Cut

Diamond Cut/Anatomy and Shapes

Shapes

Diamonds are natural crystals of varying size and shape formed in the earth over millions of years. By the diamond cutter's art these crystals are carved into gems of spectacular and whimsical beauty. A cutter's skill will produce a diamond of the greatest size with the fewest flaws and the most brilliance. Individuality and taste determine the fashion, and the magic of the gem cutter transforms each stone into a unique work of art. Every Diamond Shape is beautiful, there are no "better" shapes. Simply your preference. Below you will find a short description of most common shapes of diamonds. Lately, the Antique shaped Diamonds are gaining their popularity due to being extremely rare (most were re-cut in last 100 years) and also because people are fascinated with the magic of the sparkle that Antique Diamonds produce along with the history they bring to us. The Old Mine Cut in a Free Formed cushion shape from the late 18th Century later transferred to an Old European cut in a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries.

  .Asscher: The "Asscher cut diamond" was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a stepped square cut, often called the "square emerald cut" and like an emerald cut, the Asscher has cropped corners.

• Cushion: An Antique style of cut that looks like a cross between an Old Mine Cut (a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries) and a modern oval cut.

• Emerald Cut: This is a rectangular shape with cut corners. It is known as a step cut because its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Since inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in this particular cut, take pains to select a stone of superior clarity. Color with Emerald cuts is not as important as the clarity.

• Heart: This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.

• Marquise: n elongated shape with pointed ends inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds.

• Oval: An even, perfectly symmetrical design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. It also looks the largest of all shapes. On a long finger looks just breathtaking.  Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.

• Pear: A hybrid cut, combining the best of the oval and the marquise, it is shaped most like a sparkling teardrop. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most complements a ladies hand or a neck (used for necklaces a lot).

      .Princess: This is a square or rectangular cut with numerous sparkling facets. It is a relatively new cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement rings. Flattering to a hand with long fingers, it is often embellished with triangular stones or baguettes at its sides. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.

• Radiant: square or rectangular cut combines the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round, and its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon.

• Round has 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle (widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance.