What is Diamond Cut?
Cut is the term used to describe the exact dimensions and proportions of a diamond and plays a huge part in it's overall aesthetic. A master cutter will shape and polish a rough diamond into a thing of beauty, maximising its features to ensure the most light movement and sparkle possible.
A diamond's depth, width and proportions will determine how well light passes through it. The closeness of these attributes to the 'ideal' proportions of a diamond of that shape will determine its inherent cut grade.There are no specific measurements that define a diamonds cut, rather the collection of measurements and observations determining the relationship between its light performance, dimensions and finish.
There are two types of light that emanate from a diamond known as brightness and fire. Together they are known as scintillation.
Brightness: The return of white light to the human eye.
Fire: The return of coloured light to the human eye.
Scintillation: The movement of white and coloured light within a diamond
Ideal: Maximises Light reflected through the crown.
Shallow Cut: Light escapes through the pavillion facets causing the diamond to lose brilliance.
Deep Cut: Light is lost out of the pavillion facets causing the diamond to look dark & dull.
Simply put, we want to see as much light retured to our eye as possible with the facets of the diamond increasing its refractive index (ability to reflect & refract light). A diamond that has been cut to the proportions that return the most light is known as an ideal cut diamond.
The consideration of these factors will determine a diamond’s cut grade which will then affect its value. The higher the cut grade, the more desirable the diamond becomes and so, more valuable. Not all diamond shapes can be given cut grades but those that do are graded on a scale using one of the following grades:
Most of the world’s diamonds sold for use in jewellery are cut to the following ten shapes. With each shape comes different attributes, numbers of facets and levels of sparkle. The beauty of diamonds is completely subjective and preference on diamond shapes is always led by a person’s taste. Below is an introduction to the ten shapes most commonly used in fine jewellery, to help you decide the perfect diamond for you.
Round diamonds are the most popular of the diamond shapes, representing around 75% of all combined diamond sales. The mechanics of this shape lead to the highest levels of light reflection, giving the most brightness and sparkle and their versatile nature means they can be used in almost any piece of jewellery. Due to the high demand and high amount of rough stone lost in the cutting process of round diamonds, they are the most valuable and therefore most expensive of all the diamond shapes.
Oval cut diamonds are a stunning blend of brilliance and elegance, known for their elongated shape that creates a flattering, lengthening effect on the finger. With their rounded edges and excellent light reflection, they offer a sparkle similar to that of a round brilliant cut but with a more unique, modern silhouette. Oval diamonds also tend to appear larger (per carat) when compared to other shapes, making them an excellent choice for those seeking maximum size and brilliance in a timeless yet distinctive design.
Radiant cut diamonds are a brilliant combination of the rectangular silhouette of an emerald cut and the dazzling sparkle of a round brilliant cut. With their cropped corners and 70 carefully arranged facets, radiant cut diamonds offer exceptional brilliance and fire, making them one of the most vibrant diamond shapes. Their versatile shape works beautifully in a variety of settings, whether you're seeking a classic or contemporary design. Radiant cuts are also excellent at hiding inclusions, making them a great choice for those who want maximum sparkle with a modern, angular appeal.
Emerald cut diamonds are renowned for their timeless elegance and sophisticated appearance. With their elongated, rectangular shape and large, open facets, emerald cuts showcase a "hall of mirrors" effect that emphasizes clarity and creates a unique, understated sparkle. Unlike brilliant cuts, the emerald cut offers a subtle yet captivating light reflection, focusing more on the diamond’s transparency and depth. This cut is perfect for those who appreciate a refined, vintage-inspired aesthetic and prefer a sleek, sophisticated look with clean lines.
Marquise cut diamonds are known for their distinctive, elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling the silhouette of a boat or a smile. This cut maximises carat weight, giving the diamond a larger appearance than other shapes of the same size, and creates an elegant, slimming effect on the finger. With its brilliant facets, the marquise cut sparkles beautifully while offering a striking, vintage-inspired look. Perfect for those seeking something bold and unique, the marquise cut is a timeless choice that exudes both sophistication and individuality.
Princess cut diamonds are cherished for their modern, square shape and exceptional brilliance. With their sharp, clean lines and dazzling array of facets, princess cuts deliver a sparkle that rivals round diamonds, making them one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. Their versatile design works beautifully in both classic and contemporary settings, offering a sleek, geometric appeal. The princess cut’s combination of elegance and sparkle makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a chic, sophisticated look with maximum brilliance.
Pear shaped diamonds feature a unique teardrop shape that combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise. With one rounded end and one pointed tip, the pear cut offers a graceful, elongated silhouette that flatters the finger, creating a slimming effect. Its brilliant facets maximize sparkle, making it a striking and eye-catching choice for those who love a distinctive, romantic look. Whether worn with the point facing up or down, pear cut diamonds bring a timeless elegance and dramatic appeal to any setting.
Cushion cut diamonds are admired for their soft, square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a cushion or pillow. This classic cut combines vintage charm with modern brilliance, offering a unique balance of sparkle and depth through its large facets. Known for their romantic, timeless appeal, cushion cut diamonds have a warm, elegant look that’s perfect for those who appreciate both tradition and glamour. Their versatility works beautifully in various settings especially halo and three stone rings, making them a popular choice for engagement rings with a touch of old-world sophistication.
Asscher cut diamonds are known for their distinct, vintage-inspired shape with perfectly symmetrical, square facets and a mesmerizing "hall of mirrors" effect. Featuring a deep step-cut pattern and cropped corners, the Asscher cut emphasizes clarity and creates a unique, understated brilliance. This elegant diamond shape exudes an art-deco charm, making it ideal for those who appreciate a refined, timeless look. With its striking geometric design and dramatic depth, Asscher cut diamonds offer a sophisticated choice for anyone seeking classic beauty with a touch of boldness.
Heart shaped diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and romance, featuring a unique silhouette that captures the essence of affection. This enchanting shape is characterised by a cleft at the top and a rounded bottom, resembling a heart. With their brilliant facets, heart cut diamonds deliver exceptional sparkle, making them a captivating choice for engagement rings and meaningful gifts. Their romantic allure and distinctive design set them apart, allowing the wearer to express their individuality and sentimentality in a truly special way. Whether set in a classic or contemporary style, heart cut diamonds make a heartfelt statement.