, making them easier to set and design around than a number of other shapes. It is perhaps the most versatile cut available today, and is often considered the most forgiving shape if you want to obscure less desirable qualities of clarity and colour.
Princess Cut
The second most popular diamond shape is the princess cut, a sort of adapted square that hides plenty of bevels and edges within the stone. Because it has true corners, unlike a round diamond, a princess may expose a bit more colour if you have selected a yellower stone – the corners themselves tend to focus and magnify any hue in the diamond. Although most people expect to see a perfect square when they talk about a princess cut, the term may also refer to rectangular shapes that contain the same number of bevels. Anything greater than a ratio of 1:1.10 will likely not contain the brilliance you want, however, so it is wise to err on the side of squarer forms.
All Shapes And Sizes
Leave the realm of round and princess cuts, and an entire world of options awaits. Less orthodox, but no less lovely, shapes include the emerald cut, the pear cut, and the heart cut. Each of these is unique, although the emerald may be the best known for its uncommon pavilion – the front surface is cut with rectangular facets to create a clearer, glassier appearance. The pear cut is a traditional teardrop shape, and works especially well on necklaces where the vertical asymmetry picks up the “drape” of the chain. And the heart is and shall remain a timeless symbol, suitable for any romantic occasion.
The shape of your stone is the first thing many people will notice, so it is worth making a trip to the local store to see what you like. Different geometries work best in different settings, and of course vintage rings may present whole new opportunities for design and innovation. If you are looking for a perfect diamond and want to make sure you choose a cut that speaks to you, there is simply no substitute for a personal visit, and a quiet moment.