Every diamond tells a story. Like a silent whisper from the past, its cut captures centuries of art, elegance, and passion. Whether you’re cherishing a moment or making a bold statement, the diamond cut you choose speaks volumes about your feelings and style.

A diamond’s brilliance, determined by its cut, reflects its ability to capture light. A well-cut diamond will capture and reflect light, seemingly glowing from within and giving off an entrancing sparkle. A poorly cut diamond might appear dull or lackluster, regardless of its other qualities.

At Keezing Kreations take pride in crafting countless breathtaking diamond cut designs. We share our knowledge of the most popular diamond cuts, the most special ones for engagement, what makes each diamond cut unique, why cut/shape matters, and how to choose a diamond cut.

Cut vs. Shape: What’s the Difference?

Though used interchangeably, ‘cut’ and ‘shape’ have distinct meanings in the diamond world. Understanding the difference is important for both sellers and buyers.

Shape:

  • Refers to the appearance or overall silhouette of the diamond.
  • It’s the first thing most people notice and is often the primary factor when choosing a diamond for aesthetic reasons.
  • Shapes can range from round to square, oval to marquise, and many others in between.
  • Each shape has unique characteristics and appeals to different tastes.

Cut:

  • Refers to how well the diamond has been crafted from its rough form, influencing its overall brilliance.
  • It includes factors like symmetry, proportion, and polish.
  • The quality of the cut plays a role in determining the diamond’s overall beauty and value.

The shape appeals to our aesthetics and emotions, while the cut determines how brilliantly a diamond will shine.

Most Popular Diamond Cuts

Each diamond cut has a unique history and character, influencing ring trends every year. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference, as each cut speaks to individual tastes, stories, and moments that are as timeless as the diamonds themselves.

While these rings hold immeasurable sentimental value, the diamond’s cut significantly influences its appearance, brilliance, and desirability.

Round Brilliant Cut

A classic choice with unmatched sparkle.

Origin: Originating from 17th-century European cuts, Marcel Tolkowsky established its modern form in the early 20th century.

Characteristics: Boasting 57 or 58 facets and a circular girdle, its symmetrical design gives maximum light reflection.

Popularity: Its timeless allure makes it the top choice for engagement rings and various jewelry items, accounting for up to 75% of all diamonds sold.

Princess Cut

It’s a modern, square favorite.

Origin: Although not linked to any royalty, “princess” cut started in the 1960s and suggests elegance and grandeur.

Characteristics: Square or rectangular with pointed corners, known for its modern flair.

Popularity: Loved for engagement rings and earrings, it resonates with the modern and fashion-forward.

Oval Cut

A larger, modern twist on Round.

Origin: Crafted in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan.

Characteristics: Its elongated rounded shape gives the illusion of a larger diamond and offers a flattering effect on the hand.

Popularity: Widely chosen for engagement rings and pendant necklaces due to its modern appeal.

Cushion Cut

A soft, pillow-like shape with a vintage appeal.

Origin: With over 200 years of history, it was designed to sparkle under candlelight, giving it the name “candlelight diamond.”

Characteristics: Rounded corners resembling a pillow, known for its vintage charm and romantic glow.

Popularity: Its romantic, antique appearance bridges classic and contemporary tastes.

Emerald Cut

Vintage style with step cuts.

Origin: Tracing back to the 1500s, its name nods to the preferred cut for emeralds.

Characteristics: Distinguished by step cuts and a rectangular shape, showcasing a subtle, elegant sparkle.

Popularity: A popular choice for those who value elegance over brilliance.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

A symbol of love.

Origin: Where it originated is currently undocumented, but its symbolism is clear.

Characteristics: A pear diamond with a notable top cleft, often called a “fancy cut”. Colored versions are increasingly popular.

Popularity: Symbolic of love and commitment, it’s a unique choice for those seeking something out-of-the-ordinary.

Asscher Cut

An octagonal shape that shines brilliantly.

Origin: Crafted in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers from Holland.

Characteristics: It has a unique octagonal shape that brilliantly captures and reflects light.

Popularity: Rising in popularity with modern brides and jewelry collections since the early 2000s.

Trillion Diamonds (Triangular Diamonds)

Unique triangular design.

Origin: Created by Henry Meyer Diamond Company in 1978.

Characteristics: Comprising three equal, slightly curved sides, its geometry gives the name, “triangular diamonds.”

Popularity: Regularly used to accentuate other cuts and growing in popularity in modern engagement rings.

Marquise Diamonds

A long, boat-like design.

Origin: Inspired by Marquise de Pompadour’s lips for the French King Louis XIV’s court.

Characteristics: Its boat-like elongated design is both flattering and attention-grabbing.

Popularity: Often found gracing elongated jewelry pieces and solitaire rings, it’s undeniably elegant.

Pear Diamonds

Shaped like a tear-drop.

Origin: A beautiful blend of round and marquise cuts.

Characteristics: A well-crafted pear diamond is a gem. Its unique teardrop shape exudes versatility and beauty.

Popularity: Celebrated in pendants, earrings, and rings alike, its elegance is timeless.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

A modern blend of Round and Emerald Cuts.

Origin: Created in the late 20th century, it merges the brilliance of Round Cuts with the Emerald Cut’s shape.

Characteristics: Angular yet brilliantly dazzling, it’s a modern masterpiece.

Popularity: Quickly becoming a go-to for modern brides and jewelry lovers.

Top 5 Diamond Cuts for Engagement Rings

Engagement rings symbolize love, commitment, and a shared future. Over the years, there have been trends in popularity, what to look for, how much to spend, and anything else that falls under the engagement ring category.

Here are the top 5 diamond cuts for engagement rings:

  • Round Brilliant Cut
  • Princess Cut
  • Oval Cut
  • Emerald Cut
  • Heart Shaped Diamonds

Choosing the Right Diamond Cut

Selecting the perfect diamond is an intimate experience. Whether it’s for an engagement, an anniversary, or just to celebrate oneself, the cut of the diamond plays a role in determining its overall appeal and how it complements the wearer.

  • Learn about the 4Cs (Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat).
  • Consult with an expert for advice.
  • Look for a sustainable cut with an authentic story.
  • View under different light conditions.
  • Take your time, do your research, and lean into your intuition.

For an in-depth guide, explore our blog post ‘How to buy diamonds’.

Conclusion

In the heart of every diamond lies a story waiting to be told. Diamond cuts are a reflection of individual style, personality, and personal connections. They symbolize feelings we have for our loved ones, capturing moments and turning them into memories. Whether you prefer the classic Round Brilliant Cut or the symbolic Heart-Shaped Diamond, let your choice be more than just a stone and a reflection of your innermost desires and feelings.

At Keezing Kreations, our decades-long experience in handling diamonds showcases the sparkle, brilliance, and shimmer that life’s most significant moments deserve! With the finest quality diamonds in Boston at competitive prices and 40 years of experience creating custom jewelry items designed to spark both sparkle and joy, you can trust our jewelers to help you find the diamond of your dreams.

Contact us today to find a diamond cut of your dreams. Call 617-650-9934 or email dkeezing@keezingkreations.com.