The Shapes of Diamond

The diamond, with its intrinsic beauty and unparalleled hardness, is a symbol of elegance and refinement. However, what makes the diamond even more fascinating is its variety of shapes, each with its own uniqueness and distinctive characteristics.

Among the most popular and iconic shapes of the diamond:

Brilliant cut

The brilliant cut features a circular shape with 58 faces arranged in a series of upper crowns and a lower floor. These faces are designed to maximize the light reflected within the diamond, thus creating extraordinary brilliance and sparkle. The proportion and symmetry of the faces are essential to obtain maximum brightness and beauty.

One of the defining characteristics of the round brilliant cut is its ability to capture and reflect light in an extraordinary way. The faceted faces act like small mirrors, reflecting light from one face to another, thus creating a luminous shine effect. This makes the diamond extremely attractive and desirable in the eyes of the observer.

There are optimal proportion standards for the round brilliant cut that help ensure maximum brilliance and beauty. For example, the depth and diameter of the diamond, as well as the angle of inclination of the faces, can significantly influence the overall appearance of the diamond. A well-executed cut will have proportions that allow light to pass through the diamond effectively, thus creating an explosion of light and color.

When selecting a round brilliant cut diamond, it is important to consider the quality of the cut along with the clarity, color and carat weight of the diamond. A well-executed cut can greatly increase the value and visual appeal of the diamond. Examining the diamond under different light sources and from different angles can help evaluate its brilliance and sparkle.

The round brilliant cut was introduced in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, a Belgian mathematician and engineer, who developed a mathematical formula to maximize the brilliance and scintillation of the diamond. This revolutionary cut resulted in greater brilliance and sparkle than previous cuts, making the diamond more desirable and valuable.

In the years since, the round brilliant cut has become the most popular and sought-after cut for diamonds, both for engagement rings and other jewelry. Its popularity was fueled by celebrities, historical figures and style icons who wore diamonds cut in this style, contributing to its fame and prestige

Princess cut

The princess cut diamond is characterized by a square or rectangular shape with sharp corners. The facets are arranged to maximize the brilliance and fire of the diamond. This cut is very popular for engagement rings and offers a contemporary and modern look.

The Princess cut stands out for its square or sometimes rectangular shape with sharp corners.

The Princess cut requires extreme precision to achieve an optimal look. The faces must be faceted with great care to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform distribution of light. The cut must also be made so that the faces meet at precise angles to maximize the diamond's brilliance. Symmetry and uniform distribution of faces are particularly important to achieve a stunning appearance and exceptional brightness.

The Princess cut was first introduced in the 1960s and quickly gained popularity due to its square or rectangular shape with sharp corners, making it a modern and sophisticated choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Its popularity grew further in the following years, becoming one of the most requested and widespread diamond cuts.

Emerald cut

Although the emerald cut is commonly associated with emeralds, green gemstones belonging to the beryl family, the emerald cut is characterized by a rectangular shape with right corners and a flat table, and has a series of parallel facets along its surfaces lateral. This cut highlights the clarity and purity of the diamond, creating a brilliant light effect through its stepped facets.

The emerald cut is distinguished by its rectangular shape with cut corners and a relatively wide table. This cut features a flat table, which allows you to look inside the diamond and appreciate its clarity and transparency.

Unlike brilliant cuts like round or princess, the emerald cut focuses less on brilliance and more on clarity and brightness. The long, parallel faces of the emerald cut reflect light differently, creating a more "mirror" effect versus a "focused" effect like in brilliant cuts. This means that the emerald cut look offers less sparkle but more elegance.

This cut requires extreme precision to achieve an optimal look. The faces must be carefully faceted to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform light distribution. Furthermore, the flat table of the diamond must be precisely polished to show the clarity and purity of the diamond.

When selecting an emerald cut diamond, it is important to evaluate the quality of the cut along with the clarity, color and carat weight of the diamond. Clarity is especially important in an emerald cut, as long, parallel faces can highlight internal inclusions.

Asscher cut

Similar to the emerald cut but with a square shape, the asscher cut is known for its right angles and flat table. The stepped facets along the sides of the diamond create a unique mirroring effect, which emphasizes the clarity and brilliance of the stone.

