Round Diamonds (Hearts & Arrows)
Its no surprise the round cut diamond has been the most popular diamond for 2011. The round cut diamond has been popular for many years, representing 75% of all diamonds that are sold worldwide. The round shaped diamond with a hearts and arrows cut is far more brilliant than any other round shape diamond – and due to its cut and shape a round diamond is generally superior to fancier shapes at the proper reflection of light, maximizing potential brightness.
Pamela Anderson has a Round diamond engagement ring.
Natalie K has created The Perfect Diamond a custom made hearts and arrows diamond only available at exclusive Natalie K retail stores.
Princess Diamonds
This lovely diamond shape was first created in 1960 and the Princess cut diamond is the most popular “fancy shape” diamond. Its popularity only continues to grow as it tops the charts.
Star Jones has a Princess cut diamond engagement ring.
Radiant Diamonds
The Radiant Diamond is a modified square shape, making a nice alternative from a Princess cut diamond or a Cushion diamond. This glimmering, radiant cut diamond offers a brilliant-cut facet pattern which makes it one of the most desirable diamonds around.
Khloe Kardashian has a Radiant cut diamond engagement ring.
Cushion Diamonds
The Cushion cut diamond is a lovely, glittery combination of a square cut with beautifully rounded corners. The very first Cushion cut diamond was created almost 200 years ago and the cut has gone through some great refinements over the years. We’ve seen the Cushion diamond become quite popular in recent years.
Anne Hathaway wore Cushion cut diamond drop earrings by Harry Winston.
Asscher Diamonds
The Asscher cut diamond was originally produced in 1902 by two brothers in Holland. The Asscher cut is proudly named for the last name of the two brothers. As you can see, this diamond shape is a forerunner to the popular and beloved emerald cut diamond and there are some similarities. But the Asscher cut is truly a perfect square shape with large step facets, a high crown and a much smaller table. It’s this lovely Asscher cut that has grown in popularity, pushing it ahead of its cousin, the Emerald cut.
Kate Hudson has an Asscher cut diamond engagement ring.
Emerald Diamonds
The Emerald cut diamond is considered a unique cut and with its step cuts in its pavilion, it has an open table also. While it doesn’t have the deep sparkle of a brilliant cut diamond, the Emerald cut diamond has something others don’t – a stunning hall-of-mirrors effect. This quality lets both light and dark shades in to show depth and great beauty in this Emerald cut diamond. A challenge with the Emerald cut is that the type of cut easily shows any inclusions and color. The Emerald cut will always have its fans, but it is not as popular as it once was.
Eva Longoria has an Emerald cut diamond engagement ring.
Oval Diamond
Oval diamonds are modified brilliant cut (round diamond) and are similar to the round diamond as they both have true fire and brilliance. This lovely, elongated shape creates the illusion of a greater size than it truly is. The round cut still remains the most popular, but for some the oval cut is their preferred diamond.
Katie Holmes has an Oval cut diamond engagement ring.
Pear Diamond
Don’t bite into this juicy fruit! The Pear diamond is a lovely combination of a Round and Marquise shape diamond. A tapered point at the top and a solid, round bottom just like any delicious pear we know. The challenge with the Pear diamond cut is it is best for large diamonds – 5 carats and above. So while this diamond shape is admired, not everyone has access to such large, glittery gems! It is important that Pear diamonds should have “excellent” or at least “very good” symmetry.
Jessica Simpson has a Pear cut diamond engagement ring.
Marquise Diamond
Looking at the Marquise diamond, you may realize it looks like a glittery, shiny football. The Marquise diamond is known for its long and narrow cut. This gives it the wonderful illusion of a greater diamond size – something any diamond lover would appreciate. The Marquise diamond cut from carat to carat when wanting to maximize how large and lovely that diamond looks.
Catherine Zeta-Jones wears a Marquise cut diamond ring.
Heart Diamonds
The Heart is the traditional symbol of love and romance, making it quite popular with solitaire pendants and engagement rings. Heart shaped diamonds less than .50 cts are not the ideal choice as it is hard to see every detail of the Heart, especially after it is set in prongs for jewelry. Remember that the Heart diamond often looks smaller than it actually is – try to choose a larger diamond so every detail is easy to see in that sweet and romantic Heart cut diamond.
Elizabeth Taylor wore a Heart cut diamond engagement ring.
