Diamond Shapes

Round Cut

The most popular shape of diamond in the world, round cut diamonds are beloved for their unparalleled fire (color sparkle) and scintillation (white sparkle). The facets of a round cut are perfectly designed to capture and refract light, and the science shows. Because it lacks points, a round-cut diamond is perfect for any setting. The only downside of a round cut diamond is the cost-the most desirable diamond is also the one with the biggest price tag. However, by paying attention to the 4 C's of diamonds, it's very possible to find a gorgeous round cut that won't break your budget.

Princess Cut

The princess cut diamond is the second most-popular diamond shape on the market, for many of the same reasons as the round cut: phenomenal sparkle, an ability to conceal inclusions, and compactness. Princess cuts also benefit from a certain dainty femininity, and they're significantly cheaper on average than round-cut diamonds due to their square shape being a less wasteful method of cutting a stone. However, because of their points, they're a lot more delicate than a round stone, and more likely to snag on something. Ideally, a princess-cut diamond should be fit in chevron prongs or a setting that covers their points.

Oval Cut

Despite being a relatively basic shape, the oval is a very modern cut of diamond. Having its origins in the 1960s, the oval cut diamond mixes the best of round and emerald cut diamonds. Taking the facets and general shape of a round cut, oval diamonds benefit from phenomenal fire and scintillation. And due to their length, they have the effect of making fingers look skinnier and more delicate. But it's also crucial to ensure that you purchase an oval cut within the ratio of 1.30 - 1.50. Oval-cut diamonds have a "bow-tie effect" of light loss at their center, and outside of the proper ratio, this effect becomes extremely noticeable.

Marquise Cut

Named for the Marquise de Pompadour, the lover of France's King Louis XIV, stories say that the stone was designed to mimic the woman's lips. Whether that story is true or not, the rounded curves and striking double-point structure makes one of the most unique shapes of diamond available. While marquise cut diamonds have historically been used to make "leaves" and "petals" on rings, more and more often, they're being chosen as a unique choice of center diamond in engagement rings. While gorgeous and slender, like the emerald and oval cuts, the points of the shape are very vulnerable and require chevron prongs or settings like halos or bezels to properly protect them.

Emerald Cut

Oval cuts, marquise cuts, and emerald cuts all have length in common. But emerald cut diamonds are more than just long. Their beveled corners and step-cut facets give them a geometric purity that's rarely found in other shapes of diamond. While the step-cutting sacrifices some sparkle, the emerald cut makes up for it with a unique "hall of mirrors" effect, where bars of white light rapidly alternate with unlit bars. While emerald cut diamonds have a delightful, architectural beauty in themselves, the long surface table and relative lack of sparkle means that any inclusions in the stone can be seen quite easily.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut diamond is also known as the "candlelight cut," due to the fact that this shape can capture even the slightest flickers of light and transform them into a beautiful glow. Popular since the 19th century, the cushion cut has stayed popular thanks to its ability to be modified by diamantaires. Its large facets and rounded corners give this rectangular shape a femininity and grace that have also added to its timelessness. And if you're a lover of color, keep in mind that the cushion cut is the best shape for showing off the multicolored tones that diamonds can carry.

Asscher Cut

While there are shapes that are older than the Asscher cut, nothing quite says "vintage" like it-and in the best possible way. Designed in 1905 by famed diamantaire Joseph Asscher, the Asscher cut became the most popular shape of diamond in the first half of the 20th century. Like the emerald cut, its stepped facets sacrifice sparkle for the hall of mirrors effect. And the geometry of the cut causes a "windmill" of light at the center of the stone. When you're looking for a wonderfully vintage diamond that will pair perfectly with your Deco-inspired engagement ring, an Asscher cut diamond might be right for you.

If you're curious about the different shapes of diamonds, or would like to see the loose diamonds available at Corinne Jewelers, call us at (732)244-4664 or visit our Toms River, New Jersey showroom today!