The Shape Of Diamonds

BRILLIANT . STEP . OLD .

The 3 Cuts Of Diamonds

Brilliant Cut Diamonds

These diamonds have been fashioned to display kite and lozenge shaped facets. The facets radiate outwards and are scientifically proportioned, to reveal a diamonds high brilliance and high dispersion.

Step Cut Diamonds

These diamonds have rows of facets that are elongated and parallel to the girdle. These diamonds are usually, rectangular, square or octagonal shaped and have a large, central table facet to display the diamonds high colour and high clarity.

Old Cut Diamonds

These diamonds are no longer fashioned and are most often seen in vintage pieces of jewellery. Each old cut diamond is crafted by hand and has a unique mystical glamour, the different types are detailed below:   

• "Rose Cut" Diamonds, consist of a faceted dome and flat base. The triangular facets, best reflect the diamonds adamantine lustre. 
• "Old Mine Cut" Diamonds, are cushion shaped and feature fifty-eight facets, which are dispersed over a high crown and deep pavilion. 
• "Old European Cut" Diamonds, possess a rounder outline, with the equivalent total of fifty-eight facets. The facets are far more symmetrical than those displayed on "Old Mine Cut" diamonds.

The Modern Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

The perfect equilibrium of maximum dispersion and brilliance, is radiated through the precise fashioning of fifty-seven or fifty-eight facets. The most popular of all the shapes and favoured as the classic cut, for it’s timeless elegance. Comprised of thirty-three facets on the crown and twenty-four facets on the pavilion.

The Oval Cut Diamond

The curvature lines of an oval shape, appears larger for its size, when compared with a round brilliant cut, of the same carat weight. The sophisticated shape elongates the finger and the silhouette is variable, depending on the length and width ratio. Some oval shaped diamonds will look wider, whilst others will appear more slender. 

The Cushion Cut Diamond

Where contemporary meets vintage, the cushion shape has a square or rectangular silhouette with rounded corners, reminiscent of an old mine cut diamond. The graceful shape exhibits larger facets, whereby the optical effect of light being scattered into spectral colours, is more prominent, showcasing a diamonds high dispersion.

The Princess Cut Diamond

Modern and edgy! Often known as a square modified brilliant cut. The geometry and symmetry of the alluring criss-cross facet arrangement, attributes to the cuts magical display of high dispersion and high brilliance. The pointed, angular corners along with the parallel lines, provides a sharp, refined elegance.

The Radiant Cut Diamond

A hybrid between the elongated, parallel silhouette of a step cut, combined with the scintillation of a brilliant cut. Square or rectangular in shape with trimmed corners, creates an octagonal outline, which radiates a spectacular amount of brilliance and dispersion. 

The Asscher Cut Diamond

Consists of a square silhouette with wide trimmed corners, creating an octagonal outline and is most commonly referred to as a square emerald cut. The shape features large step cut facets and a high crown, which attributes to the cuts high brilliance, that is not usually seen in other step cuts. 

The Heart Cut Diamond

The iconic symbol of love and romance. The sinuous lines of the heart shape, is perhaps the most complex to fashion, with symmetry being the prominent factor. The cleft of the heart, needs to be sharp and defined, whilst the sides should mirror each other with a slightly soft curvature.

The Emerald Cut Diamond

A flattering rectangular silhouette with trimmed corners, creates an octagonal outline, that elongates the wearers finger. The parallel lines of the step cut facets, along with the large, central table facet, merely relies on just a few facets to be fashioned. Thus, it boastingly flaunts and emphasises the diamonds magnificently high colour and clarity grade.

The Pear Cut Diamond

Frequently know as teardrop, the pear shape is a hybrid between a round brilliant and marquise cut diamond. The fluid shape exhibits an asymmetrical silhouette, which is variable depending on the length and width ratio. Some pear shaped diamonds will look shorter and wider, whilst others will appear more elongated and slender. 

The Marquise Cut Diamond

The elongated lines of a marquise shape, appears larger for its size, when compared with any other diamond shape of the same carat weight. The sleek navette contours, of this unique shape will elongate the wearers finger. Depending on the length and width ratio, some marquise shape diamonds will look shorter and wider, whilst others will appear more elongated and slender.  

The Trillion Cut Diamond

Or commonly referred to as a 'Trilliant' cut, consists of a triangular shape, with three sides of equal length. The cut is variable to exhibit either a convex (curved) or straight silhouette. The geometric cut is most frequently used as an accent stone, but the cut is also highly desirable as a centre stone too. 

The Baguette Cut Diamond

Featuring a total of fourteen facets, the baguette cut is the simplest of all diamond shapes. Famed for an elongated, rectangular silhouette, the cut is most commonly used as an accent stone in trilogies or to adorn shoulders of an engagement ring.