The different forms of the diamond
Choosing the shape of the diamond is very important, especially for an engagement ring. Some already know what they want, a classic shape or a fancy shape. Keep in mind that the shape of the diamond will necessarily have a significant impact on its appearance and therefore can alter your choice.
What is the history of the shape of diamonds?
The diamond is the most precious and beautiful jewel in the world. It is a symbolic stone that binds two people for life. Its history is bouncing and its appearance changes over the centuries.
The first diamonds, found in India, were kept in their raw form. Considered as talismans: they protected their owner
It is also said that their powers were lost if the diamond was cut.
When do we start cutting diamonds?
It was from the beginning of the Middle Ages that stone polishing made its appearance, it was necessary to give more shine to the diamond. There was no real defined shape for the stone, the shape was that of the rough diamond, but polished: the faces were flattened. This is called the "point cut"
With the discovery in the 15th century of the magic of diamond cutting: diamond powder is used to cut it, its destiny takes a new turn. This is where the real first cut of the diamond appears: a diamond with a thick table and we start to facet the edges. This is called the "Table cut or French".
(Fun fact: Archduke Maximilian of Austria was the first man to propose to his wife with a diamond engagement ring! The lucky woman, Mary of Burgundy, is the first woman in a long line to receive a ring adorned with a diamond.)
In the 17th century, Cardinal Mazarin improved the cut of the diamond by adding 9 facets to the crown (upper part of the diamond) this is the part between the table and the pavilion (lower part of the diamond). This is the appearance of the Mazarin shape, with elle diamonds shine more and more.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Indians also shaped diamonds and created the rose cut (24 facets), which are still the only ones in the world today to master this skill and offer this shape.
In the 18th century, the Peruzzi cut became fashionable with its 58 facets, this is the "ancestor" of the cushion cut. Subsequently, the shapes known today gradually appeared thanks to the progress of craftsmen and the various inventions that, for example, made it possible to have a much rounder and brighter diamond. These inventions and new techniques gave birth to the old European cuts. At the beginning of the 20th century, Marcel Tolkowsky invented the perfect proportions for a round/brilliant diamond.
What is the difference between the size and shape of a diamond?
It was from the beginning of the Middle Ages that stone polishing made its appearance, it was necessary to give more shine to the diamond. There was no real defined shape for the stone, the shape was that of the rough diamond, but polished: the faces were flattened. This is called the "point cut"
With the discovery in the 15th century of the magic of diamond cutting: diamond powder is used to cut it, its destiny takes a new turn. This is where the real first cut of the diamond appears: a diamond with a thick table and we start to facet the edges. This is called the "Table cut or French".
(Fun fact: Archduke Maximilian of Austria was the first man to propose to his wife with a diamond engagement ring! The lucky woman, Mary of Burgundy, is the first woman in a long line to receive a ring adorned with a diamond.)
In the 17th century, Cardinal Mazarin improved the cut of the diamond by adding 9 facets to the crown (upper part of the diamond) this is the part between the table and the pavilion (lower part of the diamond). This is the appearance of the Mazarin shape, with elle diamonds shine more and more.
What are the most popular forms?
There are obviously more popular shapes that you will inevitably find at a diamond dealer or a jeweler. These shapes can be considered a safe bet, if you don't know the person to whom you are going to offer this jewel, it is better to opt for one of them. The most popular shape is the round diamond (Fun fact: a round diamond can be called brilliant), it is found everywhere: in jewelry, high jewelry, at a diamond dealer and even in watchmaking!
Most of the time the shape of the diamond is classified into two categories:
- Round diamonds
- And so-called "fancy" shapes
But with round diamonds, we often find two other shapes that are just as famous and requested. These are the Princess and Radiant shapes. Be careful, if you buy a rough diamond you will not necessarily be able to choose the shape you want. Indeed, the shape is often chosen by the lapidaries (craftsmen who cut precious stones) according to the shape of the rough diamond.
What are the different forms of diamonds?
Now, we are going to look at the most famous diamond shapes in detail.
THE BRILLIANT ROUND SHAPED DIAMOND
The most famous, it's a sure value. The mathematician and physicist Marcel Tolkowsky gave it the perfect proportions in 1919 with the aim of maximizing the sparkle and brilliance. This shape is the brightest, the most demanded but also the most classic. The round cut has 57 facets.
Large laboratories like the GIA rate the proportions of these diamonds: from excellent to poor which will be dull to the naked eye.
We advise you to favor an excellent or very good diamond to have the maximum brilliance on your diamond.
En savoir plus sur le diamant de forme rond brillant
THE PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND
This shape is suitable for architectural jewelry with sharp lines. It is a square or rectangular cut. Elle has 76 facets which gives it a strong brilliance.
Due to its geometry, the princess diamond must have good clarity. Indeed, the width of the table is significant so the slightest inclusion can be seen more easily. However, the cut is smaller and less expensive than a round diamond of equal weight.
We advise you to favor a diamond with good clarity: IF, VVS or VS.
