Diamond Shapes

Oval Cut Diamonds: Elegance with a Modern Twist

Oval cut diamonds offer a unique blend of classic elegance and contemporary appeal. This shape is an elongated version of the round cut, providing a distinctive and flattering option for those seeking something a little different.

D VVS2 2.01 Carat Oval Lab Grown Diamond from Brilliant Earth

Key Characteristics:

• Elongated Shape: The oval diamond’s length can create a subtle illusion of greater size compared to a round diamond of the same carat weight.
• Brilliance: Like the round cut, oval diamonds are known for their exceptional brilliance and fire.
• Finger Coverage: The elongated shape can make the wearer’s finger appear longer and slimmer, a desirable effect for many.

Interesting Facts:

• Inception: The modern oval cut was developed in the late 1950s by diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan.
• Variety in Proportions: Oval diamonds can vary greatly in their length-to-width ratios, offering versatility in style.
• Celebrity Choice: Oval diamonds have gained popularity among celebrities for engagement rings, further cementing their status as a fashionable and sophisticated choice.

Princess Cut Diamonds: The Modern Favorite

Princess cut diamonds are a modern classic, offering a chic and contemporary alternative to the traditional round cut. Known for their sharp, clean lines and geometric shape, princess cut diamonds have gained popularity for their sophisticated, avant-garde appearance.

Lab-Created 1.03 Carat Princess Diamond from James Allen

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The princess cut is typically square or slightly rectangular with pointed corners.
• Facets: It features a unique facet arrangement that delivers exceptional fire and brilliance, often compared to the round cut.
• Versatility: This cut is adaptable to various settings and styles, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and modern jewelry designs.

Interesting Facts:

• Origin: The princess cut was developed in the 1960s, evolving from the earlier “profile cut.”
• Efficiency: It’s known for its cutting efficiency, often retaining more of the rough diamond than other shapes.
• Popularity: The princess cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes after the round cut, especially for engagement rings.

Cushion Cut Diamonds: The Romantic Vintage

Cushion cut diamonds blend the old-world charm with a modern flair. With their rounded corners and soft, pillow-like appearance, cushion cuts have a romantic, gentle look that appeals to those who love vintage style.

Lab-Created 2.03-Carat Cushion Modified Diamond from Blue Nile

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The cushion cut has a square to rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow.
• Facets: It features large facets that highlight the diamond’s depth and clarity, offering a distinctive, subtle sparkle.
• Vintage Appeal: Often associated with antique jewelry, the cushion cut has a timeless elegance that harks back to bygone eras.

Interesting Facts:

• Historical Significance: The cushion cut has been popular for over 200 years, making it one of the oldest diamond shapes.
• Variations: There are many variations of the cushion cut, including the “cushion modified brilliant,” which has extra facets for more brilliance.
• Celebrity Choice: Cushion cut diamonds are a favored choice among celebrities for engagement rings, adding to their allure and desirability.

Radiant Cut Diamonds: The Vibrant Allure

Radiant cut diamonds are celebrated for their lively brilliance and crisp, angular lines. This cut is a stunning blend of the traditional round and the elegant emerald cut, offering a unique combination of sophistication and sparkle.

1.61 ct D VS1 Radiant Cut Precision Lab Grown Diamond from Whiteflash

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The radiant cut typically features a rectangular shape, but it can also be found in square forms.
• Facets: It is known for its 70 facets that maximize the effect of its color refraction, resulting in exceptional brilliance and vibrancy.
• Versatility: This cut is versatile in style, fitting beautifully in a variety of settings and complementing both contemporary and classic designs.

Interesting Facts:

• Innovation: The radiant cut was developed in the 1970s, making it a relatively new addition to diamond shapes.
• Popularity: It has gained popularity for those seeking a distinctive yet brilliant diamond, often chosen for its unique blend of cut styles.
• Durability: The trimmed corners of the radiant cut enhance its durability, making it less prone to chipping.

Emerald Cut Diamonds: The Elegant Sophistication

Emerald cut diamonds exude elegance and sophistication with their clean lines and understated brilliance. This cut is known for its open table and step-cut facets, which create a unique hall-of-mirrors effect, emphasizing the clarity of the diamond.

