Major Diamond Shapes

                                                                                         

Historically, diamonds have been highly regarded and believed to possess magical powers that bestowed strength and invincibility upon the fortunate few who possessed them, perhaps due to their seemingly indestructible nature. Today, the diamond has evolved into a symbol of eternal love for many, and is available in a variety of cuts. Here you will find an overview of common diamond shapes that are commonly used in jewelry design.

Round: The round cut diamond is the most popular choice for jewelry, with the circle commonly representing never-ending love and harmonious balance. Creating a finished round shape diamond requires sacrificing more rough than any other diamond cut.

Marquise: A marquise shaped diamond is elongated, typically half as wide as it is long, with pointed ends. Said to be inspired by the smile of a mistress of King Louis XIV named Marquise de Pompadour, the marquise shaped diamond has royal insinuations.

Pear: The pear cut diamond, also known as the drop cut, appears to be a cross between the round and marquise shapes. A pear cut diamond may appear wide on the rounded end or may have a more elongated shape.

Heart: The heart shaped diamond requires considerable skill to produce. The heart cut is similar to a pear cut diamond, but incorporates two connected rounded edges where the pear shaped cut has one.

Oval: An oval shaped diamond looks just as you may imagine, like an elongated round cut diamond. The longer length causes an oval cut diamond to appear larger than a round cut diamond with the equivalent carat weight.

Princess: Only around since 1980, a princess shape diamond is a perfect square with ninety degree angled corners. A minimal amount of rough is lost in cutting and polishing a princess shape diamond.

Baguette: Baguettes can be fashioned in a variety of shapes, but typically appear like a rectangle with one end disproportionate to the other.

Emerald: An emerald cut diamond is reminiscent of the way emerald gems are typically cut, and appears like a shortened rectangle with beveled corners.

Triangular: Triangular cut diamonds, also called trilliants, are three sided and shaped as the name indicates, like a triangle. A trilliant may have linear or rounded sides, and the corners may be sharp or rounded.

Asscher: Invented by diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, Asschers can be square shaped or rectangular with the corners cut at angles. Looking straight into an Asscher cut diamond will reveal the unique illusion of a passageway of mirrors.

Cushion: The cushion shape diamond has been around since the 1800s, but has experienced a recent surge in popularity. The square shape rounded on the sides and corners is renowned for its vintage appearance.

About the author:
About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

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