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Other articles ...
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Diamond
Shapes
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Round
Round or brilliant cut diamonds are - and probably
always will be - the most popular. This shape intrinsically
allows for maximum brilliance (due to the basic
science of the stone being cut in the shape of
a triangle) when viewed side on. Basic science
tells us that the triangle reflects light better
than any other shape. The reason why a brilliant
cut is often more expensive than its counterparts
of the same quality is, very simply, because when
cutting such a stone one looses the most from the
original stone. In addition, supply and demand
shows that a round diamond is the most popular
shape; its price is dictated by customer demand.
60-70 % of all diamonds sold today are rounds.
Although
today sees stones with 88 facets - even as many
as 128 facets it is still the 58-facet cut which
leads the way. Numerous calculations have been
made and analysis as to the “ ideal” or
perfect cut, which can be seen through a variety
of imaging tools, (describing patterns such as “hearts
and arrows”).
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Princess
The Princess cut diamond is normally square but
often rectangular; its brilliance is likened to
a round brilliant. As a diamond in the rough it
often corresponds to a princess in shape. The stone
is popular with diamond cutters as it often represents
the least lost ratio when faceting the stone.
It is a fairly new cut and, unlike the new cut of
diamonds today, the original cutter who invented
the princess cut never patented his design which
has no doubt led to its massive acceptance in the
world of jewellery. It is accepted amongst most diamond
experts that - outside the round brilliant cut -
it displays the maximum brilliance. |
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Radiant
This is a modified brilliant cut; it often looks
like a princes cut with the corners cut off. It
combines both a princess and emerald cut diamond
with the vibrancy of a round or brilliant cut stone.
The stone has traditionally 70 facets unlike
the traditional brilliant cut which has 58 facets.
This diamond shape can be both square or rectangular,
with the later being more popular when choosing the
cut of diamond. |
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Pear
The Pear or teardrop shape is often found in
pendants and earrings. Some of the largest stones
found and polished have been formed into pear shaped
diamonds. As is easily seen, one side of a pear
shaped diamond resembles an oval shape whilst the
other is that of a marquise. Some stone are narrow
other broader and shorter, there are no rules when
looking at such shapes as "beauty is in
the eyes of the beholder". |
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Asscher
The Asscher cut is often described as a modified
emerald cut. Consider by many to be a very sophisticated
cut; it is like an emerald as it has that understated
elegance. Recently this shape has seen resurgence
with many a Hollywood star sporting this shape.
It often looks like a staircase moving down into
the heart of the stones centre. |
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Marquise
The Marquise cut is often described in the style
of a sleek yacht. Marquise cuts are dramatic, and
have the added effect of lengthening ones finger.
Stunning as a solitaire, it is often set with shoulder
stones, as it lends itself to the “bling” we
all love so much. |
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Heart
Where does one begin when describing this shape?
If you look at the top of a heart it is like a
pear shaped stone with a butterfly at its back.
Cutting such a stone takes enormous skill and one
should look for an even proportion on each side. |
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Oval
The Oval cut is a shape most popular when faceting
coloured gems stones, as it often allows for a
focus on depth. Like the marquise it has the effect
of lengthening fingers. It too lends itself to
complimentary shoulder stones, and is having popular
resurgence with women who love the look of a three
stone ring. |
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