What’s the Difference Between Diamond Cuts and Shapes?
Although used interchangeably, diamond shape and diamond cut are actually quite distinct. Read more about diamond cuts and shapes to learn the differences here.
When you’re looking for a diamond, whether it’s for an engagement ring or other jewelry, you’re looking first at the perfect shape without being aware of the cut. Most people don’t understand the shape and the cut of the diamond are different.
The diamond cuts and shapes work together to create the overall look and brilliance of the stone. If you want to know more about the cut and shape of diamonds, we’ve created this guide with you in mind.
The Shape of the Diamond
While the diamond does need to be cut to create the shape, that’s not what diamond experts are talking about when they talk about diamond cut. The shape of the diamond is just what it seems, the overall shape of the diamond.
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes from teardrops to round. The most common shapes for engagement rings are round and princess cut, which is a rectangular shape.
The shape is what people see in the setting. It’s also the first thing buyers look at when deciding on a stone. You want something that looks good, so your first thought is the overall shape. Once you have a shape, then you look at the characteristics of the cut.
A Cut Above the Rest
The diamond cut is one of the four main characteristics for deciding the overall quality of the diamond along with carat, color, and clarity. A well-cut diamond determines how the light reflects and refracts once it hits the inside of the diamond.
Diamonds are cut so that the light bounces around inside creating a spectacular vision because the light hits all the specific facets and angles cut into the diamond. Light hits the top of the diamond and reflects from all the facet angles, crown, and pavilion.
The brilliance of the diamond is how bright the reflections of the light are on and inside the diamond. The fire is the various colors you see in the diamond when the light hits it. Finally, the scintillation is the diamond sparkle as the diamond or the light source moves.
These all work together to create the overall cut quality of the diamond.
How Diamond Cuts and Shapes Work Together
The final product of the cut and shape is the diamond you see in the jewelry store. It’s important to understand how the two work together when purchasing the perfect diamond.
Once you choose the diamond shape, examine how the light looks as it passes through the diamond. Have the diamond dealer explain the cut to you and examine the brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
A poorly cut diamond doesn’t reflect and refract the light well, leading to a dull appearance. The diamond shape could be perfect, and it could be a higher-priced or larger diamond, but without a good cut, it won’t truly sparkle.
Choose the Right Diamond for You
The diamond cuts and shapes are an integral part of purchasing the ideal diamond for an engagement ring or other special gifts. Take the time to look beyond how it looks and examine the other characteristics to make sure you’re getting the perfect diamond.
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