Diamond Cuts and Shapes
Diamond shape is largely to personal preference, but it’s important to consider what the diamond will be used for, how it will be set, is bigger necessarily better and will the diamond catch the eye.
These are the main diamond shapes and an indication of stock that Jewellery Studio has available. This is not an exhaustive list; it’s just to give you an idea of what Roger Williams can source for you so please get in touch to discuss your personal diamond requirements.
The certificate codes relate to the following three organisations: Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Belgium and International Gemological Insititute (IGI) and HRD based in Antwerp. All laboratories are objective and confirm the authenticity of diamonds to internationally applied standards.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
An extremely popular diamond shape, and for good reason. The round-brilliant cut is the most optically brilliant because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. A great choice for maximum sparkle and shine.
Heart Shaped Diamonds
The most romantic of diamond shapes! The complexity of the shape requires skilled cutting to ensure proper brilliance. Symmetry is obviously important, the lobes should be rounded (not pointed) and clearly defined.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
A regal, elongated shape with tapering points at both ends. This shape tends to flatter the finger, making it appear longer.
Oval Cut Diamonds
The oval is similar to a round-brilliant cut combining the round’s sparkle with a flattering, elongated outline. It makes a good choice for someone who wants a unique shape but loves the fire and brilliance of a round diamond.
Princess Cut Diamonds
A modern classic: clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. This shape is the perfect choice if you prefer a square or rectangular outline with brilliant sparkle.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
Beautiful and feminine with a rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other. It’s lovely as the centre stone in a ring, a pendant or pair of drop earrings. Good symmetry is a must for pear-cut diamonds to ensure that light is reflected evenly, especially in the point.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
This elegant shape is a variation on a classic emerald cut developed in 1902 by the venerable Asscher brothers in Holland. It is usually cut to a square outline as opposed to rectangular.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The clean lines of this classic shape come from step-cutting or parallel line facets. Larger inclusions are sometimes more visible to the unaided eye, so emerald shape diamonds usually need to be of higher clarity.
Ideal Cut Diamonds (Hearts and Arrows)
This shape is also known as Hearts & Arrows because of a visual phenomenon that appears when viewed in a gemscope. These diamonds are cut with precisely aligned and carefully shaped facets and – combined with optimum proportions -produce an incredibly brilliant sight: hearts with arrows pointing towards it.
Inferno Diamond
The inferno diamond is either square or rectangle and has 81 hand-polished facets. The unique cut maximises the effect of its reflected light, which results in 40% brighter sparkle and fire.
Cushion Cut Diamond
An antique style cut that looks like a cross between an Old Mine cut (deep cut with large facets, common in late 19th Century) and a modern oval shape.
Baguette Cut Diamond
A relatively small elongated diamond that is rectangular in shape. It has square corners with rows of step-cut facets parallel to the table, which can be unforgiving to the appearance of any imperfections.
Radiant Cut Diamond
Square cut with trimmed corners to enhance brilliance. Think of this shape as a combination between emerald and round diamond shapes. Radiant diamonds are an excellent choice to combine with coloured diamonds because their shape and proportions accentuate colour.
Trillion Cut Diamond
Dramatic and bold. Developed in the 1970s as a variation of the radiant cut, this Trillion is a combination of step-cutting and faceting. It is often used as side stones rather than the centre diamond, so is somewhat scarce in larger sizes.
