When it comes to choosing a diamond for your jewelry piece, there are two important factors to consider: the cut and the shape. While these terms may seem interchangeable, they actually refer to different aspects of the diamond's appearance. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between diamond cuts and shapes, the various types of each, and why they are important when selecting a diamond.
Diamond Cut:
The cut of a diamond refers to the way the diamond has been shaped and polished. This is the most important factor in determining a diamond's brilliance, fire, and overall beauty. A well-cut diamond will have the right proportions, symmetry, and angles to maximize its light performance and sparkle.
Diamond Shape:
The shape of a diamond refers to the outline or silhouette of the stone, and it can greatly affect the appearance of the diamond. While the cut focuses on the internal facets and angles of the diamond, the shape is all about the external appearance.
There are many different types of diamond shapes, including:
Round Brilliant – A round brilliant has 58 angular facets, which reflect white light exceptionally well, and enhance the diamond’s sparkle with the least amount of sacrifice to carat weight.
Princess – A princess shape has a square cut and straight sides, and exhibits exceptional fire (the effect produced when white light disperses into rainbow colors) and brilliance. It is one of the most popular shapes for engagement rings.
Cushion – Similar to the round brilliant, cushion-shaped diamonds have a square shape with round corners. This shape hides inclusions very well and exhibits great fire.
Emerald – Emerald-shaped diamonds have an elongated, rectangular shape and long, step-like cuts. They offer good clarity and reflection of white and colored light and give the appearance that they are larger than diamonds with the same carat weight, but different shapes.
Marquise – The marquise shape, which supposedly takes its name from the Marquise of Pompadour, is a diamond that has a long and narrow cut, and is shaped like a football. Its elongated cut gives the illusion of a greater size. It also makes the finger of the wearer appear longer and slimmer.
Pear – Also known as a teardrop shape, the pear shape is a modified brilliant that combines the marquise and oval shapes to produce an asymmetrical shape that has one rounded end and one pointed end.
Oval – Like round brilliants, oval diamonds have 58 facets, but rather than a round shape, the diamond has an elongated, oval shape. It is essentially a combination between the round cut and the pear cut, and it also gives an elegant, long look to the finger.
Why Diamond Cut and Shape are Important:
The cut and shape of a diamond are important because they greatly affect the diamond's overall beauty, sparkle, and value. A well-cut diamond will have a greater level of brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making it more desirable and valuable. Similarly, the shape of a diamond can greatly affect its appearance and desirability. Some shapes may be more popular or unique, making them more sought after.
When purchasing a diamond, it's important to consider both the cut and shape of the stone, as well as your personal preferences and style. At Sogani Jewels, we offer a wide variety of diamond cuts and shapes to suit any taste, and our expert jewelers can help guide you through the selection process to ensure that you get the perfect diamond for your jewelry piece.
