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. 

An Ideal Accompaniment to Bridal Fashion – Princess Cut Diamond Earrings

Weddings are about love, commitment and honouring a relationship. But for most brides, it is also about the bridal clothes and accessories! Bridal fashion has turned into a gigantic industry and for good reason. This is the one day you have the absolute liberty of dressing up like a princess and being treated like royalty. You want to look and feel your best and be that glowing blushing bride that is gushed about. Finding the right bridal dress, the accessories and having the right look becomes of paramount importance.

Another aspect that features big in weddings, in cultures all over the world, is that of jewellery! Wedding jewellery is not only meant to make you shine on your big day, be part of your trousseau or be worn for the nuptial related events, but is often cherished, saved and passed on as heirloom pieces. Which is why it comes as no surprise that one of the most popular features in bridal jewellery today is a pair of gorgeous princess cut diamond earrings?

Princess cut diamonds are loved all over the world, and come second to only the brilliant cut round diamonds where the popularity charts are concerned. And there are good reasons for that. Firstly, jewellery with this cut of diamonds, like princess cut diamond earrings, are eternally chic. They are classic pieces in a classic shape that never go out of style. They speak of elegance and as the name suggests look regal and beautiful, pretty apt for a bride. They also fit in really well with the whole vintage style aesthetic that is so big these days. Romantic and with an old world like charm, princess cut rocks also work exceptionally well for rings, apart from earrings.

Another reason why you might want to consider getting a pair of princess cut diamond earrings is that usually as they cost a little less than their round counterparts when it comes to its price per carat. The reason being its shape lends itself to more efficient cutting from the rough stone, resulting in a lot less wastage. Traditionally a square or squarish shaped diamond, princes cuts also come in more rectangular shapes, which cost a little less. What you choose of course depends largely on what kind of look you prefer.

The cost factor coupled with the fact that a princess cut diamond tends to look bigger than a brilliant round cut gem of the same carat weight, makes them ideal for jewellery during weddings when you definitely want more bang for your buck. This illusionary size difference has to do with the crown surface area this cut affords you, thanks to its inverted pyramid-like shape.

Princess cut diamonds also have a eye-catching fire and brilliance that draws the eye in immediately. Which is why having a pair of princess cut diamond earrings is perfect for when you want the attention toward the beautiful and happy face of a bride!

Forever in vogue; trendy yet classic – this accessory is definitely a worthy investment!