Different Types of Diamond Cuts
- Princess Cut. The Princess cut is a square-shaped diamond with a rounded top, and it is one of the most popular cut...
- Cushion Cut. Cushion cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape, and its corners are rounded. The sides of these...
- Asscher Cut. The Asscher cut diamond shape was created in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers from Holland.
- Heart Cut.
Full Answer
What are the different types of diamond cuts?
Different Types of Diamond Cuts Princess Cut. The Princess cut is a square-shaped diamond with a rounded top, and it is one of the most popular cut... Cushion Cut. Cushion cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape, and its corners are rounded. …
What type of Diamond Cut is the most expensive?
There are two types of facets within a diamond: physical and virtual. Physical facets are those that are cut into the stone. As they bounce and reflect light towards the viewer, it appears that there are hundreds of flashing lights within the gem, despite there only being a limited number of cuts in the stone. These flashes are the virtual facets.
What are the names of the different cuts of diamonds?
Pear-Shaped Diamond Cut The pear-shaped diamond cut is actually a combination of two other diamonds. It’s a combination of the Marquise shape and the round cut diamond. Cushion Diamond Cut The cushion diamond cut looks like a pillow cushion, with a square cut but the corners are rounded.
What is the most popular cut for a diamond?
Nov 27, 2019 · It is often one of the first things people consider when shopping for diamonds for rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry. Some of the most common diamond shapes are: Round (the most common) Princess-cut Oval or pear-shaped diamonds Emerald-cut diamonds
How many types of cuts are there in diamond?
While diamonds can be cut in any shape, there are 10 popular diamond shapes: Round, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Emerald, Pear, Marquise, Asscher, Radiant and Heart shape. Exotic shapes include Baguettes, Bullets, Half Moons, Trillion, Old Mine, Rose, even Horse head.
What is the best cut of diamond to get?
1. ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMOND. By far the most popular cut is the Round Brilliant, with it's fifty-seven perfectly aligned facets it's brilliance really does out-shine the others. Total internal reflection is the key here; light travels through the stone giving optimum sparkle and scintillation.
Which diamond cut is the cheapest?
Carat-per-carat, emerald and Asscher cuts are the least expensive. Because they are step-cut, there is less waste when these diamonds are cut off of the rough stone, which is going to cost the same no matter how it gets cut.
What is the most difficult diamond cut?
Being one of the most difficult diamond shapes to cut, the eye-catching Heart shaped diamond is made up of between 56 to 58 facets and is beautiful to see. Nothing says “I love you” like a romantic heart shaped diamond with a brilliant cut.
Which diamond cut holds its value?
The Different Diamond Stone Cuts And Shapes Since a round diamond is thought to hold the most value when compared to the other shapes, it will almost always be given a higher price than any other shape with similar clarity, color, and carat weight.
Which diamond clarity sparkles the most?
Because diamonds reflect white light, colorless diamonds produce the best sparkle and fire. In fact, the more color a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light. And as a result, will produce less sparkle. A D-color diamond is the highest quality, and will offer the greatest sparkle.
What are the 4 types of diamonds?
The four Cs of diamonds (color, clarity, carat and cut) lead to classifications based on the grading attributes of diamonds rather than any scientific factors. That's fine from a standard buyer's perspective. However, those in the diamond business don't talk about “types of diamonds” in these terms.
What is the rarest diamond shape?
The rare diamond cut that is the “Royal Asscher Cut” is an updated Asscher Diamond design which was created by Joseph Asscher in 1902.
Which diamond cut is more expensive?
round brilliantThe most expensive diamond cut is the round brilliant because it wastes the highest amount of rough stone – around 60% on average – during the cutting process.
Which diamond cut looks smallest?
With 13% less face-up area than a round, an asscher-cut diamond shows the smallest face-up area of the fancy cuts.
What is the cheapest diamond color?
Champagne, gray, salt and pepper, chameleon, and black diamonds are actually less expensive than their white counterparts! All the other colors, however, are more expensive. Just how expensive a colored diamond is depends upon the rarity of the diamond and how in-demand the color is at any given point in time.
Is cut the most important factor of diamonds?
