Wedding rings have many different diamond cuts that help in making them unique for each couple. Below is a list of the different cut styles that you can choose from for your wedding rings.
The term ‘diamond cut’ can refer to two different things. The cut quality refers to how expertly the stone has been carved from the rough and how well it reflects light. It can also refer to the shape of the diamond. The ring is one of the most important jewelry items a couple will buy. But with so many designs to choose from, the process can sometimes seem a little confusing.
After deciding on what ring metal to use for your rings, you now have to choose the diamonds. Having trouble deciding or distinguishing between the different stone shapes? Never fear. Ahead, we’ll take a look at the different cuts and shapes of diamonds, their benefits, and the types of hands they suit.
Different Diamond Cuts
1. Asscher Cut
See Asscher Cut Diamonds: Jamesallen.com
- This was first introduced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland but did not become popular until the 1920s. This was one of the first patented cuts that went popular again among celebrities during the early 2000s.
- It is a bit similar to the emerald cut but in a square shape with larger step facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table. It features 74 facets, which means it plays off light really well. This cut will show off your investment in a major way if you purchase an above-average diamond in terms of color and clarity.
2. Cushion-Cut
See Cushion-Cut Diamonds: adiamor.com
- Also known as a pillow cut. It is most often a square shape with ‘soft’ rounded or cropped corners like a cushion. With its rounded corners and larger facets, it tends to have impeccable brilliance and clarity in appearance. It was once the most sought-after diamond style up until the beginning of the 20th century before the round cut was introduced.
- Cushion cuts look marvelous because of their incredible diamond fire and rainbow-like light reflection. It is best suits for someone who likes the lavish beauty of vintage style jewelry with a flash of modern brilliance.
3. Emerald-Cut
See Emerald-Cut Diamonds: lumeradiamonds.com
- This has long cuts to create a narrow rectangle with cropped corners, similar to an Asscher cut diamond. Made of completely straight lines which notably create a ‘hall-of-mirrors’ effect when you peer inside the stone.
- Originally used in emeralds, this rectangular cut offers long, sustained flashes of light, as opposed to the overall sparkle we see in round diamonds. A step cut, which means that the stone’s outline is rectangular, with facets much larger than those of a princess cut diamond. It is a vintage cut, which is becoming increasingly popular in recent times.
4. Heart Cut
See Heart Cut Diamonds: daimdb.com
- A unique symbol of love, popular in solitaire pendants as well as rings. Perhaps more so than any other cuts, it’s important to pay attention to the overall appearance and proportion of a heart-shaped diamond ring.
- Just make sure that you like how they will cut the cleft of the heart , as well as the wideness of the body. Be sure to also note how it’s incorporated into the setting. Its shape might require more prongs because of the irregular shape of the heart cut diamond and are necessary to protect and reinforce the stone.
5. Marquise-Cut
See Marquise-Cut Diamonds: diamonds.pro
- The name of the marquise is a nod to its origins with French royalty. Dating back to the 18th century, the name marquise is derived from the title that was above a count. Courtiers used to wear marquise cut diamonds as a symbol of their rank.
- It is essentially a narrow oval with pointed ends. This shape needs more prongs and requires a ring setting that will create a solid foundation for the stone. The marquise diamond has one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape, making it a good choice when trying to maximize perceived size.
6. Oval-Cut
See Oval-Cut Diamonds: bluenile.com
- A classic cut with a large number of facets that offers outstanding shine, much like the round diamond. It looks good on all hand shapes. It also gives the illusion of being larger than it actually is, due to its elongated shape.
- You should pay attention to the color in the center of the diamond; if it’s decidedly darker, a “bow-tie” illusion might appear when you look straight down into it (a sign that the stone is of lesser quality.
7. Pear-Cut
See Pear-Cut Diamonds: lumeradiamonds.com
- This unique and elegant cut first dates back to the 1450s. Others call it a teardrop, due to its round bottom and single point top that exude luxury and glamour. It is a combination of a marquise and round/oval cut. Because of the shape, it can also appear larger than other diamond cuts of similar weight.
- You should look for an even and well-proportioned shape. You can wear the point in either direction, although some believe it is more flattering with the tip pointed up toward your fingernails. Should possess excellent or very good symmetry – the point should line up with the apex of the rounded end, and the shoulders and wings (the upper and lower curves on the right and left side of the diamond) should form uniform symmetrical curves.
8. Princess-Cut
See Princess-Cut Diamonds: brilliantearth.com
- The name dates back to the 1960s, the princess cut was created by Betazel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz in 1980. It is the second most popular diamond shape in the United States.
- This gorgeous style of diamond is square or rectangular in shape, without the cropped corners that you see in Asscher or emerald-cut diamonds. Although similar in appearance of an Asscher cut when viewed from above, the princess features more facets toward the top, whereas the Asscher has a larger flat surface area.
- While the color of other diamond is mainly in the center, the shape shows a distinct color in each of the corners as well. It’s a modern alternative to the round cut, its square shape easily disguising inclusions, meaning it will look beautiful in all carat sizes.
9. Radiant Cut
See Radiant-Cut Diamonds: doamore.com
- Designed for lots of sparkles because of its many facets; the most dominant feature is its unique corners. The shape combines the lines of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round diamond. Some radiant cuts are square, while others edge toward a rectangular shape
- This is the first rectangular cut to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern on both the crown and pavilion. This creates a vibrant and lively diamond. The square shape is a nice bridge between a cushion and a princess cut, and for that reason looks beautiful set with both round or square edge diamonds.
10. Round Cut
See Round Cut Diamonds: bluenile.com
- The most popular and traditional diamond cut for any ring especially engagement rings. Because of the way this diamond is cut, you get plenty of sparkles because it has the most facets. Round diamonds are slightly more expensive than other diamonds because most of the rough diamond is lost when cut. Meaning its carat quality is relatively higher.
- You will have no problem finding an exhaustive selection of different settings, grades, and styles for round diamonds. Approximately 75% of all diamonds sold have this cut. Versatile and adaptable to any hand size or shape, as it always looks proportionate and does not overpower the finger.
Conclusion
Ultimately, all diamond cuts are unique and beautiful in their own way and it’s all down to personal preference. It’s all about what feels most natural and preferable on the hand. This is often why many couples choose to buy their rings together so the bride can help decide on her dream ring.
Author at Smartest Brides
Jason Wheeler is the co-founder and author of smartestbrides.com. A website that helps brides plan the wedding of their dreams in the simplest way possible.
His Expertise Includes:
- 8 years working in the wedding industry
- Owner of USA DJ a wedding service provider URL: https://usadj.org
- Former groom with first-hand experience planning his own wedding
For the better part of the last decade, Jason has personally helped countless couples create successful wedding.
Since 2018 he has devoted much of his time to creating Smartest Brides with his wife Rachel. His mission is to help remove the stress and anxiety that normally comes with wedding planning by making the process simple.
His Expertise Includes:
- 8 years working in the wedding industry
- Owner of USA DJ a wedding service provider URL: https://usadj.org
- Former groom with first-hand experience planning his own wedding
For the better part of the last decade, Jason has personally helped countless couples create successful wedding.
Since 2018 he has devoted much of his time to creating Smartest Brides with his wife Rachel. His mission is to help remove the stress and anxiety that normally comes with wedding planning by making the process simple.
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