When it comes to choosing a diamond, the options can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re selecting the perfect engagement ring or looking for a beautiful gift, understanding the different types and shapes of diamonds can help you to make an informed decision.
At Raz & Company, we believe every diamond should reflect your unique style and personality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to diamond types and shapes to help you on your journey.
1. Types of Diamonds
Diamonds come in several varieties, each offering its own beauty and characteristics. Here are the main types to consider:
Natural Diamonds : Are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years. They are rare, timeless, and highly valued for their natural origin and brilliance. The price of natural diamonds typically reflects their rarity and size.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds but are created in a laboratory. They have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and ethical considerations. Since they are produced in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than their natural counterparts while offering the same sparkle and durability.
Fancy Color Diamonds: While most diamonds are prized for their colorless quality, fancy color diamonds are known for their vibrant hues. These diamonds come in shades of yellow, blue, pink, and even red. Natural fancy color diamonds are rare, but lab-grown versions offer a more affordable option if you're drawn to these unique gems.
2. Popular Diamond Shapes
Once you’ve chosen the type of diamond that you’d like, the next decision is the shape. Each diamond shape has its own unique appeal and can impact the overall look of your jewelry.
Round Brilliant
Overview: The most popular diamond shape, the round brilliant, is known for its exceptional sparkle. With 58 facets designed to maximize light reflection, it’s the go-to choice for classic engagement rings.
Why Choose It: If you're looking for timeless elegance and maximum brilliance, the round brilliant is a safe and beautiful choice.
Princess Cut
Overview: The princess cut features sharp, square edges and a brilliant-cut pattern that offers a high level of sparkle. It's a modern favorite for engagement rings.
Why Choose It: Perfect for those who want a contemporary, geometric look with lots of sparkle. Its square shape gives a bold and stylish appearance.
Oval Cut
Overview: Oval diamonds offer the brilliance of a round cut with an elongated shape that makes fingers appear longer and slimmer. It’s a unique choice that still feels traditional.
Why Choose It: Ideal for someone who wants the brilliance of a round diamond but with a twist. It’s also great for those who want a larger looking stone without the price jump of a round cut.
Cushion Cut
Overview: The cushion cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, giving it a soft, pillow-like appearance. Known for its vintage charm, it balances between brilliance and clarity.
Why Choose It: Perfect for vintage lovers or anyone who wants a softer, romantic look. The cushion cut has a timeless appeal with a modern twist.
Emerald Cut
Overview: The emerald cut is known for its long, rectangular facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. While it has less sparkle than brilliant cuts, it emphasizes clarity and elegance.
Why Choose It: If you value sophistication and understated beauty, the emerald cut is a great choice. It’s perfect for those who prefer a clean, classic look with a touch of luxury.
Marquise Cut
Overview: The marquise cut features pointed ends and an elongated body, creating a dramatic, regal look. Its shape maximizes the perceived size of the diamond, making it appear larger.
Why Choose It: Ideal for someone who wants a unique, eye-catching shape that feels bold and glamorous. It’s also perfect for maximizing carat size on a budget.
Pear Shape
Overview: Also known as a teardrop diamond, the pear shape combines the round and marquise cuts for a stunning and elegant look. It offers a beautiful balance of brilliance and unique style.
Why Choose It: If you want something distinctive, the pear shape is both elegant and striking. Its elongated shape can make fingers appear longer and more graceful.
Asscher Cut
Overview: Like the emerald cut, the Asscher cut is a square shape with deep, step-cut facets that emphasize clarity over brilliance. It’s a vintage-inspired shape that exudes elegance.
Why Choose It: Perfect for vintage-inspired rings or someone who values clarity and geometric precision. The Asscher cut has an art-deco feel, adding a touch of old-world glamour.
Radiant Cut
Overview: The radiant cut combines the elegant shape of the emerald cut with the brilliance of a round diamond. It’s a versatile option that works well in many settings.
Why Choose It: If you want the best of both worlds—sparkle and sophistication—the radiant cut offers a perfect balance between brilliance and elegance.
3. Choosing the Right Shape for You
When deciding on the diamond shape, think about your personal style and how you want the ring to make you feel. Do you prefer classic and timeless, or are you drawn to bold and modern designs?
4. Finger Shape and Size
Elongated shapes like oval, marquise, and pear can make shorter fingers appear longer, while square or round shapes tend to look best on longer fingers.
Setting: Some diamond shapes work better with certain settings. For example, an emerald or asscher cut pairs beautifully with vintage settings, while a round or princess cut looks great in a modern, solitaire setting.
Choosing the right diamond type and shape is a deeply personal decision. Whether you're drawn to the classic sparkle of a round brilliant or the unique elegance of a pear shape, there’s a perfect diamond waiting for you. At Raz & Company, we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring you find a diamond that reflects your style, personality, and love story.
Visit us today to explore our wide range of diamonds and start creating your perfect piece!
