When shopping for a diamond – whether for an engagement ring to ask the all important question, or even if you’re investing in a pair of sparkling studs – you’ll often hear the terms ‘diamond shape’ and ‘diamond cut’. While they’re sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different things. Understanding the difference can help you choose a diamond that not only suits your style, but also maximises brilliance and value.
What Is Diamond Shape?
Diamond shape refers to the outline or silhouette of a diamond when viewed from above. It’s the overall form or design of the stone.
Some of the most popular diamond shapes include:
Round – Classic and timeless, round diamonds are the most popular shape.
Oval – Elegant and elongating, perfect for a modern yet soft look.
Princess – Square-shaped with sharp corners, offering a contemporary edge.
Emerald – Rectangular with step-cut facets, known for its clarity and vintage charm.
Pear – A teardrop shape, the new ‘It Girl’ shape.
Marquise – A dramatic, elongated shape with pointed ends.
Heart – Romantic and distinctive, perfect for symbolic jewellery.
Asscher – Square with cropped corners and a deep step-cut for art deco appeal.
Cushion – A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners for a soft, pillow-like appearance.
What Is Diamond Cut?
Diamond cut refers to how well a diamond’s facets are proportioned and angled to reflect light. This is what gives a diamond its sparkle.
The cut affects three key aspects of a diamond’s beauty:
Brilliance – How well the diamond reflects white light.
Fire – The colourful flashes of light within the stone.
Scintillation – The sparkle you see when the diamond moves.
Cut is graded from Excellent to Poor by gemological labs like the GIA or IGI. Even a beautifully shaped diamond can look dull if it has a poor cut.
Shape vs Cut: Why It Matters
Shape is about style – it affects the look and feel of your jewellery.
Cut is about quality – it determines how well the diamond performs in light.
For example, two diamonds can be the same shape (say, oval), but one may appear brighter and more brilliant because it has a better cut.
Which Should You Prioritise?
If sparkle is your priority, cut should come first. A well-cut diamond will always look more brilliant than a poorly cut one, even if it’s slightly smaller. That said, shape is equally important for personal expression. Choose a shape that suits your taste, but never compromise on cut quality.
Get The Best Diamond For Your Budget
Understanding the difference between diamond shape and cut is key to making an informed decision when buying jewellery. By knowing what each term means and why it matters, you’ll be able to choose a diamond that not only looks beautiful, but truly shines. Explore our collection of diamond jewellery here, or chat to an expert, who can answer any questions you might have.
Understanding Diamond Shapes vs Diamond Cuts
When shopping for a diamond – whether for an engagement ring to ask the all important question, or even if you’re investing in a pair of sparkling studs – you’ll often hear the terms ‘diamond shape’ and ‘diamond cut’. While they’re sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different things. Understanding the difference can help you choose a diamond that not only suits your style, but also maximises brilliance and value.
What Is Diamond Shape?
Diamond shape refers to the outline or silhouette of a diamond when viewed from above. It’s the overall form or design of the stone.
Some of the most popular diamond shapes include:
What Is Diamond Cut?
Diamond cut refers to how well a diamond’s facets are proportioned and angled to reflect light. This is what gives a diamond its sparkle.
The cut affects three key aspects of a diamond’s beauty:
Cut is graded from Excellent to Poor by gemological labs like the GIA or IGI. Even a beautifully shaped diamond can look dull if it has a poor cut.
Shape vs Cut: Why It Matters
For example, two diamonds can be the same shape (say, oval), but one may appear brighter and more brilliant because it has a better cut.
Which Should You Prioritise?
If sparkle is your priority, cut should come first. A well-cut diamond will always look more brilliant than a poorly cut one, even if it’s slightly smaller. That said, shape is equally important for personal expression. Choose a shape that suits your taste, but never compromise on cut quality.
Get The Best Diamond For Your Budget
Understanding the difference between diamond shape and cut is key to making an informed decision when buying jewellery. By knowing what each term means and why it matters, you’ll be able to choose a diamond that not only looks beautiful, but truly shines. Explore our collection of diamond jewellery here, or chat to an expert, who can answer any questions you might have.
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