Cut is considered to be the most important of all of the diamond characteristics, as a well-cut diamond will often appear larger than a poorly-cut...
What diamond cut sparkles the most?
Super Ideal diamonds are cut to the most exact standards and achieve the most sparkle because they are proportioned to return the maximum possible...
What is the most expensive cut of diamond?
Looking at cut alone, Super Ideal diamonds are likely the most expensive, but the price of a diamond is based on other diamond characteristics as w...
How are diamond cut and shape different?
Diamond shape refers to a diamond’s physical form and is often one of the first attributes that couples consider when shopping for a diamond. Diamo...
What is diamond cut?
However, most people in the industry often refer to diamond cut interchangeably as the following: 1. Proportions and finishing in which the rough diamond is polished and how well it sparkles. 2. A reference to its shape outline (e.g. heart, round, oval).
Why is the round brilliant cut diamond so popular?
Due to the way the facet structure interacts with light , the round brilliant cut has remained a popular choice for good reasons. Besides better sparkle and scintillation patterning, round cut diamonds also complement various types of finger/hand shapes nicely. Spectacular round diamond rings with ideal performance from WhiteFlash.com.
What does the emerald cut diamond mean?
Unlike a round diamond which has a sparkle signature like a disco ball, emerald cut diamonds display a hall of mirrors effect which gives it a distinctive appearance. Symbolic meaning of the emerald shape diamond – The open style of the cut symbolizes the wearer’s open heart and clarity with nothing to hide.
What does the pear shape diamond mean?
Symbolic meaning of the pear shape diamond – The pear represents an individualistic woman who is adaptable to changes. It is also a symbol of self expression and an adventurous personality.
What is cushion cut diamond?
The cushion cut diamond has a pillow shape appearance with slightly rounded edges. This gives the shape a “softer” feel and comes across as a fusion between a square and round cut. It’s perfect for people who want a balance of sparkle and a unique look.
What is an oval diamond ring?
With a slightly elongated shape, an oval diamond ring also creates an illusion of longer and thinner fingers when worn.
What is not a good shape for a 3 stone ring?
On the other hand, if you are shopping for a 3 stone ring, asymmetrical shape s like heart or pear would not look good in a multi-stone ring. Likewise, a princess cut diamond in a vintage style setting may look out of place compared to using an emerald cut diamond for the center stone instead.
Diamond Cut Types
Variety is the spice of life, and the same can be said about diamond cuts.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
This diamond cut is made up of fifty-eight and does a stellar job of reflecting white lights – more commonly referred to as brilliance. It’s one of the most popular cuts and is often seen as a classic. 75% of all diamonds sold are round brilliant cuts, with 60% of all engagement rings sold featuring this cut.
Princess-Cut Diamond
When it comes to popular diamond shapes, the princess cut comes in second after the round brilliant cut. People often describe it as an inverted pyramid featuring bevelled edges with a rectangular or square base.
Emerald-Cut Diamond
Unlike the previous cuts, the emerald cut only has fifty-seven facets. It features a rectangle shape with cut-off corners. The liner facets create a hall of mirrors effect much like a real emerald, instead of the sparkle and brilliance of the more popular diamond cuts.
Radiant Cut Diamond
The unusual shape of this stone adds to its appeal. While it is often mistaken as a princess cut, this uniquely crafted cut features seventy facets. This cut is often seen as more practical and is suitable for active individuals.
Cushion Cut Diamond
As diamond shapes go, this one is extremely common for engagement rings. The pillow-like shape with rounded corners has fifty-eight facets. This hybrid cut is a more contemporary version of round brilliant cuts. This cut is often a rectangle or square with curved edges.
Oval Cut Diamond
Oval cuts are not graded by the Gemological Institute of America as a result of the unique shape. To assist you in determining the value of the cut, you need to look at the depth, angles, polish, and proportions of the stone. You are going to want to find a gem with round edges and no harsh, sharp points.
What does it mean to cut a diamond?
The cut of a diamond refers not to its shape, but to the balance of proportion, symmetry and polish achieved by the diamond cutter. The extent of how well the diamond is cut is directly correlated to the diamond’s overall beauty. The better a diamond has been cut, the greater the diamond’s ability to reflect and refract light.
