It’s no secret that we’re OBSESSED with diamonds. But did you know we’re also diamond experts? We eat, sleep, breathe, and live diamonds, from our annual trip to Antwerp (the diamond capital of the world) to helping you find the perfect stone in store for you.
Many people have heard of the 4Cs rule when it comes to diamonds: paying attention to the cut, clarity, carat, and color. Today, we want to dive in deep to help you better understand that first one.
Diamond cut is a shorthand way of saying how much light a diamond interacts with. Jewelers look at several key things to determine the quality of cut. The brightness of the diamond shows how much white light is reflected by the gem. The fire shows the scattering of that white light, and the scintillation shows the amount of sparkle.
Jewelers might refer to different parts of a diamond. Check out this handy chart from the Gem Institute of America to see a handful of the parts that go into making a diamond perfect.
The shape of a diamond also plays into its cut. We’ve profiled five of the most popular shapes to help you decide which one is right for you!
Round Cut
Round diamonds are far and away the most popular diamond shape! About 50 percent of all engagement rings are round diamonds. This shape came into popularity in 1873 after jeweler Henry Morse invented a machine to simplify the symmetry and cutting of diamonds, and it’s been a classic ever since!
Round diamonds typically have 58 facets, which deliver incredible brightness and fire. For this reason, they’re perfect for anyone seeking a timeless look. It makes sense, then, that classic beauty Emily Blunt has a round cut engagement ring. Round diamonds are also excellent for anyone with larger fingers because they are very flattering.
This platinum engagement band definitely shows off the gorgeous look of a round diamond!
Pear-Shaped
Pear-shaped diamonds are also called teardrops due to their distinctive shape. These diamonds are insanely elegant and bring to mind new world glamour.
Check out this pear-shaped diamond set in a white gold engagement band. We love the elegant shape and sparkle.
Fun fact: there is no “right way” to wear a pear-shaped diamond. Which way the diamond faces is purely a matter of personal preference. Their 58 facets ensure that whichever way it faces, this diamond offers maximum sparkle.
This diamond shape is perfect for anyone who likes a little bit of elegance in their day-to-day life. Their elongated shape tends to lengthen fingers, so those on the shorter side are often drawn to this shape.
Emerald or Asscher
Emerald and Asscher diamonds are extremely similar. Emerald-cut diamonds are named for the process used to highlight the famous green gem. Due to this extremely precise cut, only the highest quality diamonds can be used. Emerald diamonds have 58 facets, but they are cut in a step-like sequence, making them appear much bigger than other cuts of the same size. These diamonds are typically rectangular and eye-catching. Beyonce rocks an emerald-cut diamond, which should really tell you all you need to know! Emerald-cut diamonds are perfect for anyone looking for a little extra bling without a massive price increase.
Asscher diamonds are cut into 58 facets much like an emerald-cut diamond, but these diamonds are square. The diamonds are named after creator Joseph Asscher, who designed this Art Deco cut in 1902. This look is coming back into style as Art Deco and 1920s looks become fashionable. Still, this rare cut is perfect for a trendsetter.
Radiant
Radiant diamonds look a lot like emerald diamonds, but there are some ever-so-slight differences. Both radiant and emerald-cut diamonds have straight edges and cut corners, but a radiant diamond has 70 facets, making it, well...radiant!
Honestly, how perfect is this Simon G stunner?
These diamonds sparkle and shine like no other. Fun fact: did you know that this diamond cut wasn’t invented until the 1970s? This newer diamond definitely has a timeless look sure to appeal to ladies who like a little more bling in their lives.
Oval
Last but not least, we adore oval diamonds! These fancy stones have 58 facets, which means that their sparkle is similar to a round diamond’s. Like a pear-shaped diamond, an oval diamond can appear larger than it really is, and is also flattering to fingers.
Oval diamonds have an amazing history! The first oval-shaped diamond was mentioned in 1304 (yes, you read that right) and is now kept safe in the Tower of London. These diamonds were the original trendsetter, with people in colonial times clamoring over them. If you’re interested in a classic shape but want something more unique than a round diamond, this one’s for you!
No matter what diamond you’re interested in, Dickinson Jewelers has one for you. Come by Dunkirk or Prince Frederick and let our professional jewelry stylists help you find the diamond of your dreams.