Choosing the Best Diamond Shape
The shape of a diamond is defined as the physical form that appears when you look at it. This aspect does not feature among the 4Cs, but certainly plays an important role in determining aesthetic performance. It surely needs to be considered the next most important factor after the 4Cs before you decide on a buy.
Cut Vs. Shape
There can be some difficulty grasping the difference between the shape and cut of a diamond in the beginning, considering it really is a small one at that. For simplicity’s sake, you can take shape points as the appearance of a diamond, whereas cut is its ability to reflect light in the best possible ways.
The most common diamond shapes are round, square, rectangular, oval, pear-shaped, heart-shaped, and marquise. You can find rectangular diamonds in the emerald, radiant, princess, and Asscher cut diamond ring.
Diamond Cuts
A Diamond’s cut is a combination of several factors, such as facets, angles, proportions, symmetry, numbers, and finally, how light reacts after hitting the stone. The grades of a diamond include excellent grade (reflects most of the light incident on it), poor grade (loses most of the light incident on it), and many others in between. The most efficiently cut diamonds reflect most of the light from the table at the top. This imparts a stunning brilliance to the stones. This sparkle and brilliance have a direct influence on the value of the diamond.
Most Popular Shape, and Why
The most popular shape and cut is the round brilliant. Many studies show that more than three-fourths of all diamonds sold today are round brilliants. There are solid reasons behind this elevated popularity. Most importantly, round brilliants are the shiniest of all diamonds. The majority of the rough diamonds are shaped in such a way that two round brilliant diamonds can be cut from them, with the least amount of crystal lost.
A Little About Branded Shapes
There are several other shapes that are less known outside the diamond industry. Most of these are patented, and are retained by the owners. Jupiter, for instance, has 5 sides, Half Dutch Rose or Hexagon has six, and Baroness and Queen have eight sides each. Furthermore, there is the bead cut which resembles a disco ball. There are plenty of other shapes such as the Genesis star, Boat Shaped Rose, Tulip, and Bullet, which are seldom seen in the wider global diamond market.
How an Engagement Stone Appears On Your Hand
The diamond shape should influence how it appears on your hand. For instance, women with shorter hands should try shapes that make their fingers look longer. This includes one like the marquise, oval, and pear. Note that you should not use bands that help this effect.
In contrast, shapes like the radiant and the princess, which are squarish, make the fingers look much smaller. These would suit women with shorter fingers much better. It is best to avoid using slimmer, more slender, and delicate designs such as the marquise or emerald shapes if you have large hands. This is because the combination usually ends up looking odd at best. Larger fingers look best with round or heart-shaped diamonds, which rarely complement thin fingers well. The important thing is to try on a variety of styles before you decide on any one.
Choose the Style That Reflects Your Personality
It is true that diamonds are available in all imaginable shapes. However, it is important that you choose one that defines you. Different diamond shapes match different characters. For instance, round brilliant diamonds in solitaire settings are best suited to a particularly traditional kind of woman. For something romantic, you probably want to go for a heart-shaped pink diamond. If you are a modern girl with a special love for the uncommon, you would do well to pick one of the more unconventional cuts laid out in a modern setting.
The best thing to do if you are the one proposing, is to go for the diamond that appeals to you the most. At the very least, you can be sure that she knows it is what matters to you. Remember that you can always choose a replacement later.
Filling in the Rest of the Ring
Certain shapes of diamonds are suited to specific settings. For instance, low profile engagement rings may be best suited to a certain setting. If this is very important to you, you should go by what looks best with the diamond you choose. If you are attracted to the solitaire setting, you can combine it with a bezel set diamond.
Princess, round, oval, marquise, radiant and cushion cuts are suited really well to multi-stone rings. Asymmetrical shapes like the heart, trilliant and pear can best match solitaire settings. Note that these stones are not very well matched with those set in a multi-stone ring. However, trilliant shapes do appear great with accessory stones.
Therefore, remember that several factors such as your personal taste, lifestyle, and hands have to be considered before buying a diamond. The bottom line is that you need to ensure your ring is a piece of jewelry which you will cherish for a long time to come.