What happens if a diamond is cut poorly?
A poorly-cut diamond, with facets cut only a few degrees out of alignment, can result in light exiting through the bottom of the diamond, known as light leakage, instead of from the top where it is visible.
What is a GIA excellent cut?
A GIA Excellent cut will be listed as either Ideal or Super Ideal on the Brilliant Earth site. Brilliant Earth uses specific diamond characteristics, such as cut grade, polish, and symmetry to distinguish between Ideal and Super Ideal.
How does light enter a diamond?
Light enters through the top of the diamond (the table), is broken down into a rainbow of spectral colors, and is reflected back and forth in the interior of the gem by bouncing off the mirror-like facets. Light exits through the table, recombining as white light.
What is a diamond shape?
Diamond shape refers to a diamond’s physical form and is often one of the first attributes that couples consider when shopping for a diamond. Diamond shapes include round, oval, cushion, princess, pear, emerald, marquise, asscher, radiant, and heart shaped diamonds. Diamond cut does not refer to the physical shape of the diamond, ...
What are the factors that affect the ability of a diamond to reflect light?
Several proportion factors of a diamond have an immediate impact on the diamond’s ability to reflect light. The table size and depth of a diamond relative to the diameter greatly impacts the light return from a diamond.
What is super ideal diamond?
super Ideal. Cut to the most exacting standards. These diamonds have the most desirable dimensions and are proportioned to return the maximum possible light. Ideal. Exquisite quality cut to create the optimal combination of brilliance and fire. Reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond.
What is the difference between diamond shapes and diamond cuts?
However, these terms have two very distinct definitions. Diamond shapes refer to the outline, e.g., a pear, round, or heart. Diamond cuts refer to the arrangement of the diamond's facets as in cushion or emerald diamond cuts. Where science plays a part in determining cuts of diamonds—personal tastes and style determine shapes of diamonds.
What is a princess cut diamond?
The Princess Cut diamond combines the liveliness of a Round diamond and the contemporary shape of an Emerald or Square Cut diamond to create one of the most brilliant fancy shapes of all. As one of the newest diamond shapes, the Princess Cut diamond offers flexibility to work with nearly any style ring.
How many facets does a round brilliant diamond have?
From the hands of an expert cutter, the Round Brilliant Cut diamond delivers on its promise of "beauty and brilliance." The Round Brilliant Cut diamond consists of 58 facets (or 57 if the culet is excluded). This is the classic shape for diamonds and a well cut Round Brilliant diamond maximizes light return better than most other shapes and creates a dazzling display, sure to make her heart skip a beat and her friends jealous.
What is an Emerald cut diamond?
An Emerald Cut diamond is an elegant beauty. It has a rectangular shape with cut corners which is also known as a step cut (because its concentric, broad, flat planes resemble stair steps). Looking into an Emerald Cut diamond is like looking into a clear pool of water - it draws you in. Shop Emerald Cut Diamonds.
When was the oval cut diamond created?
The Oval Cut diamond in its modern form was created in 1957 by Lazare Kaplan. The Oval Cut diamond has 57 or 58 facets with a large surface area to bring out it’s amazing brilliance. The Oval diamond’s shape is graceful and proportioned which make it a popular choice for engagement rings. Shop Oval Cuts.
How many facets does an Asscher diamond have?
The Asscher Cut diamond has a similar facet arrangement to the Emerald Cut yet is square rather than elongated in proportion. The Asscher has 74 facets which make this special cut reminiscent of a bygone era.
Which is better, an oval cut diamond or a diamond?
Oval Diamond Cut. An oval cut diamond is a brilliant cut diamond that is modified. They are alike but each diamond possesses a similar amount of brilliance and fire. All in all, the oval cut diamond has a better advantage because it possesses an elongated shape.
What is a cushion diamond cut?
Cushion Diamond Cut. The cushion diamond cut looks like a pillow cushion, with a square cut but the corners are rounded. This is a classic cut diamond that has existed for nearly 200 years.
What is round diamond?
Round Diamonds. This should seem fairly self-explanatory. A round diamond is a diamond that is round cut, and as of now, it is mainly the most popular shape of all diamonds. In fact, roughly 75% of the diamonds available being sold today are the round diamond cut.
