Various shapes of diamonds

Diamonds are forever. A girl’s best friend. A gift for someone you love. These are all timeless statements that extol the virtues of a hunk of ever humble carbon, that withstands millions of years of pressure, and then crystallizes into a statement of luxury, extravagance and sheer class.

In the first part of our series, we catalogued some of the world’s favourite cuts or shapes of diamonds. This part will further explain why the world is gaga for some particular, diamond shapes. We will try to understand a little bit about the history of these particular cuts and also their use in a particular item of covetousness, i.e. their use in specific pieces of jewelry. So without further ado, here’s the next set of the World’s most favourite shapes!

Oval Diamonds:

Created by noted jeweller Lazare Kaplan in the 1960s, oval diamonds are a modified brilliant-cut , which means they have facets that are mostly triangular or kite shaped, and that radiate from the center.

They possess a fire and brilliance and fire very similar to round diamonds and are a real favourite among jewelers, who use them to craft exceptional  rings, solitaire pendants and the like. Stunning diamond solitaire rings are a unique statement of love and have adorned the ring fingers of celebrities like Blake Lively, Sandra Bullock and Salma Hayek.

Oval Diamond Ring

Preferences vary on how narrow or fat an oval cut diamond should be, though the accepted length to width ratio is generally 1.35 to 1, by the rule of thumb say most craftsmen.

Marquise Diamonds:

The story of the Marquise Diamond is a romantic, if slightly twisted one. It is said that King Louis XIV of France was in love with a noblewoman, the Marquise of Pompadour. The lovestruck monarch is said to have commissioned a diamond that was shaped after his beloved’s exquisitely perfect mouth! The rest as they say is history… cute or bizarre ? You decide!Either way the Marquise Diamond has become a firm favourite with diamond connoisseurs the world over.

Marquise Diamond Ring

A rugby football shaped, brilliant cut diamond, that tapers sharply at its extremities, is said to be a perfect Marquise diamond. Because marquise diamonds are long and narrow, they can also create the illusion of greater size. Carat for carat, the marquise diamond has one of the largest crown surface areas of any diamond shape, making it a good choice when trying to maximize the perceived size of a diamond. Like the oval diamond, the marquise cut diamond's elongated shape can make the finger of the wearer appear longer and slimmer. This is very same reason why engagement rings made with Marquise diamonds are so much in demand.

Pear shaped Diamonds:

The best way to describe a Pear shaped diamond would be to  call it the love child of an oval and Marquise diamond. Quite simply because a pear shaped diamond combines in it the shapeliness and characteristics of both the oval and Marquise diamonds.

Broad on one end, with a tapered opposite end, defines these brilliant-cut diamonds. This characteristic makes this diamond quite a versatile shape to use in the creation of exquisite rings or solitaire pendants.

A handy tip to remember when choosing such a diamond shape would be to remember that  a pear shaped diamond should possess excellent or very good symmetry. The point should line up with the apex of the rounded end. The shoulders and wings (the upper and lower curves on the right and left side of the diamond) should form uniform, symmetrical curves, with no straight edges. That’s when you know you have a ‘real gem’ on your hands!

References/Sources:

http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/index

http://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-most-desirable-diamond-shapes-for-2011/haroldk

3 of the Most Popular Diamond Shapes and Cuts Today

Ah, the splendorous world of diamonds! Through the ages, this premium gem of all gems has captivated mankind. From the functional uses of eons gone by to being one of the most revered forms of adornment, most people dream of having a beautiful piece of diamond jewelery all to themselves. Diamonds today are available in a multitude of shapes and cuts all ready for a wealth of jewelry like necklaces, earrings, rings and more.

Although, a diamond's shape and cut are terms that are often used interchangeably, usually there is a difference. While the shape of a stone is what one chooses as per preference and personal style, the cut is what enhances the play of light within  a diamond and will dictate how brilliant and shiny the stone is. A well cut diamond will reflect light through its beautifully proportioned facets, angles of the pavilion and more; while a badly cut one will do quite the opposite. It also affects the overall quality, price and value of a stone.

