Exploring Diamond Shapes and Cuts: Finding Your Perfect Style

When most people think of diamonds, they envision the classic round brilliant cut. However, there's a whole world of diamond shapes and cuts to explore, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal.

The round brilliant cut is the most popular and represents the pinnacle of diamond sparkle and brilliance. Its 58 facets are optimized to maximize light return, making it the brightest option available.

Fancy cuts, such as princess, cushion, oval, and emerald cuts, offer different aesthetic qualities. The princess cut is angular and modern, featuring excellent brilliance. The cushion cut has a soft, romantic appearance with larger facets. Oval cuts appear larger than their carat weight might suggest, making them an economical choice.

The emerald cut showcases the diamond's clarity with its large table facet and step-like facets. This cut is less sparkly than round or brilliant cuts but offers a sophisticated, elegant look. It's traditionally associated with vintage and art deco styles.

Specialty cuts like radiant, marquise, and heart cuts offer even more variety for those looking for something truly unique. Each cut has different light performance characteristics and visual effects.

When choosing a diamond shape, consider what appeals to you visually and what works with your personal style. Some cuts hide inclusions better, while others showcase clarity. Some cuts appear larger, while others maximize brilliance. There's no single "best" cut—only the one that's perfect for you.