Diamonds are certainly precious gemstones. It has been formed in the mantle of the Earth for millions of years due to extreme heating and pressure. Diamonds have been the symbol of affluence and romance, for ages. In 2021, the global diamond market was estimated to be valued at USD 94.96 billion. The global diamond market value is projected to reach USD 139.91 billion by 2030. If you want to buy a diamond, cut and shape are certainly among two secret elements to its spectacular beauty.
The shape of the diamond also exerts a strong influence on the weight and size of the object. The ‘brilliance’ of a diamond is a term used to describe a sparkling look, and refers to the intense reflection of white light off the facets of the diamond to be seen by humans as sparkling. Fire is a dispersion of white light through the diamond, which produces spectral colors, much like a prism diffuses the white light into rainbow colors.
Different Shapes of Diamond
The shapes of the diamonds are different depending upon the appearance of the diamond. The following are the types of diamonds:
- Round Diamond: The Round Diamond, or Brilliant Cut Diamond, is the most widely used diamond shape for engagement rings. Dispersion of light is maximum in this type of diamond. There are 58 facets of this type of diamond. These diamonds are mostly worn as solitaires and as rings.
- Princess cut diamond: It is known for supreme clarity. It is the second most popular type of diamond after the round type, due to the excellent brilliance and fire.
- Emerald Cut Diamond: The name of this type of diamond originated because this type of cut was originally done for emeralds. This diamond has a central rectangular facet and 6 sided cuts on one end.
- Cushion Cut Diamond: Cushion cut diamond features a rounded, pillow-like appearance. Just like round diamonds, there are 58 facets of the cushion-cut diamond. However, cushion-cut diamonds provide a more classic presence.
- Pear-shaped diamond: Pear shaped diamond is a much lesser common shape. However, with unusual dimensions, it possesses the brilliance of the round shape.
- Marquise-Cut diamond: It is recognized for its unique boat-shaped features. Typically a classic shape is used as a diamond engagement ring. The cutting process is similar to the round diamond. However, due to the shape and outline, color flaws are more noticeable compared to the round ones.
- Heart-shaped diamond: It is considered one of the most romantic diamond shapes. Like the name suggests, this type of diamond looks like the “heart”. In this type of diamond, symmetry is extremely crucial. While buying heart shaped diamond, go for the three-prong and bezel arrangement.
- Asscher cut diamond: Asscher cut or “Square Emerald” is distinguished by the cropped-up corners, giving it an octagonal presence. Due to its clarity, you can see through the stone.
- Radiant cut diamond: It is a blend of the rectangular shape with a more traditional round cut diamond.
- Oval diamond: It is a variation of the most popular cut, which is the round shape.
Shape of the Diamond and the Sparkle
The shape of a diamond affects its brilliance, fire, and sparkle. Different shapes have varying facet arrangements, which affect the diamond’s ability to interact with light. This will be a guide of diamond shapes, as can be seen on the Best Brilliance website for example, which will surely help you to choose the right kind of diamond for any special occasion.
Round diamonds due to the symmetrical facet pattern, reflect the most light, thereby maximizing brilliance. Whereas shapes with more angular or elongated facets, disperse light into colorful flashes, maximizing fire. Moreover, shapes like the brilliant cut, radiant cut, and marquise cut diamond create a strong sparkle due to the facet arrangement.
How does the cut of the diamond affect sparkle?
The cut of the diamond will determine how light interacts with it, which brings in the brilliance. It is really about proper proportions and angles to make sure light is reflected within the diamond while coming out of the top. If the cut is shallow or deep, then much of the light escapes, thus giving a compromised brilliance. In addition to the perfect and right proportions that ensure brilliance in the diamond, symmetry is also key. Well-set facets make sure that the light is redirected evenly, thus having a great effect on the brilliance overall.
