In today’s era of technical advances, there are endless shapes of diamonds. You can even get a diamond cut into your initials. But the best five shapes for an engagement ring in Calgary are what I am going to zero in on.
The best cut, in the number one spot by far is the round. The actual name of the cut is the round brilliant cut. This shape has been the most popular for decades. The symmetry and brilliance of a round diamond cannot be surpassed.
An advantage to the round brilliant cut diamond is that it can easily be fitted into so many engagement ring styles with little adjustments.
The symmetry in each direction when the round is viewed has a very tangible attraction.
Oval Brilliant Cut Diamond
Shapes of diamonds other than round diamonds are referred to as fancy shapes.
In the number two spot is the oval brilliant cut diamond. This feminine looking diamond with rounded ends and an elongated shape appeals to the person wanting a bigger look than a round diamond but still loves the soft edges.
An oval shaped diamond will not have as much brilliance as a round shape but tends to look bigger on most hands due to the longer shape.
Marquise Brilliant Cut Diamond
In the number three spot is the marquise brilliant cut diamond. This shape has made a regular appearance for many decades. While the shape seemed to fall out of favor for a while, the marquise shape has made a roaring come back. The long slender shape with pointed ends is both feminine yet makes a statement with the sharp end points.
The marquise shape also seems to look bigger than a similar weighing round cut due to the length. And in recent years, designs have taken the look and flipped it sideways to orient the diamond in an ‘east-west’ orientation.
MARQUISE SOLITAIRE IN AN EAST-WEST ORIENTATION
Radiant Cut Diamond
In the fourth spot is the radiant cut diamond. This cut has the elongated look that is so popular, but with the flat ends, makes a statement that this diamond is here with no subtle curves or points. Just a “boom” look at me! While this shape can be made into many feminine and unique designs, it can also carry over to more contemporary looks due to its rectangular shape.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The diamond that takes the fifth and last spot is the emerald cut. Often referred to as a step cut, due to the way the facets are lined up like the rungs on a ladder. This cut has been available for as long as the round shape. The difference is the type of brilliance in an emerald cut is a very different pattern than any of the cut shapes previously mentioned. This cut tends to be a “love it or leave it”. And truthfully more people leave it than love it due to the lack of brilliance. Those that love it, find the step cut facets, the longer rectangular shape and the mirror like appearance of this shape is what attracts a person to this shape. I should add in this category that the Asscher cut should be included within this group. It is basically a square emerald cut. Not exactly, but close.
Cut Quality and Diamond Shapes
If the size is consistent, meaning the comparison is one carat to one carat, no matter which cut you find attractive, the most important factor is the quality of the cut grade. This means that the facets must be positioned correctly, the depth of the diamond has to fall within very specific ranges and the symmetry of the diamond has to be very even. Without the cut grade being of high quality, the value of the diamond will be much less but the brilliance and fire of the diamond will also be noticeably diminished.
If the cut grade is sacrificed, say to get a bigger look, brilliance will be lost very quickly. Often people with poor cut grade fancy shaped diamonds complain that their diamond always seems dull. This is because any kind of soap or lotion that gets on the diamond will show the lack of light return very quickly.
Picking the best shape for yourself may mean looking at several shapes. At Troy Shoppe Jewellers, we have virtually all of the fancy shapes in the showcase to show a client. We specialize in making the custom engagement rings Calgary loves.