Diamond Shapes
Round
The round brilliant cut Diamond is the most popular diamond shape as the round brilliant’s refined shape allows for maximum reflection of light, contributing to its incredible brilliance.
For 100 years gemmologists have being using advanced theories of light, behaviour and mathematical calculations to optimise the fire and brilliance in a round Diamond.
A traditional favourite for engagement rings, the round brilliant cut Diamond accounts for more than 75% of all Diamonds sold worldwide as it offers timeless beauty, that never goes out of style.
Cushion
The cushion cut Diamond once referred to as the old mine cut is characterised by a square cut with rounded corners, resembling a cushion or a pillow.
This classic cut has been around for circa 200 years and for the first century of its existence, was the most popular Diamond shape.
Many buyers are attracted to the antique feel combined with modern performance offered by the cushion cut.
Oval
An oval cut Diamond has an elongated round shape that evokes an understated elegance. If well proportioned, an oval cut gives great brilliance and fire.
An oval cut Diamond can be an ideal choice for someone who likes the look of a round diamond, but wants something more unique.
Princess
The princess cut Diamond, first created in 1979 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz, is a square version of the round brilliant cut. Square in shape and with pointed corners, the princess cut is one of the most popular shapes of all the fancy cut Diamonds, and a favourite for engagement rings.
Radiant
The radiant cut Diamond was created in 1977 by Henry Grossbard of the Radiant Diamond Company, with the shape becoming increasingly popular in the 1980’s.
Trimmed corners are the signature of this Diamond, with the faceting reminiscent of the round brilliant cut.
Emerald
An emerald cut Diamond is an elegant shape with step-like facets that is rectangular in shape with trimmed corners. Instead of the sparkle of a brilliant cut, emerald cut Diamonds produce a hall-of-mirrors effect, with the interplay of light and dark planes. While less fiery, the long lines and dramatic flashes of light give the emerald cut an elegant appeal. The shape was originally developed for the cutting of emeralds, thus the name.
Asscher
The asscher cut Diamond was first produced in 1902 by the Asscher brothers and peaked in popularity in the 1920’s.
In early 2000’s, the asscher cut was redesigned with new specifications and additional facets for a more brilliant shine and has since regained its popularity.
The modern asscher cut Diamond is similar to a square emerald cut, usually with larger step facets, a higher crown and a smaller table. This combination often produces more brilliance than traditional asscher cut Diamonds.
Pear
The pear shaped Diamond cut was first created in the 1400’s by Flemish cutter Lodewyk Van Berquem of Bruges, the inventor of the Diamond polishing wheel.
Pear shaped Diamonds are a combination of a round and a marquise shape, with a tapered point at one end.
Marquise
The marquise cut Diamond dates back to the 18th century when King Louis XIV of France had a Diamond fashioned to resemble the perfectly shaped mouth of the Marquise de Pompadour.
Marquise cut Diamonds have a slender shape characterised by two sharp points on either end.
Heart
A heart cut Diamond is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love.
The history of heart cut Diamonds date back to the 1400’s and was considered a symbol of royalty. In 1562, Mary Queen of Scots sent Queen Elizabeth a heart shaped Diamond as a symbol of friendship and goodwill.