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          Cut & Why It Matters
          How to Select a
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          the Most Important
          Four Myths of
          Diamond Cuts
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Diamond shapes – princess cut diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, round diamonds and more


Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. Among them, the best known are:


Round diamonds

Of these diamonds shapes, the most popular by far is the round diamond, which takes center stage in the classic engagement ring – a round, solitaire diamond set either in yellow gold or platinum. Shapes other than round are called fancy shapes. There are many different round brilliant diamond cuts from the Ideal cut diamond – which has 58 facets --- to the patented, 66-facet Leo Diamond cut.

Marquise diamonds

Marquise diamonds have an elongated shape with pointed ends supposedly inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV. It is often used as a solitaire or enhanced by smaller diamonds.

Oval diamonds

Oval diamonds give an even, perfectly symmetrical design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Oval diamonds have an elongated shape which can make a woman's finger appear longer.

Pear shaped diamonds

Pear shaped diamonds are a hybrid cut, combining the best of the oval and the marquise, shaped like a teardrop. Pear shaped diamonds also complements a hand with small or average-length fingers. It works exceptionally well in pendants or earrings.

 

Radiant cut diamonds

Radiant cut diamonds have a square or rectangular cut that combines the elegance of the emerald cut diamond with the brilliance of the round. Radiant cut diamonds have 70 facets to maximize the effect of its color refraction.

Heart shaped diamonds

Heart shaped diamonds are basically a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. Heart shaped diamonds are sometimes considered romantic, but they can be difficult to cut. The skill of the cutter greatly determines the beauty of heart shaped diamonds.

Trillion cut diamonds

The trillion cut was developed in the late seventies. The trillion cut is an adaptation of the radiant cut but it is in a triangular shape. The trillion is a triangle that has equilateral sides and is a combination cut of the step cut and the brilliant cut diamond.

Asscher cut diamonds

Asscher cut diamonds were developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. The Asscher cut is a stepped square cut, often called the "square emerald cut" and like an emerlad cut, the Asscher cut has cropped corners. Asscher cut diamonds have gained in popularity recently.

 

Princess cut diamonds

Princess cut diamonds are perhaps the most popular of the fancy shaped diamonds. Princess cut diamonds are relatively new with a shape that is oblong, usually square or almost square, but with a modified brilliant cut arrangement of facets instead of a step cut. Most square or rectangular cuts just don't live up to the round brilliant for sparkle, but princess cut diamonds are designed for getting maximum brilliance from a square cut.

Cushion cut diamond

The cushion cut diamond is an antique style of cut. Sometimes referred to as a "pillow cut", the cushion cut has an open culet (the bottom of the diamond) and a rectangular to square shape with rounded corners. The beauty of a cushion cut is the depth of the diamond. In the past most quality cushion cut diamonds were found only on the antique and estate market, today cutters are once again cutting these stones.

Emerald cut diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds have a rectangular shape with cut corners. It is known as a step cut because its broad, flat planes resemble steps on a staircase. Inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in emerald cut diamonds, so pay close attention to clarity and color grading.

 

Which of the diamond shapes would she prefer?

Is one of the diamond shapes better than another? It may depend on how the diamond is cut . But the shape of the diamond you choose is a matter of personal taste. While a round diamond may appeal to a more traditional woman, a heart shaped diamond has greater appeal to the hopelessly romantic. But there are other considerations to take into account before making your final selection.

First , how will the shape of the diamond look on her hand? A woman with a small hand may prefer a round diamond or princess cut diamond; whereas, a woman with long, slender fingers can wear a marquise diamond, pear shaped or oval diamond without having it cover too much of her finger to look elegant. The setting – or mounting -- for a diamond also plays a role in how the diamond looks on a woman's hand. A heavier, more elaborate setting, for instance, would not appear graceful on a smaller hand. Certain settings also enhance the beauty of a particular shape of diamond better than others.

Second, how important is size? Diamonds are measured in carat weight, but shape contributes to the appearance of size. A one-carat emerald cut diamond with a larger surface area (table), but less depth, may appear larger than a two-carat round diamond with a smaller table, but greater depth in the bottom portion of the stone (pavilion).

Beautiful diamonds, like beautiful women, come in all shapes and sizes. It's truly a matter of personal taste which of the diamond shapes holds the greatest appeal for you and for her.

Will you know a beautiful diamond when you see it? Here's a hint: diamond certification alone isn't enough to make the best choice. Go beyond the 4C's .

Glossary of diamond terms.

 

New and noteworthy diamond cuts

Leo Diamond

Conventional Diamond

The Leo Diamond is designed by Leo Schachter and is available in round or princess cut. The Leo Diamond is the first diamond independently certified for superior fire, sparkle and beauty. It's definitely worth looking at.

Elexese – Elexese Diamonds come in round and six other fancy shapes. Each Elexese Round Diamond is cut to the coveted 60/60 proportions. This gives a round diamond the largest appearance without sacrificing brilliance Elexese fancy diamonds are also cut to exacting standards to provide maximum brilliance and beauty. Whether you're looking for a round diamond or fancy shaped diamonds - take a look at an Elexese.

Ashoka –The Ashoka cut by William Goldberg. The William Goldberg Ashoka is a modified version of the antique cushion cut, with a rectangular girdle outline and rounded corners that capture and disperse light to create a strong brilliance. The cut, re-created by Saul Goldberg and William Goldberg's gemologists, displays 62 facets.

If you're not sure how to select a beautiful diamond , go with one of these stones. These diamonds are cut by master artisans for maximum beauty and brilliance.