Diamond Education

DIAMOND SHAPE, DIAMOND CUT, DIAMOND CARAT, DIAMOND COLOR, DIAMOND CLARITY

Diamond Shapes

Round

Oval

Cush Mod

Cush Brill

Princess

Old Minor

Heart

Pear

Radiant

Emerald

Thrilliant

Trapezoid

Half Moon

Baguette

Marquise

Asscher

The Four Cs
of
Diamonds

Round Shape Diamond

A round-shaped diamond, also known as a round brilliant cut diamond, is a diamond that has been cut into a symmetrical round shape with numerous facets to maximize its brilliance and sparkle. This shape is the most popular and widely recognized for engagement rings and other jewelry due to its exceptional ability to reflect light. The round brilliant cut typically features 58 facets, including the table (top), crown (upper part), girdle (widest part), pavilion (lower part), and culet (small point at the bottom), which are strategically arranged to enhance the diamond's overall brightness and fire.

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. This affects its brilliance and sparkle. Cuts are graded from Excellent to Poor. Common cut shapes include Round, Princess, Oval, Marquise, and Emerald.

  • Importance: Cut is the most crucial factor for round diamonds as it significantly impacts their brilliance and sparkle.

Grading:
The GIA cut grade for round diamonds ranges from Excellent to Poor.

  • Excellent: Maximum brilliance and fire.
  • Very Good: High brilliance, slightly less than Excellent.
  • Good: Above average brilliance.
  • Fair: Less brilliance.
  • Poor: Very little brilliance.

Proportions:
Ideal proportions for a well-cut round diamond include:

  • Table size: 54-57%
  • Depth: 60-62.5%
  • Crown angle: 34-35 degrees
  • Pavilion angle: 40.6-41 degrees

Carat Weight

Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable, but carat weight alone does not determine a diamond's value.

  • Understanding Carat: Carat weight measures the size of the diamond.

  • Popular Sizes: Common carat weights for round diamonds are 0.50 carats, 1.00 carat, and 1.50 carats.

  • Impact on Price: Price increases significantly with carat weight, especially for diamonds over one carat.

Clarity

Clarity measures the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye).

Clarity Grades: Measures internal inclusions and external blemishes.

  • FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
  • IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions and only minor blemishes.
  • VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
  • VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are somewhat easy to see under 10x magnification.
  • SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.
  • I1, I2, I3 (Included): Inclusions are visible to the naked eye.

Recommendation: VS1-VS2 offers a good balance of appearance and value, with inclusions that are not noticeable to the naked eye.

Oval Shape Diamond

An oval shape diamond is an elongated, symmetrical diamond with rounded edges, combining the brilliance of a round diamond with a unique, elegant shape. Its elongated form can make the diamond appear larger and create a flattering effect on the finger.

Princess Shape Diamond

A princess shape diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with pointed corners and numerous facets for excellent brilliance. It is known for its modern, angular look and is one of the most popular shapes for engagement rings.

Radiant Shape Diamond

A radiant shape diamond is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond with trimmed corners and a brilliant-cut facet pattern. This shape combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the sparkle of the round brilliant cut, resulting in a highly vibrant diamond.

Emerald Shape Diamond

An emerald shape diamond is a rectangular-shaped diamond with long, step-cut facets and truncated corners. It has a large open table and a sleek, elegant appearance, highlighting the diamond's clarity and color with a "hall of mirrors" effect.

Marquise Shape Diamond

A marquise shape diamond is an elongated diamond with pointed ends, resembling the shape of a football or a boat. This shape maximizes carat weight and creates a dramatic, elongated look that can make the fingers appear longer and more slender.

Cushion Shape Diamond

A cushion shape diamond, also known as a pillow-cut diamond, has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and larger facets. It combines a vintage look with modern brilliance and is known for its soft, romantic appearance.

Heart Shape Diamond

A heart shape diamond is a diamond cut into the shape of a heart, symbolizing love and romance. It features a cleft at the top and a pointed bottom, with symmetrical lobes that require precise cutting to ensure a balanced and appealing shape.

Pear Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Cushion Modified Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Cushion Brilliant Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Half Moon Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Round Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Trilliant Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Trapezoid Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Asscher Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Baguette Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.

Old Mine Cut Shape Diamond

A pear shape diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with one rounded end and one pointed end. This unique shape offers a distinctive, elegant look and can create a slimming effect on the finger. Each of these shapes has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different styles and preferences in jewelry design.