The Top Ten Diamond Shapes part II
By Ashley Bailey, Friday, September 03, 2010 2:04 AM
When you buy a loose diamond, you are focused exclusively on the diamond itself: its clarity, carat weight, color and cut. The term “cut” can refer to two features of diamond quality—the shape or the quality of the cutting of the diamond, i.e. the “cut quality”. Both are important elements to look at when selecting a loose diamond for purchase.
The top ten diamond shapes comprise almost all the diamond jewelry you will find, and when buying a loose diamond, choosing one of these shapes will ensure that you have many options available to you when you do decide to set the loose diamond into jewelry.
Round diamond shape
|
Round-Cut diamond
|
| The most traditional choice, the round diamond is perennially popular and works well in many settings and styles. You simply can’t go wrong with a round loose diamond. Round diamonds are found in rings, stud earrings and necklaces. |
Marquise diamond shape
|
Marquise Diamond Shape
|
| A uniquely elegant shape, this diamond is a slim oval with pointed ends. Buying a loose diamond with a marquise shape is a great choice, as it works well in many kinds of jewelry and makes a unique statement. When set into jewelry, a marquise stone is usually balanced with accent stones, but a loose diamond in a marquise shape is more versatile. |
Emerald diamond shape
|
Emerald Diamond Shape
|
| The emerald cut is a bold, distinctive shape—a rectangular diamond with trimmed corners. The relatively low number of facets in an emerald-shaped loose diamond means it can show flaws or defects more easily—it is essential to choose a high-quality diamond for maximum clarity and brilliance. On the other hand, the distinctive look of the straight, symmetrical facets makes a bold statement in a ring. |
Princess diamond shape
|
Princess-cut Diamond
|
| The most popular of the square shapes, the princess-cut diamond is one of the most versatile, making it a great choice for buying as a loose diamond. It is commonly placed into engagement rings, often with smaller stones surrounding and complementing it. |
Pear diamond shape
|
Pear Diamond Shape
|
| A unique and dramatic shape, the pear, or teardrop, diamond has a round shape with one pointed end. Its asymmetrical shape makes it perfect for pendant necklaces, where it is usually surrounded with a halo of smaller stones. Its simple elegance make it a great choice when buying a loose diamond, as it can be set into a simple setting for a perfect engagement ring. |
For more specific questions ask our experts
