From the traditional round brilliant diamond to less familiar shaped diamonds such as trapezoid or radiants, there are dozens of diamond cuts to choose between. Some diamond cuts depend on the shape of the rough diamond that the polished is to be cut from, while other cuts depend on the clarity of the stone. Here is the Israel Diamond Institute’s in depth guide to choosing the best diamond cut for your stone.
Round
Round cut diamonds are the most popular and well-known diamond and features 57 facets. Such diamonds have the ideal proportions and shape according to mathematical calculations for the most brilliant diamond.
Heart-shaped
Next in our list is the romantic diamond cut – the heart-shaped diamond which is basically a pear-shaped diamond featuring a sharp cleft at the top. The symmetry of a heart-shaped diamond is an important factor to take into account.
Emerald
The emerald cut is also a popular diamond shape – such diamonds are elegant and relatively cheap. Typically, emerald cut diamonds are square or rectangular and reflect light dramatically. However, due to the cut, flaws in the stone are visible and imperfection can be seen by the naked eye.
The emerald cut is also a popular diamond shape – such diamonds are elegant and relatively cheap. Typically, emerald cut diamonds are square or rectangular and reflect light dramatically. However, due to the cut, flaws in the stone are visible and imperfection can be seen by the naked eye.
Baguette
The baguette cut is a rectangular shaped diamond cut suitable for long flat rough stones. It is a standard, symmetric diamond cut and is thus suited to settings in both watches and jewelry. However, the cut’s lack of facets makes it appear less sparkly than other diamond cuts.
Princess
Princess cut diamonds, otherwise known as square modified brilliants, are reckoned to be the most popular diamond shape following the round brilliant. Princess cut diamonds, which feature square or rectangular crowns, beveled sides and corners that are pointed, were first created in the 1960s and its creation is attributed to a London jeweler. During the polishing process, the amount of diamond lost to princess cut diamonds in far lower than round brilliants, making this shape even more attractive.
Radiant
Similar to the princess cut, radiant cut diamonds feature a square cut with a brilliant-cut facet pattern applied to both the pavilion and crown. This cut, which is suitable for round or square cornered diamonds, first became popular in the 1980s.
Taper
The taper cut was developed in order to accommodate elongated rough diamonds with uneven ends. One end of the diamond is narrow while the opposite end is narrow. The taper cut appears sharp and features a stake-like point. In the 1970s and the following decade, Israel was the world leader for taper cutting, but this specialty moved to lower-cost countries in the following years.
Half-moon
Half-moon cut diamonds, as the name suggest, feature a semi-circle or crescent shaped stone and are popular in diamond rings where two half-moon cut diamonds are set outside a central diamond. A diamond that is flawless on one half and features imperfections on the other is particularly suited for the half-moon shape.
Hearts and Arrows
Hearts and Arrows Diamonds, which originated in Japan in the 1980s, are cut to ideal proportions, feature superior physical and optical symmetry, and feature a specific brilliantine scheme: eight symmetrical arrows when viewing the diamond from the top, and eight symmetrical hearts when viewing it from the bottom. These diamonds command a high market price and are said to be the cut of less than 1% of diamonds.
Cushion
The cushion-cut diamond is the traditional diamond shape that has been around for over 2 centuries. This popular diamond shape, which used to be known as old-mine cut, features a square cut with rounded corners. Cushion-cut diamonds are generally less brilliant than round-brilliant diamonds, and their fire (the reflected light) is particularly strong.
Trapezoid
Trapezoid diamonds, otherwise known as trapeze diamonds, are suited to large diamonds due to their unique cut. The cut evolved from the taper and baguette cuts and requires the skills of a master diamond craftsman in order to achieve the maximum level of precision and symmetry needed. Trapezoid cut diamonds are typically used as pairs as side stones enhancing a larger central stone on diamond solitaire rings.
Asscher
The Asscher cut, which was invented in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, features a modified square shape with cropped corners and 58 facets. It was the first diamond cut to be patented. Nearly a century later, Joseph Asscher’s descendants Edward Asscher and Joop Asscher, launched the Royal Asscher cut featuring 74 facets.
Marquis
Marquis cut diamonds are a special fancy shape diamond typically cut from long diamonds that are unsuitable for cutting into round shapes. The cut is shaped liked a boat and features a crown and pavilion in a brilliant cut. Large marquis diamonds are treated like solitaires, while small marquis diamonds are typically mounted in multiple settings.
oval
The oval diamond cut is essentially a modified and elongated version of the round brilliant diamond – and its shape is flattering on diamond rings for women with relatively short fingers or smallish hands. Most oval cut diamonds have 56 facets, with either 4,6 or 8 pavilion facets, and require six-prong settings to secure a diamond in place.
Pear cut
The final diamond cut on our list is the pear cut, which is a modified round brilliant cut with an elongated pointed end. It is otherwise known as a teardrop shape diamond, and the basic shape has been around for centuries in specialized forms such as the Briolette cut and the Pendeloque. This flattering cut typically features 58 facets and has a recommended length-to-width ratio of 1.5:1, although any proportion that falls within the range of 1.45:1 to 1.75:1 is acceptable
Source: http://www.get-diamonds.com/diamonds-shapes
Source: http://www.get-diamonds.com/diamonds-shapes