Here we look at a few of the most popular cuts and shapes across the world today -

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond – The most popular shape and cut across the world today has to the a brilliant round diamond. From glistening on stud earrings to bracelets and more, round diamonds are the ones that most people start their diamond journeys with. As the name suggests this circular shape is an all time classic and statistics say that this shape is representative of over 70% of the diamonds sold worldwide. Cut usually with a beautiful 57 or 58 facets, a brilliant round diamond reflects light beautifully and is thus 'brilliant' and have a wonderful shine. In 1919 Marcel Tolkowsky did a study and published a work known as the "Diamond Design: A Study of the Reflection and Refraction of Light in Diamond" that listed out the ideal proportions of a round diamond to maximize its brilliance. Since then this precise formula for cutting has been used by diamond manufacturers to create the brilliant round cut gems we see today.

Princess Cut Diamond – Another classic that is commonly seen on engagement rings and wedding bands is the beautiful princess cut diamond. With a number of gorgeous sparkling facets, this square or sometimes slightly rectangular shaped cut was first created in 1980 and works really well with most kinds of rings. Princess cut diamonds have a four sided pyramid shape and are easier to cut from the diamond rough stone which is usually octahedron in shape, usually making it slightly less expensive that a round diamond of the same carat weight. In comparison to all the other cuts, a princess cut diamond is closest to the brilliant round in terms of the amount of brilliance and fire it possesses. Usually a setting for a princess cut diamond will protect the four corners of the stone, that are the areas most vulnerable to chipping.

Asscher Cut Engagement Ring

Asscher Cut Diamond – Asscher cut diamond engagement rings are once again surging in popularity thanks to this shapes gorgeous art deco and vintage feel. Asscher cut diamonds were first produced by the Asscher brothers in Holland in 1902 and then again surged in popularity in the 1920s and then in the early 2000s and they are back again with a bang! Although similar to an emerald cut diamond in a number of ways, the Assher cut diamond also possesses a smaller table and bigger step facets giving it more brilliance. This perfectly symmetrical stone has cropped corners and extremely precise measurements and comes with an ideal length to width ratio. The unique shape and look make it one of the most lovely choices for a striking ring. 

Diamonds Engagement Rings New York

Engagements are made and kept with the gesture of bestowing an engagement ring on the finger of the promised individual. The sentiments expressed are afterwards sealed with the famous kneel and question of the gentleman and the hope of a future “yes” from his fair maiden.  This for the traditionalist for others there is the modern option which could resemble this story.  She bought it in Manhattan as she thought at the time that her best option for her to get diamondsengagement rings New York, would have been her best bet.  She looked at it and placed it on the table in a black velvet box beside his favorite meal.  She is hesitant but remembers that he’s not stuck on the norms of society and really appreciates a take charge woman.  She fiddles with the table cloth, and then says,” honey we’ve been together for a while and you haven’t asked.” “We love each other and there’s no doubt in that, so here goes.

Whether you are the bride to be or the future groom a diamond engagement ring has got to be on your mind and if you want a great deal on the precious stone then the busy metropolis of New York is definitely the place to be. The city is a mecca for business and everything commerce so it should not be surprising that it has developed quite a reputation for jewelry stores with the highest quality diamond jewels in the world.

As probably the largest collection of diamond retail outlets in the western hemispheres, Forty-Seventh Street in Manhattan New York boasts some of the most talked about diamond rings shops to date.   The variety of precious stones that are offered by this collection of shops is unmatched by any other area in the region.  From loose diamonds dealers that deal directly with distributors from across the world to bring the best to their customers to the retailers who are meticulous enough to sort their diamonds to present perfection at the drop at a hat.

It is easy to then suggest that the best diamond engagement rings are likely to be found in New York along 47^th Street. In this region, New York is considered the fashion centre of the world, and prides itself in bringing the best to the catwalk.  The clothes are attractive but the jewelry is the topic that really makes the stories. A beautiful ensemble is nice to look at but, when topped off with a Gabriel Tolkowsky cut piece, it really says it all. Super stars have donned memorable pieces of diamonds and have suggested that of all their options to find diamonds engagement rings New York is probably the best place to shop. 

Undoubtedly, you will discover as you look for diamond engagement rings New York has one of the widest array of the precious metal at the most competitive prices around. This is the place to shop to find that perfect diamond that comes with a certificate guaranteeing its quality.

Cavon is a seasoned jewel connoisseur who prides himself on collecting the most current information on the diamond engagement rings New York has to offer. And also he loves to collect the best information about diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces etc.