How To Choose The Right Shape For Your Diamond Ring
Buying a diamond ring is one of the most thrilling experiences in the world of jewelry. As Marilyn Monroe once sang, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and we think she is absolutely right!
Whether searching for a diamond engagement ring, wedding ring or just a diamond ring because you want one, there are lots of different elements to consider from ring size to cut to carat weight/carat size to gemstone diamond color and more. The factor that we are going to focus on today is the diamond shape.
If you don’t know your princess cut from your cushion cut, then you have come to the right place! Here is a guide that will assist you in choosing the right diamond shape and diamond size, with plenty of information that you can take with you on your next visit to your favorite jeweler.
What Is The Difference Between Diamond Shape And Diamond Cut?
This can be a confusing question to answer because diamond cut is sometimes used to refer to the shape of a diamond! The reason for this slight confusion is that each shape has a more technical name that contains the word ‘cut’ in it, such as round brilliant cut, for example.
If you know a little about diamonds and that they are graded and priced on the 4Cs, then you’ll know that cut is one of those 4 Cs (along with carat, clarity and color).
The cut of a diamond refers to all of the facets, dimensions, symmetry and reflective properties of the stone rather than simply what shape it is. For example, a heart-shaped diamond might be cut deep or shallow, brilliant or dull. These factors do not affect the shape of the diamond, which is a heart! They do, however, affect the cut.
The art of diamond cutting is very skillful. The craftsman will examine the rough diamond, see any inclusions (flaws) and decide on what shape to cut to maximize its brilliance and value. Essentially, the finer the cut of a diamond is, the greater its level of brilliance is going to be which makes for a higher diamond price.
When buying a diamond, you should first select what shape you desire and then you can start to work toward finding the most appealing cut of that particular shape.
The shape of a diamond refers exclusively to the outline and external figure of the whole stone. For example, round, pear-shaped and cushion all refer to actual shape and appearance.
Different Diamond Shapes
Diamond shapes fall into two major groups - round diamonds and fancy shapes. The most traditional and popular cut is the round brilliant diamond but there are some fabulous choices in the fancy shapes that in ring design can be a solitaire center stone, used as side stones or in a cluster stone ring.
Here are descriptions for all the most popular diamond shapes commonly available in jewlery retailers today.
- Asscher Cut Diamond
An Asscher diamond is a stone that has a distinct square shape with deep trimmed edges that give the impression of cropped corners.
- Baguette Cut Diamond
As the name suggests, a baguette diamond has an elongated shape. You will find that rectangular shape baguette stones are generally available in two styles, tapered or straight.
- Cushion Cut Diamond
If you want something romantic with a classic structure, then the cushion cut diamond is the one for you. It is generally a rectangular or square shape with delicately rounded corners. Cushion cut diamonds offer a huge amount of sparkle, with four to eight facets in its pavilion.
- Emerald Cut Diamond
Emerald shape stones are step cut diamonds that draw in and reflect a huge abundance of white and colored light. They are comprised of 39 rectangle facets that descend downward and ascend outward to create a shimmering beauty.
- Heart Cut Diamond
This unique shape is exactly what its name suggests! It is a beautiful heart shape that can stand as a literal symbol of love between partners or simple love for oneself!
- Marquise Cut Diamond
Marquise diamonds are known for giving off an antique, regal vibe thanks to the oblong nature of the stones with pointed edges and rounded corners. They are different to oval diamonds as they more closely resemble an American football.
- Oval Cut Diamond
We all know what an oval shape is, but there is something about oval diamonds that look and feel more sleek and chic. It is all about achieving maximum sparkle with a soft silhouette and beautifully balanced curves.
- Pear Cut Diamond
You will also see a pear shape diamond described as a teardrop shape. It has a pointed top that extends out to fuller, more rounded bottom, just like the perfect juicy pear!
- Princess Cut Diamond
Princess cut diamonds offer strong, angular lines that are one of the sharpest-looking stones in the family of fancy shapes. They are set in square or rectangle cuts and have the overall look of a sparkling inverted pyramid.
- Radiant Cut Diamond
Radiant cut stones are one of the newer diamond shapes, only originated in the 1970s. The radiant shape features intricate facet patterns that really work to emphasize the stone’s brilliance. The face is structured with sharp, square edges that allow light to reflect from every possible angle to dazzling effect.
- Rose Cut Diamond
Another where the name tells you everything. The rose-cut diamond is intended to resemble the petals of a delicate rose. This was one of the first diamond shapes to ever be created, and because of this, it is usually cut by hand with fewer facets than more modern shapes. It tends to look a little bit different than other diamonds that you might be more familiar with.
- Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
The round brilliant is a true enduring classic in the world of diamonds, a beautiful, classic stone that possesses the perfect balance of symmetry and proportion from every single angle.
- Trilliant Cut Diamond
This is the only diamond on this list that is a wonderful and unique triangle shape. It has three equal sides that come together to create a really bold, sharp look that has intense brilliance some other more conventional shapes are unable to create.
Tips For Choosing The Right Shape
Finding the perfect diamond for you will depend on a combination of personal preference and the size and shape of your hands and fingers. Follow this guide to see which shapes and cuts might be best suited for you.
Small Hands And Short Fingers
Those with smaller hands and shorter fingers will benefit from wearing the likes of pear-shaped, marquise-shaped and oval-shaped diamonds. The good news is that oval diamonds are currently on top of the recent trending jewelry lists!
These stones are the most flattering on short hands and fingers because they create the illusion of a more slender hand.
These diamonds also tend to have a larger surface area than others, so you can achieve the look of a bigger diamond with a smaller carat weight.
Wider Fingers
Fancy diamond shapes, like ovals, marquise-shaped diamonds, teardrop diamonds, radiant cuts, or emerald cuts can create the illusion of a longer, slimmer hand.
You may want to consider a larger diamond to complement your wide fingers. If you choose a lab-grown diamond you can get a bigger diamond for your budget.
Long Fingers And Thin Hands
If you are blessed with having slim hands and long, elegant fingers, then the good news for you is that you don’t need to worry about recommendations from anybody but your own heart!
People with this combination of features are able to wear any shape of diamond and look equally beautiful. Any diamond shape works wonderfully with thin fingers.
Square Fingers And Hands
Those with more square hands and fingers need diamonds that are going to create the illusion of a more slender, long body part, and this means that oval cut, pear cut and round cut will certainly do the job. These shapes all boast very soft silhouettes that can help to counteract the natural squareness of your hand.
You should avoid square-shaped diamonds like princess cut and Asscher cut, because this kind of shape is only going to amplify the blockiness of your fingers.
Large Knuckles
For larger, more prominent knuckles, something like a round cut diamond can never look out of place. The roundness of the stone will fit in with the wider, large nature of your hands, and can also cover a lot of surface area to make the rest of your hand look smaller and more delicate in comparison. Any stone that is universally flattering will work well with large knuckled hands!
Don’t forget!
Choosing the perfect diamond for you is not just deciding on a shape. We made a quick mention of the 4Cs and all of these should be taken into account whether you are buying a single stone for a bespoke piece of jewelry or have your mind set on a particular ring style.
You need to consider color grade, diamond clarity grade and weight (size) as well as the cut grade. Much of what drives a diamond’s value cannot be seen with the naked eye, so always buy a diamond that has a GIA Certificate that details the 4Cs.
Shop Luxe Fine Jewelry Engagement Rings
