Diamonds are a thing of beauty but trying to make sense of diamond cuts might be somewhat confusing. That is due to the mathematical process that a jeweler uses to transform that rough stone into the perfect piece. There are quite a few stages that a single stone will go through before it shines like it was meant to.
There is a lot to consider when picking a diamond cut such as style (ring, earrings, or necklace), your budget, and if it needs to be a smaller setting or a larger statement piece. The choices are vast so we have put together a list of the most common diamond cuts to help you along. Before we get to the actual shape of a diamond in a setting, let's get an understanding of what exactly the 4 C's of a diamond means.
The 4 C's Of A Diamond
The size of the rough stone actually sets the tone of what the diamond will become. Once it is weighed and measured (carat), the artisan will decide how it should be shaped (cut). The more facets that are cut into the stone, the more light will refract inside, which builds on the stone's brilliance. They will also look inside the stone to determine if there are any tiny fissure cracks, imperfections, or color tinting (clarity and color).
The 4 C's (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) of a diamond cut are then graded for quality by using the International Diamond Grading System, a scale system developed in 1953 by the Gemological Institute of America.
Types Of Diamond Cuts
Now let's look at some examples of different styles of diamond cuts and what makes them so amazing.
1. Emerald Cut
Its fairly straightforward rectangle shape with long step-up facets makes the emerald cut diamond look deeper than it actually is. Clarity and color are characteristics that need special attention with its tabletop surface as they will be easier to see. But make no mistake, it's classic design is what makes this cut such an incredible marvel. With the 4 C's in mind, the average price for a 1-carat emerald cut diamond ring is $700 - $5,000.
Click here to see this Houston Diamond District's 1 carat Emerald Cut Diamond ring on Amazon.
2. Oval Cut
If you are looking for something a little more unique, consider the oval cut diamond. The shape naturally elongates the ring finger while adding just the right amount of brilliance and shine. Their durability is ranged on the high side. The oval shape creates an illusion of the stone being larger and deeper than it actually is. With a price range of $1,000 - $4,000 for 1 carat, it is hard to deny it's beauty.
Click here to see this Houston Diamond District's 1.1 carats Oval Cut Diamond Ring on Amazon.
3. Pear Cut
Pear cut diamonds are a unique alternative to round or oval cut diamonds. They offer deep brilliance through carefully placed facets throughout the stone while appearing larger due to the increased surface size. They are durable and classic. They can also be grouped into fantastic settings. The price for a 1 carat stone averages between $800 - $5,000 depending on the setting and the 4 C's.
Click here to see this Rosec Jewels 1/4 carat Pear Cut Flower Diamond Ring on Amazon.
4. Round Brilliant
The Round Brilliant cut diamond is by far the most recognizable cut diamond in the world. It is also the most versatile in size, weight, and price. In fact, some of the most famous diamonds in history are Round Brilliant cuts. It is cone-shaped and contains over 57 facets, which create its deep brilliance. It is not hindered by stone size, and its durability is unparalleled. The 4 C's play a big part in the average cost of a 1 carat stone and can range between $1,000 and $12,000.
Click here to see this Pompeii3 1/2 carat round brilliant diamond ring on Amazon.
5. Princess Cut
The Princess cut diamond is actually a very deep inverted pyramid and is crafted much like the Round Brilliant cut diamond. Although it's durability is not as high as other diamond cuts, the depth and fire can be remarkable. It is a favorite of people who are on a tighter budget. The average cost for a 1 carat stone ranges between $900 and $8,000 depending on the stone's attributes.
Click here to see La4ve 1/2 carat, 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring on Amazon.
6. Marquise Cut
The Marquise cut diamond is an elongated shape with points on each end that resembles the shape of a boat. It also has the greatest amount of face-up area when compared to other diamond cuts but is more shallow in its design. This allows it to look much larger than it actually is while making the finger look more slender. This medium durability cut price typically ranges between $800 and $4,000 for a 1 carat stone.
Click here to see this 1 carat Marquise Cut Engagement Ring by Glitz Designs on Amazon.
7. Cushion Cut
A Square cut diamond with rounded corners, the Cushion cut diamond is the closest to resembling a Round Brilliant cut. The larger facets make it appear deeper with less brilliance while retaining the fire and sparkle. With a higher durability rating than other diamond cuts, this soft romantic cut averages $700 and $4,000 for a 1 carat stone, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Click here to see Szul's 2 1/2 carat Cushion Cut Bridal Set on Amazon.
8. Radiant Cut
This unique cut is a variation on the Emerald cut with its rectangle shape but has the rounded corners of the Cushion cut and a Princess cut's depth. Its softer design offers an antique flair reminiscent of Old Hollywood. It has a medium to high durability rating with an average price range between $2,000 and $15,000 for a high graded 1 carat stone.
Click here to see Houston Diamond District's 1.05-carat radiant cut diamond ring on Amazon.
9. Asscher Cut
An Asscher cut diamond offers something unique from any other diamond cut. The single most recognized quality for an Asscher cut diamond is the step-up facets that create the look of extreme depth with a house of mirrors effect. With this type of cut, it's all about the clarity of the diamond, which makes it a more rare option. It is normally fashioned in a square or rectangle shape with soft corners. For a high clarity 1 carat stone, the average cost is between $2,000 and $10,000 but can exceed well over $15,000 for a near-perfect stone.
Click here to see Diamond Wish's 1/3 carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring on Amazon.
10. Baguette Cut
The Baguette cut is unique because it is the shape of an Emerald cut but long and narrow. It is normally used as an accent stone in a larger grouping of stones, such as an eternity band, but a lot can be said for its petite simplicity. It has shallow depth with smaller step-up facets and is a popular favorite in minimalist styles. With high clarity and lower durability ratings, the price range for this versatile stone averages between $250 and $5,000, depending on the stone size and arrangement.
Click here to see this Ross-Simons 0.20-carat Baguette Cut Diamond Ring on Amazon.
11. Unique Cuts
The world of diamond cutting has certainly changed over the years. Modern artisans continue to push the envelope by creating some of the most fascinating diamond cuts ever to grace the diamond market. Considering a diamond cut in the shape of a star, heart, kite, or triangle? You can find it and many others that you could only dream of. They are rarer than what you might find in the major market, so looking to a custom artisan for a specialized cut might be the best option for something more unique.
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And speaking of unique diamond cuts, did you know that you can have great grandma's stone cut into another shape altogether? You can also convert a diamond stone from a ring into a pendant and vice-versa. There really are no bounds with the versatility of diamond cuts. You can find out more information on this process by speaking to a certified jeweler or artisan.
Simulated Diamond Cuts
We should also note that all (or nearly all) diamond cuts can also be found in simulated lab-created diamonds, making them easier on the budget and, in some cases, nearly impossible to discern from the real thing. They have certainly come a long way from when they were first introduced into the market in the mid-1980s.
Click here to see this Thelanda's 1 carat, Lab-Created Diamond Cut Ring on Amazon.
Stone Settings Enhance Diamond Cuts
There is a lot to look at when it comes to stone settings, but the setting has a dual purpose in regards to diamond cuts. First and foremost, it holds your main stone(s) in place. The second purpose of a setting is to frame your stone if it is a multi-stone setting. The surrounding stones in your setting can enhance your main stone's beauty by bringing out qualities of the diamond cut that you wouldn't necessarily see in a single setting.
Click here to see Houston's Diamond District's 1.01 Cushion Cut Diamond ring on Amazon.
We hope that our list of diamond cuts has helped you better understand diamond cuts.
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