A diamond cut generally refers to its shape and style. The cut of a diamond can drastically affect the appearance of the diamond. Over the years, the ‘ideal’ facet arrangements have been modified to maximise a diamonds sparkle. In a well-cut diamond, the light will enter the stone, bounce across the pavilion facets and disperse fire and brilliance back to the viewer. Cut is assessed according to three factors: proportion, symmetry and polish.
Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant-cut is by far the most popular choice for cut diamonds. The round brilliant-cut was first developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in the early 20th century. The modern round brilliant cut comprises fifty-eight facets, and allows the maximum return of light and brilliance from the stone.
Princess Cut
A highly popular choice for engagement rings, the princess cut boasts a unique formation of fifty-eight facets. The princess cut diamond was designed in the 1960s. The square outline is modern, sleek and geometric, making it the perfect choice for a fashion-forward lady.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is an elegant and sophisticated cut. Of rectangular outline, the emerald cut diamond has the corners removed in a wonderful geometric pattern to enhance the durability of the stone. This cut is perfect for showing off diamonds with an excellent colour and clarity, as the large table facet acts as a window into the stone.
Marquise Cut
The marquise shape was borne in the 18th century when King Louis XV commissioned a diamond that resembled the lips of his mistress, the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour. Also known as the navette shape, the marquise cut is an oval shape with pointed ends, and makes a unique and stylish choice of diamond.
Oval Cut
The oval cut diamond is a classic and timeless shape. A modified brilliant cut, the oval cut is the perfect choice for someone who desires the fire of a round brilliant cut in a more unique shape. The elongated nature of the oval shape can make the wearers fingers appear more slender, and the surface area of the table and crown facets in the cut can make the stones appear larger than their brilliant-cut counterparts of identical carat weight.
Pear Cut
The pear cut diamond is a truly beautiful shape. The striking outline of the pear cut makes it the perfect choice for solitaire rings or diamond pendants. Reminiscent of a dewdrop, a pear cut diamond is a seamless combination of a brilliant and marquise cut stone.
Baguette Cut
The baguette cut is a rectangular-shape diamond with single ‘step’ facets surrounding a large table. Baguette cut diamonds are often used as accents in diamond solitaire rings and in stylish eternity rings.
Cushion Cut
The cushion shape is a square outline with curved corners, giving it a wonderful ‘pillow-like’ appearance. Often perceived as an antique style, this cut oozes sophistication and decadence in its scintillation and return of light.
Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut diamond is also referred to as the ‘square emerald cut’ on laboratory certificates. The geometric design of the cut gives the diamond a stylish Art Deco appearance. The Asscher cut was first introduced in 1902 by Asscher Brothers of Holland’s Asscher Diamond Company, and surged in popularity in the 1920s, and again the 2000s.
Heart Cut
A heart-cut diamond is the perfect choice for those hopeless romantics! The cut is thought to date back to the 15th century and it is unashamedly sentimental in design.
The radiant cut certainly lives up to its name! This is a beautiful square or rectangular shape cut, unique with a brilliant-cut diamond facet applied to the crown and pavilion, allowing for a great degree of brilliance and sparkle. Radiant cuts are also particularly suited to fancy-coloured diamonds as the unique light reflections within the stone enhances body colour.
Fancy Cuts
Laser cutting can now shape diamonds into wonderful and quirky shapes! Traditional cleaving and sawing to shape a rough diamond depended upon the diamond’s directional hardness. However, laser cutting can saw diamonds in any direction, resulting in a wealth of new and novel shapes.