Diamonds come in shapes and sizes so it makes sense that to educate yourselves about these bright and beautiful things that we continue with:
On the 10th Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me… 10 SHAPES OF DIAMONDS!
ROUND
Also referred to as: TOLKOWSKY IDEAL CUT
Unique Features: Considered to be of ideal proportions to maximise brilliance and fire.
Facets: 58 (57 if culet pointed)
L /W Ratio: 1.00 – 1.02
Origin: 17th Century Mazarin
Expert Tip: Most brilliant and popular of all shapes; versatile and classic.
PRINCESS
Also referred to as: SQUARE – OR RECTANGULAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT
Unique Features: Contemporary square cut, most brilliant of all square shapes.
Facets: Usually 57 or 76
L/W Ratio: 1.00-1.05 (square) > 1.05 (rectangular)
Origin: 1970′s, developed from barion & quadrillion cuts.
Expert Tip: Ideal for long fingers and eternity bands.
EMERALD
Unique Features: Broad flat pane, truncated corners, step cut.
Facets: Usually 57; varies depending on number of rows on crown and pavilion.
L/W Ratio: Typically 1.30-1.50 (depending on taste)
Origin: Evolved from table cuts 20th Century.
Expert Tip: Clarity VS1 and higher is optimal.
ASSCHER
Also referred to as: SQUARE EMERALD CUT
Unique Features: Brightest step cut, “hall of mirrors” effect.
Facets: 50 or 58 (Royal Asscher has 74)
L/W Ratio: 1.00 – 1.05
Origin: Art-deco era, early 20th Century
Expert Tip: Clarity VS1 and higher is optimal.
PEAR
Also referred to as: PENDELOQUE or TEARDROP CUT
Unique Features: Unique shape with single point and rounded end.
Facets: Usually 56 to 58
L/W Ratio: 1.50-1.70
Origin: 15th Century
Expert Tip: Elongates finger, optimal colours H and above.
RADIANT
Also referred to as: SQUARE or RECTANGULAR MODIFIED BRILLIANT
Unique Features: Signature trimmed edges, brilliant step cut.
Facets: Usually 70
L/W Ratio: 1.00-1.05 (square) >1.05-1.50 (rectangular)
Origin: 1977
Expert Tip: Hides inclusions well.
OVAL
Somewhere in between the round brilliant and the pear shape…
Unique Features: Symmetrical, elongated rounded shape.
Facets: Usually 58
L/W Ratio: Typically 1.33-1.66
Origin: 19th Century
Expert Tip: Optimises carat weight and elongates finger.
CUSHION
Also referred to as: PILLOW or CANDLELIGHT CUT
Unique Features: Larger facets, light dispersive.
Facets: Usually 58
L/W Ratio: 1.00-1.05 (square) >1.10 (rectangular)
Origin: 19th Century
Expert Tip: Opt for modified brilliants with “crushed ice effect” if looking for more scintillation.
HEART
Ever the romantic choice… This is a rare and symbolic cut.
Unique Features: Exclusive heart shape design.
Facets: Usually 56-58
L/W Ratio: Typically 0.90 – 1.10
Origin: 16th Century
Expert Tip: Good symmetry is essential.
MARQUISE
Also referred to as: NAVETTE SHAPE
Unique Features: Long “navette” oval shape.
Facets: Usually 56-58
L/W Ratio: Ideally 1.85 – 2.10
Origin: 1745 French Royalty.
Expert Tip: Optimises carat weight and elongates finger.
Whatever your diamond shape preference, 77 Diamonds can help you find the perfect diamond for you. For more information please contact us at sales@77diamonds.com