What are the different types of diamond cuts?
Choosing a piece of Jewellery takes careful consideration, whether you’re looking to pop the question with your dream engagement ring, investing in a special piece for your own collection or buying a special gift. The cut is one of the most important considerations; it decides the whole personality of your piece and is one of the 4 C’s of diamond buying.
Diamond Cuts
Diamond Cut Quality
The diamond cut can refer both to the quality of diamond cut and to the shape of the diamond. The grade of the cut can be certified by GIA if it is a round diamond, and independently for other diamond shapes. The diamond cut impacts the amount of light that is reflected internally into the stone. An Excellent Cut creates the most sparkly diamonds. Meaning, if you value a glittering stone the most, then it’s best to opt for an excellent cut or very good cut. Choosing a low quality cut can cause the diamond to appear dull or glassy.
The grading of diamond cuts includes:
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Excellent: The very best quality cut, well proportioned and symmetrical with brilliant sparkle.
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Very good: A very good quality cut, just slightly less than Excellent, great proportions, brilliant sparkle and with it a smaller price tag.
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Good: A great choice for balancing both brilliance and value.
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Fair or Poor: Be wary of a fair or poor cut as the light can leak from the sides or bottom of the stone, reducing its overall shine.
Diamond Cut Shape
The Diamond cut can also refer to the shape of the diamond. The different shapes give your piece of jewellery its personality. Choose from a classic shape like a round cut or emerald, or opt for something a little bit different, like a marquise for a more modern look.
Round cut diamond
Also known as a round-brilliant cut, this cone shaped diamond is the most iconic style for engagement rings. With its cone shape and rounded-off top, typically, a round brilliant diamond has 58 facets – meaning it maximises light reflection and sparkle. It’s no surprise this type of diamond cut is one of the most popular choices among ring buyers, known for being the ultimate symbol of love.
Modern Intertwined Round Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDAN516RD)
Elegant Round Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDDOMR11147)
Round Diamond Shoulder Set Engagement Ring (SKU: SDAR0007)
Princess cut diamond
Another traditional style of engagement ring, this popular choice boasts sparkle through its square shape design. The pointed corners of this stone allow for an iconic, bold statement choice for any wearer. To dazzle further, choose a princess cut set on a diamond-encrusted band for ultimate sparkle. Find out more about princess cut engagement rings from our ultimate guide.
Our best selling Princess Cut diamond engagement rings
Elegant Princess Diamond Split Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX5770)
Princess Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDDOMR1140)
Princess Diamond Single Halo Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX4184)
Emerald cut diamond
With step-cut rectangular facets arranged in a parallel setting, emerald diamond cuts provide a higher clarity diamond. Finished off with smooth corners, this diamond cut is perfect for those desiring a vintage timeless look – offering a level of detail and depth that’s rarely found in other diamond cuts.
Our best selling Emerald Cut diamond engagement rings
Emerald and Marquise Diamond 5 stone Ring (SKU: SDNBS14)
Elegant Emerald and Baguette Diamond Trilogy Ring (SKU: SDMT03214)
Classic Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDMTSS691)
Oval cut diamond
Designed during the 1960s, oval cut diamonds feature a coned base and curved edges – meaning this type of diamond cut catches the light and sparkles exceptionally. For a truly timeless and beautiful engagement ring, the oval cut provides just that – with not only connotations of love and romance, but also the perfect gift for any occasion.
Our best selling Oval Cut diamond engagement rings
Oval Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDDOMR1157)
Oval Diamond Single Halo Ring (SKU: SDRX5255)
Traditional Oval Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDMTSS551)
Pear cut diamond
Dating back to the 1400s, the teardrop shaped diamond ring was designed when new techniques in diamond shaping had been introduced. Still one of the most popular choices among ring buyers in modern day, the pear cut diamond can be worn with the point of the diamond facing towards or away from the wearer.
Our best selling Pear Cut diamond engagement rings
Pear Bezel Set Solitaire Engagement Ring (SKU: SDSR1164)
Pear Diamond Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX6237)
Marquise cut diamond
Featuring an elongated shape with pointed ends, the marquise cut has a distinctive original shape for a striking engagement ring. This ring cut was also originally styled on a woman’s smile – designed with sharp ends which complement the wearer’s hand spectacularly. Typically vintage, this staple design is perfect for those who want something unique.
Our best selling Marquise diamond engagement rings
Marquise Diamond Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX6473)
Unique Marquise and Pear Diamond Trilogy Ring (SKU: SDMT03375)
Marquise and Round Diamond Single Halo Ring (SKU: SDRX5891)
Heart cut diamond
Shaped as the name describes, this heart-shaped cut is the ultimate symbol of romance. The cut of the heart diamond is a complex cut, meaning it is a rarer diamond than others. Thought to symbolise eternal romance, it has features modified from the round-brilliant cut, meaning it oozes sparkle through its multiple facets.
Our best selling Heart Cut diamond engagement rings
Heart Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDAN515HRT)
Heart Bezel Set Solitaire Engagement Ring (SKU: SDSR1165)
Heart Diamond Single Halo Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX7128)
Cushion cut diamond
A perfect alternative to a round cut or princess cut diamond, a cushion cut diamond boasts exuberant light reflection and sparkle. Choose between a more square or rectangular shape to sit on a precious metal band. A cushion cut’s soft corners are reminiscent of a pillow. It’s vintage feel is a good choice for those who want the appeal of an old mine diamond, without the price tag.
Our best selling Cushion Cut diamond engagement rings
Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring (SKU: SDSR1242)
Cushion Diamond Double Halo Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDRX4559)
Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDHJ2369)
Asscher cut diamonds
An octagonal diamond with a square shape, the asscher cut diamond is designed with layered facets. Originally, the asscher cut design has 58 facets and was never patented, featuring a high crown and a deep pavilion. This type of diamond cut gained popularity in the early 2000s following a small change to the cut technique.
Our best selling Asscher diamond engagement rings
Asscher Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDMTSS564AS)
Asscher Diamond Solitaire Ring (SKU: SDNBS9)
Asscher Diamond Hidden Halo Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDLMLT1332GAS)
Radiant cut diamonds
Designed with 70 facets, the radiant cut diamond oozes pure sparkle, combining both a square and rectangular shape, as well as the ‘brilliance’ of the round cut diamond. The radiant cut diamond was the first square cut diamond with a brilliant cut facet pattern, providing a stunning multi-stone ring style.
Our best selling Radiant Cut diamond engagement rings
Elegant Radiant Diamond Engagement Ring (SKU: SDRX7251)
Radiant Diamond Hidden Halo Shoulder Set Ring (SKU: SDLMLT1332GRA)
Elegant Radiant and Baguette Diamond Trilogy Ring (SKU: SDRX6610)
Choosing the perfect engagement ring for you can be tricky when there’s such a diverse selection of diamond cuts. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide on choosing an engagement ring to make the journey just as joyful as the ‘yes’.which can help. From choosing the ring size to engagement ring cuts, we have you covered while choosing the perfect ring for your partner.
Discover our wide selection of diamond engagement rings to choose from here at Shining Diamonds. For more information on the types of diamond cuts and shapes we have available, browse our full selection online, or visit us in our Hatton Garden showroom today!
