27 Jun What gemstone shape is best for you or your loved one?

What gemstone shape is best for you or your loved one?

There is such a wonderful variety of gemstone cuts available to the bride or groom to be, there really is no excuse for just sticking to the classic round brilliant cut solitaire if you do not want to.  This blog will help you to decide which one suits you or your fiancé or fiancée’s personality the best.

The name of a diamond cut is not determined by its shape alone, although in the case of the heart, round brilliant and pear shapes it is. Diamonds form naturally under a huge amount of pressure within Kimberlite (handy considering my business and last name ?) rock and appear generally although not always in an octahedron shape.  Once mined, they are cut into the shape that makes the most of the octahedron of diamond with as little waste as possible whilst creating the most beautifully cut gemstone. The shape that they choose is the overall form description of the diamond, such as pear, cushion or round, while the cut is the diamond’s facets and proportions—basically the element that make them sparkle so beautifully.

Here are a few pointers to help you decide what shape diamond is most suited to your loved one and most suits their character – it is an interesting way to choose if you really have no idea what to go for!

Round Brilliant Cut = Classic & Elegant

Commonly known as the round brilliant cut, round diamonds are without a doubt the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, accounting for more than 75 percent of all diamonds sold. This is the most classic of all the cuts.  Round diamonds have 58 facets, which refracts the light which bounces from the bottom of the diamond back through the top, creating that unbelievable sparkly effect. The shape is extremely versatile, elegant and timeless, looking clean and modern in simple settings, yet equally as wonderful in more elaborate styles – you really cannot go wrong.

Emerald = Glamorous & Art Deco

If you’re all about Art Deco glamour, this is the diamond for you. A rectangular shape with long, angular facets but it’s the large table that shows off the diamond’s clarity better than any other cut. What it lacks in brilliance, it more than makes up for in undeniable elegance.  Think Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly who wouldn’t want to follow in those icons footsteps, I know I would!

Princess = Refined & Sparkly

The name says it all! The princess cut is a classic, elegant choice that’s similar in vibrancy to the round brilliant cut but with a more modern, linear look.  Flirty and fun, the princess cut is most commonly set as a solitaire and is the second most popular shape.  It’s experienced a revival over the past few years. Because the additional facets add brilliance and increase the diamond’s inherent sparkle, flaws may be less noticeable which is a definite plus point.

Asscher = Vintage & Glamourous

The asscher cut is striking and dramatic, evoking a very 1920s-1930s, art deco feel. The asscher cut is a beautifully simplistic cut with a classic elegance. It shares similar characteristics to the emerald cut, meaning colour and clarity are important factors if you decide to opt for a diamond in this shape.  The only real difference between the asscher and the emerald cut is that the asscher is square and not elongated.

Cushion = The Romantic & Whimsical

For the woman who knows what she wants, it’s probably the romantic cushion she’s craving. Cushion cuts can either be square or look rectangle with rounded corners and have larger facets to increase their brilliance, so they are rarely cut in smaller carat weights and sizes. One of the most popular diamond shapes a century ago, cushion cuts reflect and era of romance and elegance.

Oval = Innovative & Creative

Right up there with the round brilliant cut diamonds, oval diamonds have a wonderful brilliance. Even and symmetrical, this shape looks well balanced as a solitaire among those with smaller hands or shorter fingers (I fall into this bracket!), because the oval’s elongated shape gives the illusion of length to the hand (there is hope!).  The oval is often set with side stones, sometimes smaller diamonds, sapphires, emeralds or other gems, appealing to a wide range of tastes and making for a very personal and unique design.

Marquise = Dramatic & Striking

Like most things interesting, the majestic marquise is swathed in dramatic history. Legend has it that this cut was invented during the 18th-century reign of Louis XIV, allegedly named for his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour, and inspired by her smile. The unique cut, essentially an oval with rounded sides and points at each end, is distinctive and dramatic.  The marquise cut can look larger than it actually is, and due to its elongated shape, can make fingers look more slender….now that’s a winner! It’s ideal for those looking to maximize carat weight, and for those who like a little opulence and are after a statement piece of jewellery rather than following the crowds.

Pear = Unique & Feminine

A winning combination of the marquise and the oval, this cut resembles a twinkling teardrop. Popular for pendants and earrings, the pear shape is also a unique and excellent choice for engagement rings, and can be “fatter” or more elongated, depending on your preference. Due to its unbalanced shape, it’s not usually set with elaborate accent stones however it does look wonderful with a diamond halo surrounding it or complimenting diamond set shoulders.

Heart = Sentimental & Soft

This cut is the ultimate symbol of romance and sentimentality. Often more of a novelty and not commonly used for engagement rings, a special and select few do choose a heart shape.  The way they are cut is similar to the pear shape they can be “fatter” or more elongated, and it’s the skill and precision of the diamond cutter that defines the sparkle and beauty of this shape.

Radiant = Stylish & Confident

This cut can be hard to find but most definitely not impossible.  The radiant marries the elegant glamour of the emerald cut shape with the brilliance of the round, resulting in a rare sparkly square with trimmed corners. Its extra special sparkle is the result of the way its underside is cut, with 70 facets to be exact.  I personally love the fact that this shape isn’t worn by many, so if you are after something totally different to your friends this is the perfect option.

I hope that this helps all of you engagement ring purchasers out there…if you are still confused there are professionals out there, like myself, who can point you in the right direction contact a designer for more information on how to set your perfect cut then do get in touch!

Hannah xx