2.08 Carat Emerald Lab Grown Diamond from Brilliant Earth

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The emerald cut is typically rectangular, characterized by its long, straight lines and beveled corners.
• Facets: It features a unique step-cut facet pattern, offering a different type of sparkle – more subtle and understated compared to brilliant cuts.
• Clarity: The emerald cut highlights a diamond’s clarity, making it essential to choose a stone with fewer inclusions.

Interesting Facts:

• Historical Roots: The emerald cut has origins dating back to the 1500s, initially developed for cutting emeralds.
• Celebrity Favorite: This cut has been a popular choice among celebrities for its refined and elegant appearance.
• Value: Emerald cut diamonds often appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their elongated table.

Asscher Cut Diamonds: The Art Deco Charm

Asscher cut diamonds are renowned for their depth and clarity, featuring a unique step cut similar to the emerald cut but in a distinctive square shape. This cut is synonymous with the Art Deco period, exuding vintage elegance and sophistication.

Lab-Created 1.05 Carat Asscher Diamond from James Allen

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The Asscher cut is square with deeply trimmed corners, resembling an octagon.
• Facets: It features a unique X-shaped facet pattern visible from the top, creating a captivating hall-of-mirrors effect.
• Vintage Appeal: This cut is favored for its antique look and association with Art Deco design.

Interesting Facts:

• Origin: The Asscher cut was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland.
• Resurgence: It regained popularity in the early 2000s, thanks to its vintage charm.
• Selection: Due to its design, clarity is paramount; inclusions are more visible in Asscher cut diamonds.

Pear Cut Diamonds: The Unique Teardrop

Pear cut diamonds, also known as teardrop diamonds, are celebrated for their unique shape, combining the brilliance of a round cut with the elongated elegance of a marquise. This cut is a distinctive choice that stands out for its asymmetrical beauty.

Lab-Created 2.07-Carat Pear Diamond from Blue Nile

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The pear cut has a rounded end and a single point, resembling a teardrop.
• Brilliance: It is cut to produce maximum sparkle, with great light reflection similar to the round cut.
• Versatility: The pear cut is versatile in styling, suitable for a range of jewelry types and often used to create a slimming effect on the finger.

Interesting Facts:

• History: The pear cut has a rich history, dating back to the 1400s.
• Unique Appeal: Its unique shape makes it a popular choice for those seeking a distinctive yet elegant diamond.
• Orientation: The pear cut can be worn with the point facing up or down, allowing for personal expression.

Heart Cut Diamonds: The Symbol of Love

Heart cut diamonds are the ultimate symbol of romance and affection, making them a sentimental choice for special occasions. This cut requires great skill to shape the diamond into a perfect heart, reflecting both craftsmanship and emotion.

1.48 Carat Heart Lab Grown Diamond from Brilliant Earth

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The heart cut is essentially a pear shape with a cleft at the top, forming a heart.
• Symmetry: Perfect symmetry is crucial for the heart shape to ensure balance and an appealing outline.
• Romantic Appeal: This cut is often chosen for its sentimental value and unique appearance.

Interesting Facts:

• Skillful Cutting: Crafting a heart cut diamond is a test of a cutter’s skill, requiring precision and expertise.
• Niche Choice: The heart cut is less common than other shapes, adding to its unique charm.
• Variations: The look of a heart cut diamond can vary greatly depending on the width and depth of the cut.

Marquise Cut Diamonds: The Royal Elegance

Marquise cut diamonds, known for their elongated shape with pointed ends, boast a regal and sophisticated appearance. This cut maximizes carat weight, giving the illusion of a larger size, and is often associated with luxury and opulence.

Lab-Created 2.00-Carat Marquise Diamond from Blue Nile

Key Characteristics:

• Shape: The marquise cut is an elongated oval with pointed ends, resembling a football.
• Size Illusion: Its shape creates an illusion of greater size and elongates the finger when worn.
• Brilliance: The cut is designed to maximize light reflection, offering substantial sparkle.

Interesting Facts:

• Royal Origins: The marquise cut was commissioned by King Louis XV of France in the 18th century, inspired by the Marquise de Pompadour’s smile.
• Popularity: It has been a popular choice for those seeking a unique and elegant diamond shape.
• Efficiency: The marquise cut utilizes a larger portion of the rough stone, reducing waste.