When was the Princess diamond cut created?
The Princess diamond cut was originally created in 1980 . And as far as fancy diamond shapes are concerned, this cut is definitely considered the most popular out of the bunch. Even more important, if you’re looking for a fancy diamond shape for your engagement ring, the Princess diamond cut is the ideal choice because of its flexibility.
Why is the Marquise cut so attractive?
This is a very attractive looking diamond because it’s long and narrow, which makes it also pass off the illusion of having a greater size. When compared to other diamonds, the Marquise cut has a larger surface area than just about every other diamond shape outline.
What is the standard type of diamond?
Most people in the market for diamonds will classify them according to the following basic names (or variations of them): Natural diamonds – the standard type of diamond we referred to in the introduction: largely colorless and brightly sparkling in the light.
What is the shape of a diamond?
Oval or pear-shaped diamonds. Emerald-cut diamonds. The shape may affect the brilliance or clarity of the diamond as well as its suitability for a certain piece of jewelry. If you are looking at set diamonds, the shape of the diamond may greatly affect the style of the ring or other piece of jewelry it is set in.
What are the 4 Cs of diamonds?
The four Cs of diamonds (color, clarity, carat and cut) lead to classifications based on the grading attributes of diamonds rather than any scientific factors . That’s fine from a standard buyer’s perspective. However, those in the diamond business don’t talk about “types of diamonds” in these terms.
How are diamonds graded?
With this system, diamonds are graded by color alphabetically from D to Z , where D is colorless and Z is heavily tinted. In general, tints that are visible to the naked eye will be graded as K or above. Those graded N or above will certainly have visible tinges and from S or above, the tint will be notable.
How much is a carat?
It is equal to 200 mg or 0.00643 troy oz and, with all else being equal, the larger the size of a diamond, the greater its value.
Why are diamonds yellow?
Yellow or brownish hues are the most common, due to the nitrogen content. These hues are sometimes not even visible to the naked eye. However, in some cases, the coloration is so strong that it is immediately apparent. These diamonds are usually more affordable for shoppers.
Why are Ib diamonds so rare?
They are the rarest and most valuable diamonds because of their amazing sparkle. Type Ib diamonds: these are also quite rare and their main feature is that individual nitrogen atoms are scattered throughout the stone (rather than in clusters). This produces an intense yellow, orange or brown color, in general.
How many different diamond cuts are there?
There are five main types of diamond cuts which give rise to the different types of diamond shapes. Below you will find info about the five different diamond cuts, including their characteristics plus pros and cons and the many types of shapes which are formed from each of the cuts. If you would like to know more about each type of diamond shape, ...
What is the most popular diamond cut?
Fun Fast Facts. About Diamond Cuts! Today, the most popular type of diamond cut is the brilliant round cut. The oldest diamond cut is known as the 'point cut' and dates to the mid-1300s. The art of diamond cutting did not achieve significant advancements until diamond saws were developed in the early 1900s.
What are the pros and cons of old world diamonds?
Cons of Old World diamond cuts: Old World cuts tend to have a large bottom facet known as a culet - and a large culet will cause ...
What are fancy diamond shapes?
Fancy diamond shapes crafted from the mixed types of diamond cuts are square or rectangular as well and include the barion, flanders, Princess, and Radiant shapes (*The radiant shape is sometimes categorized as a modified brilliant). Again, these shapes are often referred to as cuts, such as the princess cut, but they are technically shapes formed ...
What are some fancy shapes that are made from step cut?
Fancy shapes that are crafted from the step cut include the Asscher, baguette, Emerald, kite, lozenge, obus and trapeze shapes. These shapes are often referred to as types of diamond cuts too, (such as the emerald cut), but they are technically shapes formed by a type of step cut. Pros of the step cut: for those who enjoy a square ...
Why are diamonds cut in a rectangular shape?
This type of cut was created in order to maximize the carat size of a diamond and retain most of the diamond's original weight.
What is a round brilliant cut diamond?
The round brilliant diamond cut is the standard by which the cut grade of a diamond is based upon for certification reports. Pros of the round brilliant cut: in addition to its light reflective qualities, the brilliant also has the highest resale value, and the round shape of the brilliant cut diamond is stronger and more durable than any ...
