Selecting the perfect diamond shape
Are you searching for a custom engagement ring to give to your sweetheart? It's easy to feel overwhelmed with so many styles to choose from during this special time. Here's a quick guide to the different diamond shapes and the meaning behind them to help make the process a little easier!
Round - The round shape is classic and the most popular style when it comes to jewelry designs. The 58-facet cut is considered to be the most brilliant of all diamonds. Whether you prefer the stone alone or in a more decorated setting, your bride-to-be as well as her friends and family will certainly be dazzled by this timeless stone.
Oval - Oblong-shaped diamonds, like the oval, offer a twist to the otherwise classic diamond shape. The elongated shape is said to accentuate the hand (especially on those who have slender fingers) thanks to the even, symmetrical shape. If you want to keep the look classic, opt for a solitaire stone. For even more flair, add gems or diamond flanks to the band.
Marquis - If you're looking for a ring with a lot of drama, why not go with a marquise shape? The oblong design most commonly resembles the oval shape, however the stone features a pointed tip on either end, offering more precise detailing. This shape often looks larger than it is thanks to precise hexagon cut details that enhance the overall light reflection from the surface with facets on the top and bottom of the stone.
Pear - A pear-shaped diamond, also referred to as a tear drop style, is a stone for a one-of-a-kind girl. This particular shape is a combination cut that mixes the best of the marquis and oval shapes. Keep in mind that this stone is typically reserved for solitaire settings as the unbalanced shape can make it difficult to add flanks on either side.
Emerald - Do the qualities "ladylike" and "elegant" describe your bride? If so, an emerald shape is the perfect complement to her classic style. The rectangular cut is composed of large, lean facets that extend down the sides of the stone. Clarity is the most important of the Four C's to remember when shopping for an emerald cut because the large facets can reveal imperfections.
Heart - Like the pear shape, heart diamond styles are unique and uncommon due to the difficulty they present to most jewelers. This particular diamond shape is perfect for the woman who has completely stolen your heart or tends to wear her own heart on her sleeves. This particular shape is difficult to execute, which is why it is not commonly used for engagement rings.
Asscher - This style is often linked to the 1920s and 30s; the art deco design is commonly described as having characteristics seen in the emerald design. As many brides look to recreate a vintage look for their wedding, the Asscher shape is the perfect complement for a bride with an old-world taste.
Radiant - If your girl is one-of-a-kind with a flair for drama, then the unique look of a radiant diamond is a good pick for her engagement ring. This particular shape is hard to come by due to its scarcity. When done right, the radiant diamond has the exquisite cut of an emerald with the brilliance of a round shape. With 70 facets, it's no wonder this rare style is extra sparkly.
Cushion - For the woman who knows what she wants and is a hopeless romantic, the cushion cut diamond is a perfect way to go. Like the Asscher, this shape has a bit of nostalgia to it as it was a very popular choice approximately 100 years ago. The stone is also referred to as a pillow-cut diamond, due in part to it's oblong shape and soft, rounded edges.
Over the years, the Brian Gavin team has worked to perfect the diamond shapes with their hearts and arrows cutting technique. This mathematical formula has helped the jewelers produce the maximum amount of sparkle, brilliance and fire possible for each individual diamond.
