| nds are cut from stones in a wide variety of | | | | the stone. |
| shapes know as cuts. While most stones can be | | | | ASSCHER |
| cut into any of these shapes, for best effect the | | | | A less common cut is the asscher, which is a |
| natural shape and qualities of the diamond itself will | | | | square version of the emerald cut. |
| determine which shape is chosen. | | | | MARQUIS |
| If you are custom designing your own diamond | | | | The marquise cut is an elongated shape with both |
| jewelry or if you are shopping for an already | | | | the top and bottom ending in a noticeable point. |
| designed piece, it is always helpful to have an | | | | This shape is ideal for enhancing the size of the |
| understanding of the terminology used to describe | | | | solitaire diamond as it draws the eye along the |
| the different cuts used for diamonds. The name | | | | cut of the side, giving the appearance of a much |
| of the cut refers to the shape of the diamond | | | | larger carat diamond. The marquise cut is seen in |
| when viewed from above. | | | | both older and more modern settings and can be |
| ROUND | | | | accentuated with baguette style diamonds or |
| One of the most common shapes for a diamond | | | | gems. |
| used on rings, pendants, bracelets or earrings is | | | | PEAR |
| the round shape. The sides of the diamond are | | | | The pear shape is similar to the marquise but with |
| faceted to allow the light to reflect across the | | | | one end rounded and one end pointed. This |
| center of the diamond, creating the fire and | | | | diamond cut can add a slimming and elongating |
| sparkle that is the hallmark of a beautiful stone. | | | | effect to the ring finger and is considered one of |
| Round diamond cuts are very popular for solitaire | | | | the classic diamond shapes. Pear-shaped diamonds |
| style rings and are ideal for stud type earrings. | | | | are also popular in earrings and necklaces where |
| PRINCESS | | | | they give the impression of length. |
| Another very common diamond cut for the large | | | | HEART |
| or center stone or in a solitaire style setting is the | | | | Heart shaped diamond cuts have long been a |
| princess cut. This cut is the square to rectangular | | | | romantic favorite. This type of cut does require |
| cut that is seen in many of the antique as well as | | | | at least a J quality diamond or above as with a |
| modern settings. Diamonds used for the princess | | | | lower quality gem the clarity will not be as distinct |
| cut have to be superior in clarity to prevent the | | | | and the color may be more evident. Many of the |
| color from showing at the points or corners of | | | | colored diamonds look beautiful in the heart shape. |
| the cut. | | | | PILLOW |
| EMERALD | | | | The pillow cut is a combination of the round and |
| The emerald cut is a rounded rectangle with a | | | | princess cut with lots of facets resulting in sparkle |
| pavilion or faceted side, typical of what you would | | | | and fire. The cushion cut is one of the most |
| see in a well-cut emerald gem. Like the princess | | | | common cuts seen on antique diamonds and is |
| cut, the emerald shape requires a very clear | | | | very popular in pendants and other large settings. |
| diamond of high quality to preserve the clarity of | | | | |