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We have some great tips and advice for you today on how to choose the right diamond shape from Taylor & Hart.
Choosing the perfect diamond shape is one of the most important steps when designing your engagement ring. It gives you 11 customisation options (not counting all the creative vintage cuts) and plenty of room to unleash your creativity. Every diamond shape has its beauty–it’s simply up to you to decide which one is your favourite and capture your personality and style.
Clean and Classic
There are so many things that the round diamond shape is known for. It symbolises timelessness and exudes brilliance and fire, more frequently known as sparkle. The most important factor to consider when choosing a round diamond is the cut grade, as it shows how the 58 facets reflect the light. A very good or excellent cut grade will give you maximum sparkle. Round diamonds carry the highest premium as they produce the most waste in the cutting process, but they are a classic choice that works beautifully with all metals and settings.
Cushion shapes resemble soft pillows and are an excellent choice for those who want the best from each diamond shape. It has the brilliance of a round diamond combined with a unique shape. Its cost is reasonable, and it’s royalty-proof (remember Meghan Markle’s engagement ring?). The general shape of the cushion is square but can also be found in a slightly elongated rectangular shape. Both romantic and fun, you’ll receive great value for what you’re paying.
The last star in the no-angles section is the oval cut which is suitable for those who love the round cut but appreciate the flattering qualities of an elongated shape–making the finger appear longer and slimmer. With this cut, you need to watch for the bow-tie effect, which, when severe, results in an undesirable bow-tie shape darkness in the centre of the diamond. This applies to all brilliant-cut elongated diamonds, like marquise or pear shapes.
Aristocratic and Bold
Princess-cut diamonds are for those who desire strong lines and clean angles without losing sparkle. They were created in the 1960s and are associated with a modern appearance. This cut is among the four top-shape choices, and it has outstanding brilliance for excellent value.
Have you ever wondered why emerald-cut diamonds are a top choice among celebrities? They are super elegant and commanding, and their large table is a window into the diamond’s mesmerising beauty. Unlike the brilliant effect of the round shape, the emerald cut creates a ‘’Hall-of-Mirrors’’ effect with bold flashes of light instead of sparkle.
The Asscher cut (named after its creator) is often referred to as the square emerald, and its creation coincides with the Art Deco movement in the early 20th century. Many vintage-loving brides-to-be choose this cut because it has this old-world quality that can simultaneously feel contemporary.
Fancy and Commanding
Enter fancy-shaped diamonds and their romance-infused representative, the Marquise cut! Allegedly named after the Marquise de Pompadour, who was given this peculiar-shaped diamond ring by her lover Louis XIV, those beautifully elongated and pointed ends give the wearer a strong presence. If you swoon after large diamonds, make a dramatic statement with a Marquise cut diamond.
Pear-cut diamonds are a unique mix of oval and Marquise cuts. The shape has dynamism, feeling classic yet making a strong statement. It looks perfect and has a slim band for the ultimate teardrop effect. As a rule of thumb, pear diamonds should possess excellent or perfect symmetry to ensure that the tip of the pear lines up with the middle of the rounded end.
Heart-shaped diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and romance. They look their best when above 0.50 carats, as anything less can make the shape unrecognisable.
It’s also vital that the two halves of the heart are identical and its aperture is distinct and even.
Modern with a Twist
The radiant cut offers just that–radiance. It’s a top choice for those who want an effervescent sparkle but the clean shape of the emerald cut. It’s also trendy among those who prefer fancy-coloured gemstones as their facet structure emphasises colour tone.
While hexagonal shape diamonds rarely feature in jewellery collections, their geometric and modern aesthetic will attract those looking for something unique while retaining the tradition and prestige associated with diamond engagement rings.
Request a slot for a consultation at our Clements Lane showroom or virtual consultation with one of our expert design consultants via video call or phone where you can share and discuss your ideas.
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