Consumer Guide to Diamonds

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds come in many different shapes.

Sometimes people mistake shape for cut. Shape and cut are two different parts of a diamonds value. Shape refers to the way a stone looks. This may include rectangular, round or triangular. Cut refers to the way a diamond is fashioned to reflect light and brilliance. The shape and cut you select may vary largely depending on your personality.

Some examples of the most popular shapes and cuts include:

• Emerald - Jewelers cut this diamond to look like an emerald. It is usually rectangular or square shaped with polished diagonal facets along the corners.
• Baguette - The baguette is rectangular shaped much like the emerald with facets located on each side. The crafter can vary this diamond so the long sides taper slightly inward.
• Marquise - The marquise cut has a pointed shape, much like a boat. This ring is usually narrow, and works well with slim fingers.
• Pear - Commonly used for creating pendants and rings the pear shape is one of the more popular cuts. It looks just like an upside down pear, with a wide top and skinny base.
• Oval - The oval is similar to a round diamond, only slightly wider in the middle and skinnier at the bases.
• Princess- This is a new cut that is basically a round brilliant cut adjusted to look like a square. Many prefer this cut for eternity rings and designer rings. Many consider this cut one of the most attractive cuts for the diamond. Usually it sparkles a bit more than ordinary cuts, and creates a continuous line when placed in bands.
• Radiant - This is a rectangular or a square shaped cut combined with a brilliant cut.
• Trillion - This is a three-sided cut that looks much like a triangle. Many appreciate the trillion cut for the many facets and the truncated corners.
• Round or Brilliant - This is the most popular cut for engagement rings.

Each of these different shapes and cuts has a unique quality. Many people prefer the round cut. It is the most traditional and lends itself to providing the most sparkle and light reflection. The round shape is also favorable because it easily hides any flaws or any defects that may exist in the diamond.

Marquis and oval shapes are unique in the length is two times the width of the diamond. A designer has to cut these diamonds precisely right so light reflects adequately within them.

Cut is important because it helps distinguish a diamond and determines how light reflects from a diamond. We'll cover the cut of a diamond in more detail below.

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  Please visit our Buyers Guide

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