THE RADIANT SHAPED DIAMOND
This is a relatively new diamond size in the diamond universe. It made its appearance at the end of the 20th century. It's a combination of round and emerald cuts. This shape has the power to make the diamond even more brilliant, it can also suit those who are undecided between the round diamond and the emerald diamond. This shape has 70 facets, it is one of the shapes that has the most. However, the radiant shape tends to be less clear in terms of color.
We advise you to favor a diamond with a color above I.
THE EMERALD CUT DIAMOND
This shape gets its name from the precious stone emerald, as it was normally reserved for it. It is a rectangular cut. This cut is special because it was invented to bring out the best of the emerald. So, it gives a unique kind of translucent light. It's a simple shape, but it has its effect, it has a sophisticated side that always makes a sensation. As with the princess cut, the table is large so you need to choose a diamond with good clarity to avoid visible inclusions. The emerald diamond has 57 facets.
We advise you to favor a diamond with good clarity: IF, VVS or VS.
THE OVAL SHAPED DIAMOND
With its 55 facets and modern shape, the oval diamond combines the classic side of the brilliant diamond with the refinement of elongated shapes.
It is often the center of attention and used as a center diamond on solitaires or rings.
Just like the radiant diamond, this shape shows more color, so we advise you to favor a diamond with a color above H.
Learn more about the oval shaped diamond
THE PEAR SHAPED DIAMOND
This shape is poetic: elle resembles a drop of water. Often used for pendants or earrings, this 58-facet diamond combines round and marquise cuts with its pointed edge.
It may be the most difficult shape to choose, however, because elle is very rarely well cut. For lapidaries, it is complicated to find the perfect proportions between its width and length.
So a perfectly cut pear-shaped diamond is a beauty of nature and the work of artisans.
Learn more about the pear-shaped diamond
THE CUSHION SHAPED DIAMOND
You have certainly seen it on mounts of great jewelers, this diamond shape has been in fashion in recent years despite its age, elle has existed since the beginning of the 19th century. (Fun fact: one of the most famous diamonds, the Hope diamond is cushion cut). Brilliant, elegant, it's an alternative to the round diamond if you want to stand out from the ordinary. However, its brilliance is inferior to that of the round diamond.
We advise you to set the cushion diamond on a ring surrounded by brilliant diamonds which will enhance its brilliance. (Fun fact: for colored diamonds, this cut is ideal because the intensity of the color spreads throughout the stone).
THE MARQUISE SHAPED DIAMOND
Specially designed for King Louis XV, this shape has a whole history and despite the passing of time, its name and beauty remind us of royalty. The marquise cut is a kind of diamond: elle has narrow and pointed edges. It's an ideal choice for earrings, pendants or necklaces.
Marquise cut diamonds are often larger than others for the same number of carats because of their length. This shape gives 55 facets to the diamond.
The marquise diamond has the power of illusion because its carat weight appears larger and elle helps to slim the fingers.
THE ASSCHER CUT DIAMOND
Introduced in 1902 by the renowned lapidary Joseph Asscher, this shape is similar to the emerald shape. They differ by their angular and cropped corners, unique in their kind and give the diamond a specific aspect.
As with the emerald cut, the purity of the diamond is very important as inclusions are more clearly seen on a shape like this.
We advise you to favor a diamond with good purity: IF, VVS or even VS.
THE HEART SHAPED DIAMOND
Romantic and poetic, this size is a modified version of the round diamond. This diamond has 59 facets.
Famous in the 16th century thanks to Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, who offered Queen Elizabeth a heart-shaped ring to seal their friendship. It is sometimes rare to find a heart-shaped diamond, it is as rare as true love.
It is a perfect and exceptional diamond for romantics par excellence.
This list is not exhaustive, there are many other diamond shapes that you will definitely like: such as baguette, triangle or even diamond shape. Your diamond dealer is there to help you in this crucial choice, a choice that for some will be a diamond that is worn for life to celebrate the union of two people.
What choice to make?
The choice of shape is above all personal, it's a matter of taste and aesthetics. Your diamond dealer can also help you choose according to the jewel you are asking for. But also in relation to the shape of your fingers, or your wrist for a bracelet!
1) The cushion shape is so called because when the diamond is cut, it resembles a pillow on which we would like to sleep all our life
2) Legend has it that the marquise shaped diamond was made to resemble the perfect mouth of Louis XV's mistress, who was the Marquise de Pompadour.
3) The jewelry brand Tiffany & Co has created its own diamond shape: Tiffany True
THE DIAMOND DEALER'S ADVICE:
The shape of the diamond is a personal choice, it's according to your tastes and desires. It is important to seek advice from your diamond dealer so that you make the best choice among all these shapes!
Discover how to select the ideal diamond shape and size for your finger.
- If you want to have a diamond with an imposing shape, elongated shapes are often the best. Like the shapes: oval, pear or even emerald, they indeed seem more imposing on the finger. But the brilliance of the round diamond thanks to its perfect proportions also gives a unique shine to the stone which will give an imposing effect.
- We advise you to inquire directly at Celinni to choose the best diamond shape according to its purity and color. Because the shape can alter these two very important characteristics of the diamond.
- Finally and most importantly, a diamond shape is very personal and should please you above all.
Congratulations! You are experts on the main shapes of the diamond, do not hesitate to contact us for more information on this subject.