The Asscher cut has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. Although the Asscher cut shares some similarities with the emerald cut, it has a slightly different brilliance and sparkle. The faces of the Asscher cut reflect light more intensely than the emerald cut, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

The Asscher cut is considered a classic and sophisticated choice for diamonds, it fits well with minimalist and vintage designs, but can also add a touch of elegance to more modern creations. As with other high-quality diamond cuts, the Asscher cut requires extreme precision to achieve an optimal appearance. The faces must be faceted with great care to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform distribution of light.

The Asscher cut, also known as the stepped square cut, was invented by the Asscher brothers in the early 20th century. This cut features a series of stepped facets, which create a sort of "mirror" effect within the diamond.

Marquise cut

Its origin dates back to the 18th century, when it was created at the request of King Louis XV of France, who wanted a diamond that represented the smile of his lover, the Marquise de Pompadour. While this story is more legend than fact, it helped establish the Marquise cut as a symbol of grace and beauty.

The shape of the Marquise cut has been associated with various legends and symbolism in different cultures, for example, its elongated shape could be seen as a symbol of fertility or connection with nature, while its elegance could be associated with nobility and refinement .

The marquise cut has an elongated teardrop shape with pointed ends. The veneers along its side surfaces are designed to maximize the stone's brightness and brilliance. This cut is known for its elegance and its ability to visually elongate the fingers.

The elongated shape of the Marquise cut can make the diamond appear larger than diamonds of the same carat cut in other styles. This cut is designed to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond. The faceted faces reflect light in a similar way to the round brilliant cut, creating an effect of brightness and vitality. This makes it a very attractive choice for those looking for a diamond with exceptional brilliance.

One of the defining characteristics of the Marquise cut is its versatility. It lends itself well to a variety of jewelry settings and styles, from classic and romantic designs to more modern and bold creations. This cut requires extreme precision to achieve an optimal look. The faces must be carefully faceted to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform light distribution. It is also important that the two tips are precisely aligned to achieve a balanced and harmonious look. the elongated and tapered shape of the Marquise cut may have been a source of inspiration for romantic tales or symbols of elegance and refinement.

Heart cut

As the name suggests, the heart cut has a symmetrical heart shape. This cut requires great skill to obtain a perfectly symmetrical and balanced shape, often chosen for romantic and special jewels.
This shape makes it a romantic and popular symbol for engagement rings and other meaningful jewelry.

Designed to maximize brilliance and sparkle, the heart cut reflects light in a similar way to the round brilliant cut, creating an effect of luminosity and vitality. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a diamond with exceptional brilliance. Precision is key to achieving an optimal heart cut appearance. The faces must be carefully faceted for perfect symmetry and uniform light distribution. It is important that the two ends of the heart are aligned for a balanced and harmonious appearance.

Legendary stories, such as that of the Sun King of France who commissioned a heart-shaped diamond for his lover, help consolidate the heart cut as a symbol of love and romance.

Radiant cut

The radiant cut is characterized by a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. This cut combines the characteristics of the round brilliant cut and the princess cut, offering exceptional brilliance and shine.

The Radiant cut has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, characterized by a relatively wide table and faceted faces that reflect light in a similar way to the round brilliant cut, but with narrower corners similar to the emerald cut.

Designed to maximize shine and sparkle, the Radiant cut reflects light vividly, creating an effect of luminosity and vitality. This makes it a very attractive choice for those looking for a diamond with exceptional brilliance, but with a more unique shape than the round brilliant cut.

Precision is key to achieving an optimal Radiant cut appearance. The faces must be carefully faceted for perfect symmetry and uniform light distribution. It is also important that the corners of the cut are precisely honed to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond.

Although the Radiant cut is relatively modern, developed in the 1970s, it has quickly gained popularity due to its versatility and ability to combine elements of other popular cuts.

Cushion cut

The cushion cut is a type of diamond cut that has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, similar to a cushion.

The cushion cut was originally developed in the 19th century and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to its vintage look and its ability to capture light in a charming way. This cut offers timeless elegance and can be an ideal choice for those looking for a piece of jewelry with a touch of nostalgia and romance.

The cushion cut stands out for its square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, giving it a soft and luxurious look. Versatility is one of the hallmarks of the cushion cut, accommodating a variety of jewelry settings and styles, from classic, romantic designs to bold, modern creations. This makes it popular for engagement rings and other jewelry creations.

Precision is essential to achieve an optimal cushion cut appearance, with faces carefully faceted to ensure symmetry and uniformity in light distribution.