What is the most popular cut of diamond?
The round brilliant cut is the most popular cut of diamond. It can be found everywhere. Round brilliant diamonds are one of the few cuts of diamonds that have evolved over the years.
What is a diamond cut?
Cut is referred to as the process of developing the facets on a stone. A cut also implies the shape or design of the stone.
What is the best diamond to wear with a bow tie?
Marquise diamonds are a great choice if you want to make your fingers look long and slender. They have a dramatic effect and draw eyes due to the unique shape of the stone. The marquise is also a carrier of the bow-tie effect, so you’ll want to pick out a diamond whose bow tie isn’t too noticeable.
How many facets does a princess cut diamond have?
With a princess cut, it utilizes around 80% of the original rough stone. This cut of diamond has 58 facets as well, but its brilliance isn’t as good as the round.
How many facets does a round brilliant diamond have?
Round brilliant cuts have 57 to 58 facets, if you’re counting the culet. Currently, round brilliant diamonds actually make up over 2/3 of the world’s diamonds and is still the most popular cut of diamond to date.
How many facets does a diamond oval have?
They are cut with 58 facets too, making it a fine sparkly choice for those who want to catch everyone’s eye. The oval cut is susceptible to the bow-tie effect. This is a dark shape on certain cuts that resemble a bow tie across the table of the diamond.
What is the bottom part of a diamond called?
Pavilion – the bottom half of a diamond shape. (Note: Not all diamond cuts have a pavilion) Girdle – narrow band that separates the table from the pavilion. Culet – the tip of the point on a diamond. Crown – the top part of the diamond that includes the table and some facets.
What is the most popular cut of diamond?
Developed ca. 1900, the round brilliant is the most popular cut given to diamond. It is usually the best choice in terms of saleability, insurability (due to its relatively "safe" shape), and desired optics.
When was diamond cutting first used?
The process of Diamond cutting has been known in the Indian Subcontinent as early as 6th century AD. A 6th century treatise Ratnapariksa, or Appreciation of Gems states that the best form in which to have the diamond is in its perfect natural octahedral crystal form, and not as a cut stone indicating that diamond cutting was widespread practice. Al Beruni also describes the process of diamond grinding using lead plate in the 11th century AD Agastimata written before 10th century states:
What is rose cut?
The basic rose cut has a flat base—that is, it lacks a pavilion—and has a crown composed of triangular facets (usually 12 or 24) rising to form a point (there is no table facet) in an arrangement with sixfold rotational symmetry. The so-called double rose cut is a variation that adds six kite facets at the margin of the base. The classic rose cut is circular in outline; non-circular variations on the rose cut include the briolette (oval), Antwerp rose (hexagonal), and double Dutch rose (resembling two rose cuts united back-to-back). Rose-cut diamonds are seldom seen nowadays, except in antique jewelry. Like the older style brilliants and step cuts, there is a growing demand for the purpose of repairing or reproducing antique pieces.
What is the Passion Cut?
Another modification of the round Ideal Cut that maintains the basic proportions of its angles is the Passion Cut. This cut's design can be considered the opposite of the Hearts and Arrows, as it eliminates the arrows in order to capture a different light return from the center of the diamond. The cut splits the eight pavilion mains and increases the specifically-placed total facets from 57 to 81. The cut was designed to enhance brilliance and mask inclusions.
What is a round brilliant cut?
The round brilliant cut is preferred when the crystal is an octahedron, as often two stones may be cut from one such crystal. Oddly-shaped crystals such as macles are more likely to be cut in a fancy cut (that is, a cut other than the round brilliant), which the particular crystal shape lends itself to.
What is the shape of a pear shaped diamond?
The pear-shaped diamonds look like a drop of water and the shape is suitable for diamond earrings. The most famous shapes are: Princess, Cushion, Heart, Pear, Marquise, Radiant, Asscher cut, Emerald, Oval.
Why are fancy colored diamonds not cut in to round brilliants?
Most fancy colored diamonds are not cut in to round brilliants, because whereas the round brilliant is prized for its ability to reflect white light, the most important characteristic in a fancy colored diamond is its color, not its ability to reflect white light.