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Diamonds are timeless symbols of elegance, but their beauty is heavily influenced by their cut—the art of shaping a rough stone into a faceted gem. While many confuse "cut" with "shape," the cut refers to the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and facets, which determine how it reflects light. The shape, on the other hand, is its outline (e.g., round, oval). In this guide, we’ll break down popular diamond cuts, their unique characteristics, and how to choose the right one for your jewellery.

1. Round Brilliant Cut

• Features: 57–58 facets, circular shape.

• Why It Shines: The most popular cut, designed for maximum brilliance (white light reflection) and fire (color flashes).

• Best For: Classic solitaire engagement rings, earrings, or pendants.

• Pros: Unmatched sparkle, versatile, timeless.

• Cons: Higher cost due to more rough diamond waste during cutting.

2. Princess Cut

• Features: Square or rectangular shape with sharp corners and brilliant-style facets.

• Why It Shines: Combines modern geometry with intense sparkle, second in popularity to round cuts.

• Best For: Engagement rings, halo settings, or three-stone designs.

• Pros: Bold look, less expensive than round cuts, great for accent stones.

• Cons: Corners can chip if not protected by prongs.

3. Cushion Cut

• Features: Pillow-like shape with rounded corners and large facets.

• Why It Shines: Vintage charm with a mix of brilliance and "crushed ice" sparkle.

• Best For: Antique-inspired jewellery, halo settings, or statement rings.

• Pros: Romantic appeal, hides inclusions well.

• Cons: Less fiery than round or princess cuts.

4. Emerald Cut

• Features: Rectangular shape with step-cut facets (parallel lines) and a large, open table.

• Why It Shines: Emphasizes clarity and a "hall of mirrors" effect over sparkle.

• Best For: Art Deco styles, eternity bands, or sleek solitaires.

• Pros: Elegant, elongated look; makes fingers appear longer.

• Cons: Inclusions are more visible due to large facets.

5. Oval Cut

• Features: Elongated round shape with brilliant-cut facets.

• Why It Shines: Offers brilliance similar to round cuts but with a flattering, finger-lengthening effect.

• Best For: Solitaire rings, delicate pendants, or stackable bands.

• Pros: Modern yet timeless, appears larger than round diamonds of the same carat.

• Cons: May show a "bowtie" shadow (dark area in the center) if poorly cut.

6. Pear Cut (Teardrop)

• Features: Hybrid of round and marquise cuts, with a tapered point.

• Why It Shines: Combines brilliance with a unique, romantic silhouette.

• Best For: Drop earrings, pendants, or asymmetrical engagement rings.

• Pros: Versatile, elongates the finger.

• Cons: Pointed tip is prone to chipping; requires a protective setting.

7. Marquise Cut

• Features: Football-shaped with pointed ends and brilliant facets.

• Why It Shines: Creates the illusion of a larger stone and elongates the finger.

• Best For: Vintage-inspired rings, statement necklaces.

• Pros: Dramatic look, maximizes carat weight.

• Cons: Points need protection; bowtie effect possible.

8. Asscher Cut

• Features: Square emerald cut with X-shaped facets and a high crown.

• Why It Shines: Art Deco glamour with geometric precision and hall-of-mirrors sparkle.

• Best For: Vintage rings, bold cocktail jewellery.

• Pros: Unique, eye-catching design.

• Cons: Requires high clarity; less fiery than brilliant cuts.

9. Radiant Cut

• Features: Rectangular or square shape with trimmed corners and brilliant-cut facets.

• Why It Shines: Combines the elegance of emerald cuts with the sparkle of round brilliants.

• Best For: Engagement rings, three-stone designs, or coloured diamonds.

• Pros: Versatile, hides inclusions well.

• Cons: Less traditional than other cuts.

10. Heart Cut

• Features: Heart-shaped silhouette with brilliant facets.

• Why It Shines: Symbolic and romantic, ideal for sentimental jewellery.

• Best For: Pendants, promise rings, or right-hand rings.

• Pros: Unique, expressive design.

• Cons: Difficult to cut; symmetry is critical.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Cut

1. Budget: Round brilliants are pricier; consider princess or cushion cuts for savings.

2. Style: Prefer vintage? Try emerald or Asscher. Love sparkle? Go for round or oval.

3. Finger Shape: Elongated cuts (oval, marquise) flatter shorter fingers.

4. Durability: Protect delicate cuts (pear, marquise) with bezel or V-prong settings.

5. Light Performance: Prioritize "excellent" or "ideal" cut grades for maximum brilliance.

Pro Tips

• Compare in Person: A cut’s sparkle can vary based on craftsmanship.

• Certification Matters: Always buy diamonds graded by GIA or AGS for cut quality.

• Metal Pairing: White gold/platinum enhances colorless diamonds; yellow gold complements warmer tones.