Cut is the process that transforms a rough diamond cuts into an exquisite gem. It requires both science and artistry to achieve perfect perfection.
The ideal cuts maximize a diamond’s fire and brilliance by ensuring light enters and reflects off its facets at different angles, creating an exquisite display of colors.
The table, the highest and largest facet of a round diamond, is known as its top facet. Ideally, this area covers between 54%-61% of its rough surface area.
1. Brilliant Cut
The Brilliant diamond cuts is one of the most sought-after diamond shapes. This style maximizes light reflection through the top of a gemstone or diamond.
Brilliant cut diamonds are round gems cut with multiple facets to enhance their sparkle and shine. They make popular engagement rings as well as gemstone statement rings.
2. Step Cut
The Step Cut is an iconic diamond shape that features long, linear facets arranged parallel to one another. These facets create a captivating hall of mirrors effect and exude brilliant sparkle.
Step-cut styles such as Emerald, Asscher and baguette are popular choices. Lesser known options include triangle, trapeze and shield.
They’re more cost-effective than brilliant cuts, preserve more of a diamond’s carat weight and show off its clarity better. Unfortunately, they also exhibit less fire and scintillation than their more expensive counterparts.
3. Fancy Cut
Round diamonds are the most sought-after jewelry shape, but there are many other shapes available as well. Popular options include oval, pear, princess, emerald, marquise and radiant cuts – all known as fancy diamonds.
These shapes differ from rounds in that they are cut to maximize brightness and sparkle, offering 56 facets for you to select from. This makes them a great option for shoppers who appreciate the luster of a round but desire a more modern aesthetic.
4. Cushion Cut
Cushion cut diamonds offer the ideal blend of sophistication and delicate beauty. Their square or rectangular shape with rounded corners gives them a pillow-like appearance.
These diamond cuts are modern versions of the Old Mine Cut, which was a popular round diamond cut during the early 1900s. As one of the world’s most beloved cuts, they have seen an exponential rise in popularity over recent years.
5. Emerald Cut
The Emerald Cut is a popular option for those seeking larger stones without the hefty price tag. It also looks beautiful as the center stone in halo or pave settings.
The emerald cut features large, beautiful facets and an expansive table that acts like a magnifying glass for diamond inclusions. As such, it can be easier to detect flaws than other shapes.
Embellished cut diamonds can be eye clean if you select a higher clarity grade than round brilliants. However, if budget allows, consider selecting color diamonds instead.
6. Asscher Cut
The Asscher Cut, also known as the square emerald cut, is one of the most beloved diamond shapes. Its stepped cut facets create an X pattern that appears as an endless stack of square diamonds – giving off a kaleidoscope-like effect.
7. Trillian Cut
The Trillian Cut is a diamond shape that resembles a triangular crystal. This modern option for engagement rings offers something special and unique.
This cut is renowned for its brilliant brilliance and fire. Additionally, it can effectively conceal inclusions or blemishes.
These stones can be used as accent stones or combined with another brilliant cut for an eye-catching effect. Unfortunately, these gems are rare and therefore quite costly.
8. Princess Cut
The princess cut is one of the more modern diamond shapes. It was first popularized in 1960 by Arpad Nagy, a diamond cutter from Budapest.
Conclusion
Princess cuts are more cost-effective than other diamond shapes due to the amount of material wasted during cutting. Furthermore, its pyramidal shape helps diffuse light better than rounded shapes like round brilliant cuts do.
