Pear shaped diamonds are also sublime in pendants and earrings. The pear shaped diamond is a brilliant cut diamond that blends the shape of an oval diamond and a marquise diamond. This unique diamond which is also known as a teardrop because of its single point and rounded end exudes simple sophistication. They are also used as an accent stone to accentuate a larger stone in a diamond cluster ring or are united with similar sized round brilliant cut diamonds to create a stunning look. This is a popular choice for eternity and wedding rings, the baguette diamonds have a small, rectangular cut. Named after the French word for breadstick, this slim and rectangular baguette shaped diamond is the most familiar form of step cuts. Oval shaped diamonds share a similar cut with the traditional round brilliant but have a more contemporary edge. The oval shape was designed in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan, the cousin of Marcel Tolkowsky who aided the development of round brilliant diamonds. Oval diamondsĪn oval diamond engagement ring is perfect for the woman who adores the fire of the round brilliant diamond, but wants something that is slightly different. This shape is enjoying a huge revival in diamond jewellery. An emerald cut diamond has a rectangular top with chiseled corners. It is a step cut – a cut with rectangular facets that are arranged parallel to each edge of the diamond. The emerald cut diamond is designed to draw attention to a diamond's shine.

Emerald cut diamondsĪs its name implies, this method of cutting was originally used for the cutting of emeralds, but was revealed to be useful for other gemstones, including diamonds. Radiating fire and brilliance, princess cut diamond engagement rings are a contemporary alternative to the classic round brilliant diamond engagement ring. The top of a princess cut diamond is square with pointed corners, while its general shape is a pyramid. Princess cut diamondsĬreated in the 1970s, this fairly modern style is an adaptation of the standard brilliant cut which highlights the diamond's fire. It is considered the most brilliant of diamond cuts and its symmetrical shape allows it to maximise all its qualities. The stone is cut in the shape of a cone with the top rounded off which enables it to return the light that enters it. Round brilliant cut diamondsįor the traditional bride, a round brilliant cut is the most popular option for an engagement ring.

They are the only diamond shape to have perfectly defined proportions and account for more than three-quarters of all diamonds sold today. Over the past century, diamond cutters have perfected the round brilliant cut diamond using advanced light theories and mathematical calculations to develop its optimum fire and brilliance. Deciding the shape of the diamond is a matter of personal taste and style. There are, however, many other diamond shapes available which are known as a fancy cut, including popular choices such as princess cut, emerald cut, oval and baguette. Cut can also refer to the diamond shape, the most popular of which is the round brilliant cut, originally developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919 with a total of 58 facets.

Engagement ring shapes