“Diamond cut” often gets confused with “diamond shape”, the terms being used interchangeably by most people. However, diamond cut refers to the type of incision that’s made into the rock as it is being shaped. Cut does not refer to the final shape itself.
There are basically two types of general cuts. One is called the step cut. It is a simple cut that involves small, gradual incisions that create “steps”. The most naturally resulting shape of the step cut is the rectangular or so-called emerald shape. Step cut diamonds are not as brilliant as round diamonds, but their elongated shape gives them an old-world elegance.
The other kind of cut is the brilliant cut. The incisions on a brilliant cut diamond are made at an angle that best maximizes internal refraction. The standard shape produced by this cut in the round shaped diamond, the most popular shape to date, used often on engagement rings.
Buy mixing and modifying these two cuts, diamond cutters can produce a variety of shapes. Here as some of the most popular examples.
The Princess Diamond
Princess diamonds are the most popular of the so-called fancy shaped diamonds. They’re in the shape of a sharp square, but rather than a step cut, they use a modified version of the brilliant cut, allowing it to retain more sparkle.
The Radiant Cut Diamond
Radiant cut diamonds have a rectangular shaped but with more rounded edges. Radiant diamonds combine the step cut and the brilliant cut and have 70 facets, which helps maximize color refraction inside the stone.
The Heart Shaped Diamond
A popular and romantic option, the heart shaped diamond is actually very difficult to make. It is basically a pear (or tear) shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The quality of the heart shaped diamond depends on the cutter’s skill.
The Marquise Diamond
Allegedly inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour, the marquis diamond has an elongated shape that comes to a point on both ends. It’s said that it was commissioned by France’s Louis XIV.
The Trillion Cut Diamond
Developed in the late seventies, the trillion cut diamond is a triangular version of the radiant cut diamond. It combines the step and brilliant cuts in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
Other shapes include the pear, cushion cut, and asscher cut diamonds.
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Different Kinds of Diamond Cuts
