Ah, the four Cs, carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. Let’s talk about the cut. Now don’t get the cut and the shape confused, they aren’t exactly the same thing. When looking at diamonds the shape and cut differentiation can get a bit confusing, so we will break it down for you here. The shape of the diamond is relative to the appearance of the stone, while the cut of the diamond is relevant to the its ability to reflect light. Shapes are just that, shapes…They come in round shapes, square or cushion, rectangular (princess, emerald, oval, radiant, Asscher), pear shaped, oval shaped, heart-shaped, and marquise (like a pear shape but pointed at both ends).
As for the diamond’s cut, it’s all about the angles and the facets – their number, proportions, symmetry. These aspects affect how light reflects from out of the stone. There are various grades for a diamond’s cut, where a diamond with excellent quality that is skillfully cut will reflect immense amounts of lights from the top face (the table), and therefore appear extremely bright and dazzling. A diamond with poor grade will appear duller and lack in reflective qualities from the outer sides and bottom. The grade of the diamond, the brilliance and reflective qualities, will be determining factors of the value and the price of the diamond.
The most popular diamond shape and cut is the round brilliant style, where the princess shape is the next most-purchased diamond style. There are important reasons as to why these shapes and cuts are the most popular, and you guessed, it has to do largely with the larger amount of reflective qualities that they both embrace.
You should consider both the shape and the diamond cut when buying. There are a few important things to remember when looking, and we will lay them out for you now…
Is it complimentary to your hand?
Just like a dress or a pair of jeans, diamond cuts and shapes can be more or less flattering for your hand, the shape and length of your fingers and even the tone of your skin. If you have shorter fingers and a smaller hand, generally elongating diamonds are the most complimentary. For shorter fingers, pear shaped, marquise shaped, and oval shaped diamonds, along with a thinner band are the most flattering.
As for women with larger hands, you may want to avoid very delicate and narrow diamond shapes, such as the marquise and the emerald. Bigger and thicker shapes like heart and round are more flattering for fingers that generally have a larger circumference, whereas in opposition, they can create an unproportioned look for thinner fingers.
Is it you?
Another important quality of a ring is that it represents you and your style. Don’t get caught up choosing a ring because it’s what everyone else has, but choose a style and cut that best suits your personality and who you are. This is a way to express yourself, if it happens to be a popular cut and shape that suits you, then go for it, if it happens to be a unique and different cut and shape that suits you, then do it. It’s all about what will make you and your hand happy.
If you need more guidance in finding the right cut and shape for you, and are looking for diamond rings in Richardson, then we would love to help you out. If you need to come and try a few on, then come talk to us about our diamond rings. Here at Elite Jewelers, we’re excited to help you find the perfect diamond for you. Contact us today, and we’ll help you narrow it down (or up!)