How to choose between two different diamond shapes
Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a huge decision, symbolising love, commitment, and a shared future. Amongst the many choices that must be made, the diamond shape stands out as one of the most important decisions. But if you’re stuck between two shapes, here’s how you choose.
Understanding diamond shapes
Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between a diamond’s shape and its cut. The shape refers to the overall geometry of the stone, whereas the cut is about how the diamond’s facets are arranged to maximise sparkle and brilliance. The most popular shapes include round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, cushion, emerald, Asscher and radiant.
Comparing cuts: round brilliant vs. princess cut
To illustrate the process of choosing a diamond shape, let’s compare two of the most popular shapes: the round brilliant and the princess cut.
Their characteristics:
Round Brilliant: The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape. It’s designed to maximise light return, offering unparalleled brilliance and fire. This shape is incredibly versatile, fitting a wide range of settings and styles, making it an excellent choice for those who value timeless designs and sparkle.
Princess Cut: Known for its contemporary lines and angles, the princess cut is a perfect square with sharp edges that offers a modern twist on tradition. With its unique facet arrangement, it offers a distinctive brilliance, second only to the round brilliant. It’s an ideal choice for someone looking for a blend of timeless and modern designs, offering both maximum sparkle and a contemporary shape.
Things to compare:
How much they sparkle
How they look in your choice of setting
How they look against your finger
How they look against the metal colour of your choice
Factors to think about when choosing a diamond shape
Personal style
The choice between two diamond shapes should reflect the wearer’s personal style. Consider whether they prefer a timeless or modern look. A round brilliant diamond suits a classic, traditional aesthetic, while a princess cut appeals to those with a more contemporary or edgy style.
Hand shape and finger size
The shape of the diamond can influence how it looks on the wearer’s hand. For example, elongated shapes like oval or marquise can make short fingers appear longer, while round or princess cuts are versatile enough to suit most hand types.
Setting and metal colour
The diamond’s shape should complement the ring’s setting and metal type. Certain settings are designed to enhance specific diamond shapes. For example, a solitaire setting allows a round brilliant diamond to shine. You might also want to consider settings such as a halo, that can enhance smaller diamond carats.
Symbolism and meaning
Each diamond shape carries its symbolism and meaning. A round brilliant diamond, being the most traditional shape, symbolises eternal love and commitment. A princess cut – with its chic design and clean lines – might come to symbolise a modern love story.
Price and value
The shape of the diamond can also affect its price and value. Round brilliant diamonds, due to their high demand and the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting, can be more expensive than other shapes. Princess cuts, offering a similar level of brilliance, may provide better value for those looking for a balance between cost and aesthetic appeal, so budget can definitely play a determining factor.
Making the decision
Choosing between two diamond shapes for an engagement ring boils down to personal preference, lifestyle, and budget.
So whether you opt for the timeless elegance of a round brilliant or the modern allure of a princess cut (or any similar shapes), the key is to select a diamond that resonates with your love story and personal style. The perfect engagement ring isn’t about the shape of the diamond – it’s about the meaning behind it, and which one ‘speaks’ to you.
How to choose between two different diamond shapes
Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a huge decision, symbolising love, commitment, and a shared future. Amongst the many choices that must be made, the diamond shape stands out as one of the most important decisions. But if you’re stuck between two shapes, here’s how you choose.
Understanding diamond shapes
Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between a diamond’s shape and its cut. The shape refers to the overall geometry of the stone, whereas the cut is about how the diamond’s facets are arranged to maximise sparkle and brilliance. The most popular shapes include round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, cushion, emerald, Asscher and radiant.
Comparing cuts: round brilliant vs. princess cut
To illustrate the process of choosing a diamond shape, let’s compare two of the most popular shapes: the round brilliant and the princess cut.
Their characteristics:
Round Brilliant: The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape. It’s designed to maximise light return, offering unparalleled brilliance and fire. This shape is incredibly versatile, fitting a wide range of settings and styles, making it an excellent choice for those who value timeless designs and sparkle.
Princess Cut: Known for its contemporary lines and angles, the princess cut is a perfect square with sharp edges that offers a modern twist on tradition. With its unique facet arrangement, it offers a distinctive brilliance, second only to the round brilliant. It’s an ideal choice for someone looking for a blend of timeless and modern designs, offering both maximum sparkle and a contemporary shape.
Things to compare:
Factors to think about when choosing a diamond shape
Personal style
The choice between two diamond shapes should reflect the wearer’s personal style. Consider whether they prefer a timeless or modern look. A round brilliant diamond suits a classic, traditional aesthetic, while a princess cut appeals to those with a more contemporary or edgy style.
Hand shape and finger size
The shape of the diamond can influence how it looks on the wearer’s hand. For example, elongated shapes like oval or marquise can make short fingers appear longer, while round or princess cuts are versatile enough to suit most hand types.
Setting and metal colour
The diamond’s shape should complement the ring’s setting and metal type. Certain settings are designed to enhance specific diamond shapes. For example, a solitaire setting allows a round brilliant diamond to shine. You might also want to consider settings such as a halo, that can enhance smaller diamond carats.
Symbolism and meaning
Each diamond shape carries its symbolism and meaning. A round brilliant diamond, being the most traditional shape, symbolises eternal love and commitment. A princess cut – with its chic design and clean lines – might come to symbolise a modern love story.
Price and value
The shape of the diamond can also affect its price and value. Round brilliant diamonds, due to their high demand and the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting, can be more expensive than other shapes. Princess cuts, offering a similar level of brilliance, may provide better value for those looking for a balance between cost and aesthetic appeal, so budget can definitely play a determining factor.
Making the decision
Choosing between two diamond shapes for an engagement ring boils down to personal preference, lifestyle, and budget.
So whether you opt for the timeless elegance of a round brilliant or the modern allure of a princess cut (or any similar shapes), the key is to select a diamond that resonates with your love story and personal style. The perfect engagement ring isn’t about the shape of the diamond – it’s about the meaning behind it, and which one ‘speaks’ to you.
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