Diamonds are forever
Diamond jewellery enhances every outfit and there’s an appropriate piece for each occasion. Some jewellery pieces are subtle, and some make a statement. There may be times where being beautiful but subtle suits the individual best, whereas other circumstances allow for the flamboyant wearing of diamond jewellery that draws attention to itself and the person wearing it.
It is also becoming more common for people to bring out their diamond jewellery for everyday occasions so that they are on display and not hidden in jewellery boxes. With a vast range of choices, it’s easy to find a piece of diamond jewellery to suit every style and budget.
The shape of diamonds has changed over the years. Some of these shapes have been around for centuries, whilst others are more recent and made possible thanks to improvements in diamond cutting technologies. The diamond shape you choose can be important because it is aesthetically pleasing to you, or you may be swayed by the illusion created by some styles that make the diamond appear larger and more brilliant than other shapes. Here is an explanation of the ten different diamond forms currently available.
Round Diamond
The round diamond shape is used in more than three-quarters of the diamond engagement rings bought. The popularity for this classic shape, which looks good in any setting, comes from the sparkle it generates thanks to its perfectly symmetrical style that features 58 individual facets or shaped cuts. A round diamond is more expensive to create than any other shape which can add one-third more to the ticket price of any other diamond design.
Princess Cut Diamond
Launched in the 1970s, the princess cut diamond is a square shape with pointed corners. The cut creates the most sparkle out of any square diamond, since it has either 57 or 76 facets arranged in a similar way to the round diamond. Less expensive than a round diamond, this shaped diamond has the benefit of giving the false appearance of being 15 per cent bigger than a round diamond.
Oval Diamond
An oval cut diamond has a more elongated shape and like other diamonds can give the false impression that it is bigger than it really is. The oval cut has 58 facets, like the round diamond, which gives a strong sparkle. Due to the way they are shaped, oval stones are more likely to show a hint of yellow, so if you want a clear diamond, you will need to choose a higher grade colour. If you want to create the illusion that your finger is long and svelte, an oval shape is a good choice.
Marquise Diamond
A marquise shape is an oval with pointed ends. This shape has the largest surface area of all the diamond shapes, which means it is another shape that looks bigger than it really is. The challenge with this shape is that the points can easily be chipped when worn in a ring setting.
Pear Shaped Diamond
A pear shaped or teardrop diamond is not easy to find on sale. It is a shape that needs excellent symmetry. If set in a ring, the diamond is traditionally worn with the narrow end pointing down towards the wrist. A narrow pear shape of diamond suits dangle earrings, while a wider outline looks good as a solitaire.
Cushion Cut Diamond
The cushion cut gets its name from the fact the diamond looks like a pillow. Around for more than two centuries, it has been brought up-to-date whilst maintaining its vintage feel. The cuts on this diamond wider, making it look like an antique. This shape also looks good in a wide choice of settings.
Emerald Cut Diamond
With step cuts on the pavilion, or base, and with a large, open top, known in the trade as the table, this design is copied from the traditional cutting style for emeralds, which is how the shape has its name. Emerald cuts require a higher clarity grade if you do not want to see any inclusions, or flaws in the diamond, requiring either a VS1, possibly a VS2 or higher which can add to the cost.
Asscher Cut Diamond
A more square version of an emerald cut, this style has larger step facets, a higher crown and a smaller table which together creates more sparkle than an emerald shape ever could. You can choose an asscher has 58 facets or for more sparkle there is a royal asscher which has 74 facets. The asscher shape has cropped corners which makes it appear to be an octagonal shape, but when mounted in a four prong setting, it looks like a square again.
Radiant Cut Diamond
Another shape developed in the 1970s, the radiant shaped diamond is rectangular in shape, and sits halfway between the contours of a cushion and a princess shape. What makes the radiant unusual is that it is cut in such a way that the stone sparkles like a round stone.
Heart Shaped Diamond
Symbolic of true love, a heart shaped diamond is popular in solitaire pendants as well as rings. You will need to choose a diamond that is more than 0.5 carat or the appearance of the heart will not be clear under the naked eye. Look for excellent or very good symmetry in the cut or it may look a bit lop-sided. Have a smaller three-prong setting to keep the shape visible when it is worn.
Diamond jewellery isn’t just reserved for engagement rings or milestone anniversaries. Today the sparkling stone with its warm fire within can be gifted to decorate a hand, a wrist, an ear or a neckline at any holiday or special celebration.
