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Diamond Shape Information
The term shape is used to describe the girdle outline, e.g., round, oval, pear, square, rectangular, heart-shaped, etc. Diamond shape should not be confused with the term diamond cut.
To demonstrate the diamond superlative material properties many numbers of different diamond shapes have been developed.
See below for basic information on some of the most popular diamond shapes. Many of these exist in modified forms with different facet arrangements and number of facets.
Brilliant Round Cut Diamond
The brilliant round cut shape is the most popular shape for a diamond. This shape resembles a cone and is meant to maximize light return through the top of the diamond.
Other names for this shape include: round cut, brilliant cut, american ideal cut, american standard cut
Round brilliants have 57 facets or 58 if you include the culet.
Princess Cut Diamond
The princess cut shape is the second most popular shape of diamond and accentuates a diamond's fire rather than its luster. The top of the diamond is cut in a square shape and the overall shape is similar to that of a pyramid. It has gained in popularity in recent years.
Other names for this shape include: square cut, modified brilliant square cut, squarillion, quadrillion.
Princesses have 53 facets or 54 if you include the culet.
Emerald Cut Diamond
The emerald cut shape is a step cut with rectangular octagonal outline, as the corners have been truncated. This shape was particularly popular during the Art Deco period and is often found in antique jewellery.
Other names for this shape include: trap cut, step cut.
Emeralds have 49 facets or 50 if you include the culet.
Asscher Cut Diamond
The assher cut shape is a step cut with square octagonal outline as the corners have been truncated. This shape is in fact a square emerald cut and was designed by Abraham and Joseph Asscher who ran the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. This shape was also popular during the Art Deco period.
Other names for this shape include: square emerald cut.
Asschers have 48 facets or 49 if you include the culet.
Oval Cut Diamond
The oval cut shape is similar to a misshappen brilliant round cut shape and a well cut oval stone can be nearly as bright as a well cut round brilliant.
Ovals have 55 facets or 56 if you include the culet.
Pear Cut Diamond
The pear cut shape is a popular shape that looks like a tear drop. This is a traditional cut which is perfect for pendants, drop earrings and many applications.
Other names for this cut include: tear drop cut, tear cut.
Pears have 56 facets or 57 if you include the culet.
Heart Cut Diamond
The heart cut is is in the shape of a heart.
Hearts have 57 facets or 58 if you include the culet.
Marquise Cut Diamond
The marquise cut is the shape of a cat eye or rugby ball.
Marquises have 55 facets or 56 if you include the culet.
Trilliant Cut Diamond
Trilliant cuts are essentailly three shapes some with bow sides some with straight. Some may have truncated corners. The type of shape has a variety of names many of which are trademarked.
Other names for this cut include: trillion cut, triangular cut.
Trilliants have 40 facets or 41 if you include the culet.
Radiant Cut Diamond
The radiant cut is a square or rectangular octagonal shape with truncated corners.
Radiants have 53 facets or 54 if you include the culet.
Cushion Cut Diamond
The cushion cut is a rounded square or rectangular shape. A forerunner of the modern brillant cut.
Other names for this cut include: european, old mine cut.
Cushions have 57 facets or 58 if you include the culet.
See also:
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Diamond Shape
Diamonds | Gemstones | Precious Metals | Ring Sizers