The cushion cut has a rich history, particularly popular during the Victorian era and the early 20th century, also known as the "candle cut". This resemblance may have been more conceptual than literal, symbolizing romance, opulence, and social status.

Cushion cut diamond engagement rings were often considered symbols of eternal love and commitment.

Oval cut

The oval cut diamond has an elongated shape with rounded ends. It is a combination of elements of the round cut and the marquise cut.

The proportions of the oval cut are key to ensuring a balanced and attractive appearance. An optimal proportion is one where the length is approximately 1.5-1.7 times the width, but personal preferences may vary.

The oval cut is characterized by its elongated shape, which can vary slightly in proportions depending on the cutter's preferences.
Precision is essential to achieve an optimal oval cut appearance, with faces carefully faceted to ensure symmetry and uniformity in light distribution. It is also important that the oval shape is harmoniously proportioned to achieve a balanced appearance.

When choosing an oval cut diamond, evaluating the quality of the cut, along with the clarity, color and carat of the diamond, is crucial. Symmetry and uniform distribution of faces are especially important to achieve a striking and luminous look.

The oval shape is often seen as a symbol of harmony and continuity, representing infinity and eternity. This makes the oval cut a popular choice for meaningful jewelry such as engagement rings.

Drop cutting

The teardrop cut is characterized by its distinctive water drop shape, with a rounded top and a pointed bottom. This cut, designed to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond, is a very attractive choice for those seeking exceptional brilliance.

Extreme precision is required to achieve an optimal teardrop cut appearance, with faces carefully faceted to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform light distribution.

Symmetry between the top and bottom of the diamond is essential for a balanced and harmonious appearance.

The teardrop cut is often associated with famous figures or significant events, for example, the famous "Water Drop" diamond is one of the most famous diamonds cut in this style, with a rich and fascinating history.

Trillion cut

The trillion cut has a triangular shape with three sides and three corners. These diamonds can have more rounded or more pointed corners, depending on the style desired. They are used for both center stones and side stones in jewelry such as rings, earrings and pendants.

Designed to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond, the trillion cut reflects light vividly, creating an effect of brilliance and vitality, an attractive choice for those seeking exceptional brilliance.

Versatility is one of the distinctive features of the trillion cut. Fits a variety of jewelry settings and styles. It can be used as a center stone in an engagement ring or as side stones to emphasize a center diamond. It is also popular in earrings and pendants for its unique and charming appearance.

The trillion cut requires extreme precision to achieve an optimal look. The faces must be carefully faceted to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform distribution of light. It is important that the sides of the triangle are precisely sanded to achieve a balanced and harmonious appearance.

Cutting Tappers

The term "taper" is often used to refer to diamonds or gemstones that are cut with a cone shape or a shape that tapers up or down. However, the term "taper" is not as commonly associated with a specific diamond cut as other cuts such as the brilliant or emerald cut are.

The taper or cone cut can be used to create a unique and bold look, for both center and side stones in engagement rings, earrings or pendants. This cutting style can add a touch of originality and modernity to the jewel, as well as creating an elongation or momentum effect.

Stones cut with a cone shape can be used in various jewelry settings, from classic and traditional designs to more modern and bold creations. Their unique shape and versatility make them an intriguing choice for those looking for a jewel that stands out for its originality and distinctive style.
In summary, while the term "taper" is not commonly associated with a specific diamond cut as are other more popular cuts, such as the round brilliant or princess cut, it rather refers to a shape of cut that tapers in one direction , which can be used to create charming and unique jewelry.

Baguette cut

The baguette cut is characterized by an elongated rectangular shape, with right angles and parallel faces. This cut usually features a few faceted faces, often 14 to 24, extending along the length of the stone. The facets are arranged to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the diamond.

Although the baguette cut doesn't have the same sparkle and sparkle as the brilliant cut, its elongated shape can still reflect light elegantly and subtly. This cut is prized for its sophistication and its ability to add a touch of elegance to jewelry.

One of the distinctive features of the baguette cut is its versatility. It can be used as side stones alongside a center stone in an engagement ring or other jewelry creations.

The baguette cut can also be used to create clean, modern lines in earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

The baguette cut requires extreme precision to achieve an optimal appearance, the faces must be carefully faceted to ensure perfect symmetry and uniform distribution of light along the length of the stone. It is also important that the sides of the rectangle are precisely sanded to achieve a balanced and harmonious appearance.