The step cut is the simpler one, and it involves making gradual incisions to create "steps" along the surface of the diamond. The common shape resulting from this cut is the rectangular, emerald shape. While not as brilliant as the brilliant cut diamond, the step cut diamond has an elongated, classic look.
The brilliant cut diamond uses angled incisions designed to maximize the stone's internal light refraction, thus making it the more brilliant of the two cuts (hence the name). The shape naturally produced by this cut is the round shape, by far the most popular one today, used often on engagement rings.
Modifying and combining these two basic cuts enable jewelers to come up with a variety of diamond shapes. Here are a few common diamond shapes.
The Marquis Diamond
Purportedly inspired by the shape of the smile of the Marquis de Pompadour, and commissioned by Louis XIV, King of France, the marquis diamond is elongated and comes to a sharp point at either end.
Purportedly inspired by the shape of the smile of the Marquis de Pompadour, and commissioned by Louis XIV, King of France, the marquis diamond is elongated and comes to a sharp point at either end.
The Radiant Cut Diamond
These combine the step cut and the brilliant cuts equally. The result is a rectangular shaped diamond with more rounded corners and increased brilliance. The radiant cut diamond has 70 facets to maximize refraction.
These combine the step cut and the brilliant cuts equally. The result is a rectangular shaped diamond with more rounded corners and increased brilliance. The radiant cut diamond has 70 facets to maximize refraction.
Princess Diamond
The most popular of the fancy shaped diamonds, the princess diamond has a sharp-edged, square oblong shape, which uses a modified brilliant cut rather than the step cut to achieve a high brilliance.
The most popular of the fancy shaped diamonds, the princess diamond has a sharp-edged, square oblong shape, which uses a modified brilliant cut rather than the step cut to achieve a high brilliance.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion diamonds are shaped like a rectangular or square pillow, sides rounded and a small indentation in the underside. Cushion diamonds were popular decades ago, but cutters discontinued their production so that they became associated with antique stores and estate sales. They have a lot of depth and cutters have started to make them again in recent years.
Cushion diamonds are shaped like a rectangular or square pillow, sides rounded and a small indentation in the underside. Cushion diamonds were popular decades ago, but cutters discontinued their production so that they became associated with antique stores and estate sales. They have a lot of depth and cutters have started to make them again in recent years.
Heart Shaped Diamonds
Heart shaped diamonds are popular romantic alternatives to round diamonds. They are difficult to cut, so their quality depends on the skill of the jeweler who made it.
Heart shaped diamonds are popular romantic alternatives to round diamonds. They are difficult to cut, so their quality depends on the skill of the jeweler who made it.
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