Diamonds are not only the most precious stones on earth, but they are also the most popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. One of the most important factors that determine the beauty and value of a diamond is its shape. From classic round brilliant to trendy pear-shaped diamonds, there are several diamond shapes to choose from. In this article, we will discuss ten popular diamond shapes and their meanings.
Round Brilliant
The round brilliant diamond is the most popular and timeless diamond shape. It is characterized by its 58 facets that reflect light to create a stunning sparkle. Round diamonds are perfect for engagement rings and other classic jewelry pieces. They symbolize eternity, perfection, and love.
The History of Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is a product of centuries of diamond cutting and polishing. The first known diamond cut was the point cut, which was popular in the Middle Ages. In the 17th century, the table cut was introduced, followed by the rose cut in the 18th century. The modern round brilliant cut was developed in the early 20th century by Marcel Tolkowsky, a Belgian mathematician and diamond cutter.
Why Choose a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond?
Round brilliant cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a classic and timeless look that never goes out of style. They also have the most brilliance and fire of all diamond shapes, thanks to their 58 facets. Round diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Princess Cut
The princess cut diamond is a square-shaped diamond with pointed corners. It is the second most popular diamond shape after the round brilliant. Princess cut diamonds have a modern and edgy look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They symbolize strength, independence, and confidence.
The History of Princess Cut
The princess cut was first introduced in the 1960s as the "profile cut." It was later renamed the princess cut in the 1970s and became popular in the 1980s. The princess cut was designed to maximize the yield of rough diamonds and to create a square shape that had the same brilliance as a round diamond.
Why Choose a Princess Cut Diamond?
Princess cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a modern and edgy look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 76 facets. Princess cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with rounded corners. It has a vintage and romantic look that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings. Cushion cut diamonds symbolize warmth, comfort, and love.
The History of Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond has a long and rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally called the "old mine cut" and was popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras. The cushion cut was designed to maximize the brilliance and fire of diamonds before modern cutting techniques were developed.
Why Choose a Cushion Cut Diamond?
Cushion cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a vintage and romantic look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their large facets. Cushion cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut diamond is a rectangular-shaped diamond with step-like facets. It has a sophisticated and elegant look that makes it a popular choice for celebrities and royalty. Emerald cut diamonds symbolize power, wealth, and success.
The History of Emerald Cut
The emerald cut diamond has a long and rich history that dates back to the 16th century. It was originally designed for emeralds, hence its name. The emerald cut was later adapted for diamonds to showcase their clarity and color.
Why Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond?
Emerald cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a sophisticated and elegant look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of clarity and color, thanks to their large facets. Emerald cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Oval Cut
The oval cut diamond is an elongated and curved diamond shape that resembles an egg. It has a unique and feminine look that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings. Oval cut diamonds symbolize creativity, individuality, and romance.
The History of Oval Cut
The oval cut diamond was first introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to the round brilliant cut. It was designed to maximize the brilliance and fire of diamonds while creating a unique and feminine shape.
Why Choose an Oval Cut Diamond?
Oval cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a unique and feminine look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 56 facets. Oval cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Pear Shaped
The pear-shaped diamond is a teardrop-shaped diamond with one pointed end and one rounded end. It has a stylish and unique look that appeals to many brides-to-be. Pear-shaped diamonds symbolize passion, energy, and excitement.
The History of Pear Shaped
The pear-shaped diamond has a long and rich history that dates back to the 15th century. It was originally called the "pendeloque" and was popular during the Baroque era. The pear shape was designed to maximize the brilliance and fire of diamonds and to create a unique and stylish shape.
Why Choose a Pear Shaped Diamond?
Pear-shaped diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a stylish and unique look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 58 facets. Pear-shaped diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Marquise Cut
The marquise cut diamond is an elongated and pointed diamond shape that resembles a football. It has a dramatic and eye-catching look that makes it a popular choice for statement jewelry pieces. Marquise cut diamonds symbolize elegance, sophistication, and luxury.
The History of Marquise Cut
The marquise cut diamond has a long and rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally designed for King Louis XV of France and was named after his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The marquise cut was later adapted for diamonds to create a unique and dramatic shape.
Why Choose a Marquise Cut Diamond?
Marquise cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a dramatic and eye-catching look that makes them perfect for statement jewelry pieces. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 58 facets. Marquise cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Heart Shaped
The heart-shaped diamond is a romantic and timeless diamond shape that resembles a heart. It has a sentimental and meaningful look that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry pieces. Heart-shaped diamonds symbolize love, devotion, and commitment.
The History of Heart Shaped
The heart-shaped diamond has a long and rich history that dates back to the 16th century. It was originally designed for royalty and was named after Queen Elizabeth I of England. The heart shape was later adapted for diamonds to create a romantic and sentimental shape.
Why Choose a Heart Shaped Diamond?
Heart-shaped diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a sentimental and meaningful look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 59 facets. Heart-shaped diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut diamond is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond with cropped corners and brilliant facets. It has a modern and edgy look that makes it a popular choice for contemporary jewelry pieces. Radiant cut diamonds symbolize strength, courage, and individuality.
The History of Radiant Cut
The radiant cut diamond was first introduced in the 1970s as a hybrid between the emerald cut and the round brilliant cut. It was designed to maximize the brilliance and fire of diamonds while creating a unique and modern shape.
Why Choose a Radiant Cut Diamond?
Radiant cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a modern and edgy look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 70 facets. Radiant cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut diamond is a square-shaped diamond with step-like facets and cropped corners. It has a vintage and glamorous look that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other luxurious jewelry pieces. Asscher cut diamonds symbolize sophistication, elegance, and refinement.
The History of Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut diamond has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was originally designed by the Asscher brothers of Amsterdam and was popular during the Art Deco era. The Asscher cut was later adapted for diamonds to create a vintage and glamorous shape.
Why Choose an Asscher Cut Diamond?
Asscher cut diamonds are popular for several reasons. They have a vintage and glamorous look that appeals to many brides-to-be. They also have a high degree of brilliance and fire, thanks to their 58 facets. Asscher cut diamonds are also versatile and can be set in various styles and designs.
In conclusion, choosing the right diamond shape for your engagement ring or other jewelry piece is a personal and meaningful decision. Each diamond shape has its own unique characteristics and meanings that reflect your personality, style, and values. Whether you prefer a classic round brilliant or a trendy pear-shaped diamond, make sure to choose the diamond shape that speaks to your heart and soul.