One of the most special moments in a person’s life is the day they are engaged. It has been a long-standing tradition that one partner asks for their significant other’s hand in marriage by offering an exquisitely designed ring.
Over the decades, engagement rings have taken on many shapes and forms. The most traditional stone to use in an engagement ring is a diamond. Not only because they are a girl’s best friend, but also mainly because a diamond is extremely valuable and durable.
Not to mention the gorgeous light reflections it can create when shaped into different forms. If you are the lucky partner who gets to choose the engagement ring then your first question might be, “What is the best diamond cut?”
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve come up with a concrete list of diamond cuts you can consider for a unique engagement ring.
FOUR DIFFERENT CUT GRADES
Diamonds are graded according to the cut. The more intricate the shape the more value the stone carries. It varies from poor to ideal:
A poor grade won’t have a polished finish or be symmetrical. This will cause the stone to appear less sparkly.
A good grade will have an adequate amount of sparkle, polish, and symmetry.
A very good grade will appear to have lots of sparkle combined with a great polish and symmetry.
An ideal grade will have terrific sparkle that combines an excellent polish and perfect symmetry.
The grade affects not only the appearance of the stone, but also the value and quality. It is also a direct reflection on the diamond company’s craftsmanship. As well as how skilled the diamond cutters are.
Learn more about the 4 C’s of diamonds here: https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/4-cs/
TWO DIFFERENT CATEGORIES
Shaping diamonds is a skill that started back in the Middle Ages. To put extreme emphasis on the stone’s brilliance, jewelers have developed diamond cutting to create the perfect polish and symmetry.
Diamond shaping can be divided into two categories: Step cut and brilliant.
The step cut is a stone that is square or rectangular in form with facades parallel to each other.
The brilliant cut is when a stone is shaped from its rough form into a polished well-refined jewelry piece.
11 TYPES OF DIAMOND CUTS
There are many types of diamond shapes, but here is a list of the most common ones in the two categories:
Round – A brilliant shape that’s extremely popular amongst married couples. This traditional style looks like a circle from above, but from the side it has the signature diamond shape. It has 57-58 facets.
Princess – A square that was developed in the 1960s by English man, Arpad Nagy. The perfect form when you want to use most of the rough diamond.
Cushion – Third in line when it comes to the popularity toll, the cushion is shape that was also known as the ‘old mine’. A delicate square with rounded edges.
Marquise – This cut has an interesting back story. It dates back to the 1700s. It resembles the shape of King Louis XV’s mistress, Marquise de Pompadour‘s lips. Pointed at both ends.
Oval – A refined oval shape that was developed by Lazare Kaplan in the late 1950s. It’s a unique shape that remains classic. It has 58 facets.
Emerald – Previously known as the table, the emerald is the most popular step cut. A rectangular shape that is extremely tricky to shape perfectly. In modern times, many celebs have been seen sporting the emerald style on their fingers.
Heart – A perfect display of everlasting love, the heart shape cut has 59 facets and is extremely popular amongst couples around Valentine’s festivities.
Radiant – A step that combines the sophistication of an emerald shape by using the brilliant technique. Developed by genius diamond cutter, Henry Grossbard, it’s an exquisite diamond.
Trillion – Not that popular amongst diamond lovers, and commonly used as side stones. The Trillion has 31 facets and almost resembles a triangle.
Pear – Also commonly known as the teardrop, the pear has increased in popularity over the past years. It can have as many as 71 facets and is one of the most exquisite brilliant cuts.
Asscher – The Asscher has 50-58 facets and can exceed 74. It resembles the Emerald without having the flat tabletop in the center. Rather a cascading effect from the top.
Click here to learn more about the amazing diamond cutting process.
In the rough, diamonds don’t reflect as stunningly as they do when they are polished. Choosing the perfect form will have an effect on the way light reflects off the stone. The more intricate the design, the more detailed and shinier the stone will appear.
As long as you do your research regarding the above-mentioned cuts, you’ll be able to pick the perfect one that suits your partner.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
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