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Types of Diamond Cuts Explained

By Rachael Stone

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Published: 08Nov2009
Word count: 748
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What do you look for when choosing a diamond? This is perhaps one of the most important purchases you will make in your life, right up there with buying a house and maybe even having kids as well. With so many different styles and cuts to choose from, it is hard to know which is the right one, and what each one is, etc. It can get overwhelming. While each person must decide on their own which one is right for them, here is a brief explanation of what the major styles are about.

To start with, let's briefly talk about the process to polish the diamonds. They don't look like the finished products you see in the store, they are rough and look similar to quartz crystal. They are taken and cut down with diamond saws, and grinders until the are a fraction of their original size, and then the jeweler cuts the facets, cuts and polishes them into what you see today. This is just a brief look at this aspect of the diamond making process.

The are around 11 different traditional diamond cuts, and 4 newer styles. There are round, heart shaped, square cut and its different variations. The round cuts are even shaped differently, with Marquise, oval and pear shaped. The newer styles include the Leo, which has a slightly flatter head that the traditionally shaped round style. The Elexese cut, which has 60/60 proportion facets. The Ashoka is a specialty cut by William Goldberg, and is a modernized version of the traditional cushion cut. Rectangular, but with rounded edges, this gives a twist on antique version.

The important thing to know about diamonds is the facets. The more faceted it is the more brilliantly it will look. The more facets, the more like reflections there are and the value is much greater. An ideally cut diamond will have around 58 facets, but they also go as high as the 66 facet Leo Diamond cut. The more facets, and more brilliance, the higher the cost will be.

Round diamonds and the squarish Princess cut, a square diamond, are the most popular with most couples getting married. The round cut is the has the classic elegance, and what woman can resist the Princess cut. The Marquise design is a oblong with pointed ends, and can be found as a solitary stone, or can also be used to bring out smaller cut diamonds. Commissioned originally by the Sun King Louis XIV of France, it is rumored that it was the Marquise de Pompadour's lovely smile that inspired the making of this diamond.

Most of us are certainly not experts in grading diamonds. When a couple walks into a jewelry store to look at an engagement ring, or something just as special, there are many other things on their minds than just picking out a ring. However, there are definitely some things to know when going in that can help you make a more informed decision about an investment that hopefully will last a lifetime.

Different cuts effect the diamonds brilliance, and the shape of the diamond is only one aspect of a quality diamond. Shapes also can effect its beauty and shine. Shapes like the pear, heart shape in sometimes even the Marquise sacrifice brilliance for their shape. Some shapes like the emerald, and Asscher may even make any flaws or imperfections stand out more than some other styles. It is a good thing to check these closely.

The clearer the diamond, the better quality it is. Make sure that your diamonds are the clearest possible to bring out the most sparkle. While the carat of the stone is less important than a good cut, but there are certain shapes, oval, and the emerald, just to name a few, that are designed to give the illusion of a bigger size. This may be a big determining factor in your purchase.

Cost is often one of the biggest factors and obstacles when buying a diamond ring. The more unique the design, the more facets there are and any specialty cuts are going to be more expensive than more traditional styles. This is something that you really have to consider when choosing a ring.

There are many other considerations. Whether you choose to buy a stone that is already in a setting, or buying the stone and ring separately and putting them together. Many jewelers are flexible and can change the setting on the stone if needed, but will often incur additional costs.

We hope this information helps you find your dream diamond engagement ring that sparkles just the way you want it.

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