Shaping The Future: Diamond Cuts And Sizes

From the traditional round to a unique flower or even clover shape, the world market for diamonds is no longer confined to the traditional colorless, simple-shaped stone. Instead, diamonds of all colors, unique shapes and settings are becoming increasingly popular.

Here are some of the most common diamond shapes:

Round Brilliant- A classic shape for any type of jewelry, the round brilliant cut accounts for over 75% of all diamonds sold. With its 58 facets and its symmetrical shape, this stone is also known as the most brilliant for the amount of light that it reflects.

Oval- While symmetrical like the round shape, it's elongation gives the simple shape an added dimension. This stone shape is popular for women with small hands or short fingers as it appears to give them length.

Marquise- This stone has an elongated shape with pointed ends instead of the rounded ones of an oval. This shape is popular for pendants and earrings.

Pear- A combination of the oval and marquise, the pear shape appears like a teardrop. This shape is best for women with small to average-length fingers and is also popularly worn on pendants and earrings.

Heart- If a diamond is the ultimate symbol of love, then the heart shape is an extension of its romanticism. Pear shaped with a cleft at the top, the best heart diamonds are ones that are even and well-defined.

Emerald- While undoubtedly known for its rectangular shape, the emerald cut may be just as well known for its signature step cut. Named for its flat planes that resemble stair steps, its design fails to mask inclusions and poor color quality and, instead, makes them seem more visible than with other shapes.

Princess- The most popular diamond shape aside from the round brilliant, the princess cut is, oddly enough, still relatively new. Its square shape is good for women with long fingers and is often worn in settings complimented with smaller, triangular-shaped stones.

Trilliant- One of the most unique diamond shapes, the trilliant shape can often vary depending upon the natural characteristics of the stone as well as the preferences of the cutter. Most often, though, trilliant cuts are in some triangular form.

Radiant- Generally bearing either a square or rectangular shape, the radiant cut combines the look of an emerald with the brilliance of a round diamond. Its 70 facets maximizes the amount of light that it refracts, causing it to appear extremely brilliant.

Cushion- Most commonly used in antique jewelry, the modern version of this shape is a combination of the Old Mine Cut (a popular style worn in the 19th and 20th Centuries and defined by its large facets) and the oval cut. While this shape is not as brilliant as other similar stones, its classic look keeps the shape a traditional and timeless choice for buyers.

Asscher- Created in 1902 by the Asscher brothers of Holland, the asscher cut appears to be a stepped square cut, much like a square version of the emerald. The asscher is limitedly sold throughout the world although it has recently gained attention through Hollywood, as it was featured on the television sitcom, Sex and the City, and worn by several celebrities, including actress Kate Hudson.