The shape of the diamonds is one of the main factors in the choice of the diamond. It is first and foremost a matter of taste, fashion and personality. But, on closer inspection, behind this attraction for a particular form, there is often a very rational reason, because each form has its particular brilliance, its purity, its transparency or its limpidity.
Round brilliant cut diamond
The round brilliant cut 57 facets is the most famous. As early as 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky defined the angles and proportions that offered a perfect balance between light reflection and dispersion. The luminosity and the fire of the stone diffuse and attract the eye. It is the shape of diamonds that accounts for approximately 80% of diamonds sold worldwide.
princess cut diamond
This size appeared in the 1980s. It was avant-garde at the time, but today it is one of the most popular sizes. Equal in weight to a brilliant cut diamond, the princess cut diamond is smaller and less expensive. The layout of its 78 facets makes it both crystal clear and shiny, but it needs to be high in purity or have any impurities placed on the sides.
Emerald cut diamond
It is, with the baguette cut and the Assher cut, the only “stepped” cut of the diamond. Like the diamond cut, it has 57 facets, but they are larger and act as mirrors. This cut does not give as much sparkle as the brilliant cut, but much more clarity and transparency. So it needs the clarity of the diamond to be of higher quality or the possible impurities to be placed to the side.
Oval Cut Diamond
The brilliant oval cut features 55 facets and accentuates all the brilliance of the stone. It was particularly prized in the last century for old cut diamonds with 36 facets.
Marquise cut diamond
Some will think “rugby”, others will think “smile of a marquise”. Made up of 55 facets, it is another variant of the Round Brilliant, elongated in shape, with pointed ends. The marquise-cut diamond is particularly sought after to be set like a solitaire, reinforced by a pavé of small diamonds.
Pear cut diamond
The pear shape may remind you of a teardrop of extreme shine. This hybrid cup featuring 58 facets is a combination of the round shape and the marquise shape, giving it an exceptional sparkling effect. A diamond of this shape is very flattering when mounted as a pendant. It is also called “drop of water”.
heart cut diamond
It is the romantic pruning par excellence and requires great expertise. It is generally used for a solitaire or earrings. With 59 facets, its shape is derived from that of modified pear, the stone can vary considerably in length and width. The top slot must be deep for the diamond to look especially good; perfect symmetry is essential to bring out the full beauty of this form.
Cushion Cut Diamond
The first time that the cushion shape appeared 200 years ago under the name of “old mine cut”. It is a square shape with rounded corners, quite similar to a pillow. This cut has the characteristic of being, on the lower part, the same as that of brilliant cut diamonds. This cut features rounded corners and domed facets that accentuate its shine.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
The Diamant Radiant has a modified square shape and is characterized by its sharp corners. Having its 70 facets the refraction of light is maximum and this size is ideal for showcasing colored diamonds because its shape and proportions intensify the color of the stone.
Asscher cut diamond
Stepped octagonal in shape, the Asscher shape is very close to the emerald cut, but only square with diagonally cut corners. This size has 74 facets featuring a small table, a high crown, a deep yoke and angles cut so as to draw the eye towards the center of the stone.