Engagement Ring
Diamond Cut Guide

The traditional diamond cuts are round, marquise, oval, pear, and emerald (rectangular). Princess (square) cuts have recently become popular, and there are also other novelty shapes on the market, such as the heart.

Choosing the shape of your diamond is a matter of personal preference. Round is the traditional favorite for engagement rings. Its popularity is due not only to its beauty, but also its versatility. Because round stones are so popular, you will have a wonderful selection of ring styles and mountings from which to choose. This is particularly important if you are seeking an antique (or antique style) ring, as they were designed primarily to hold round stones. Fancy shape diamonds are typically set in simpler mountings: alone in a solitaire, or flanked by smaller side diamonds. Such settings allow the unique shape of the diamond to take center stage. A marquise or emerald cut diamond, set with baguettes on each side, looks particularly elegant.

The quality of a diamond's cut is also important. The proportions of a diamond determine its brilliance, by affecting how light travels within it, and reflects out of it. If a diamond is too shallow, some of the light rays will "leak" out the bottom; if a diamond is too deep, some light is lost out the sides. A well-cut diamond will have a nice "sparkle," as most of the light rays that enter the stone reflect back out the top. Other factors that affect a diamond's brilliance are the symmetry and polish of its facets.

Our next article is about Antique Diamonds >>

 

Other Articles:
Diamond Carat
Diamond Clarity
Diamond Color
Antique Diamonds
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Jewelry Metals
Engagement Ring Styles
Celebrity Engagement Rings
History of Engagement Rings
Antique Engagement Rings Gallery
Proposal Guide
Proposing on a Grand Scale
Buying an Engagement Ring on a Budget
How to Clean and Care for Your Engagement Ring

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