If asked to draw a diamonds, most people will surely draw the shape of the most recent engagement ring's diamond they've seen. But thanks to the artful work of the diamond cutter, diamonds can take a different shape altogether.
While attempting to maintain the largest size possible, the fewest flaws and the greatest brilliance, the craftsman may be required to polish over half of the rough diamond. The final results vary in style and can be found in the following categories:
Round Brilliant Diamonds
The standard shape for diamonds, it accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold today.
The modern round brilliant consists of 58 facets; 33 on the crown (the top half above the girdle) and 25 on the pavilion (the lower half below the girdle).
Oval Diamonds
The oval shaped diamond is a variation of the round brilliant cut. The most common reason for a diamond cutter to use an oval shape rather than a circular one is to retain the maximum diamond weight. While it runs the risk of affecting the diamond's brilliance, its shape gives a more elongated look to a ring and the finger it's on.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
Also called teardrop or pendeloque, it combines the best of the oval and the marquise. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings or can complement a hand with small fingers when in a ring.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
A rectangular diamond with trimmed corners, it is known as a step-cut because its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Emerald cut has fewer facets to reflect light and hide minor defects. It is popularly set with multiple side stones to provide balance to the elongated shape.
Princess Cut Diamonds
A square or rectangular cut but with no trimmed corners. It is popular in engagement rings, often embellished with triangular stones at its sides. A princess cut can be a less expensive shape of diamond because it follows the stone's natural crystalline shape and may be easier to cut.
Radiant Diamonds
A square or rectangular cut combining the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round, and its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. It can be hard to find however, and is not commonly used for engagement rings because of its scarcity.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
An Asscher diamond is a square with deeply trimmed edges. As a trademarked design, Asschers are rare and very sought-after for their remarkable depth and beauty.
Marquise Diamonds
An elongated shape with pointed ends also called navette or boat shape and has 56 facets. It is said that the name of the cut originated in France's Louis XV's mistress, Marquise de Pompadour, whose smile carried a similar shape.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
An antique style of cut that looks a bit like a cushion or a pillow, it is a relatively rare cut and is often set off as a solitaire rather than being incorporated into elaborate settings.
Trilliant Diamonds
A triangular-shaped diamond originally developed in Amsterdam. It is considered appropriate for adventurous, as it leaves a room for the cutter's creativity regarding the pointed corners and the number of facets to use.
Heart Shaped Diamonds
This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a notch cut into the rounded end. When looking for a heart shaped diamonds it's important to look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.
