Shapes of diamonds vary in popularity, and different cuts tend to get trendy or less popular as fashion changes. There are numerous shapes into which diamonds can be cut, which can help fit the demand of any type of setting. Currently round brilliant, princess, and radiant cuts are the most desirable diamonds, but every person will have their own preference.
Round diamonds can actually be cut in several ways, which can affect their sparkle. Round brilliant diamonds in the modern brilliant cut style have 58 facets, greatly increasing their ability to show play of color and light. A single cut round diamond is actually deceptive in name and has 18 cuts. This type of cut is generally used on diamonds less than a carat in size.
The Swiss cut round has 34 facets, and represents a diamond in between, in terms of light reflection, of the single and brilliant. Rose cut round diamonds have a very different shape. They have a flat bottom, and are raised to come to a point at the top. It is rather like wearing one’s diamond’s upside down. However, the rose cut can add drama to the smallest of diamonds.
Oval diamonds are really a variant of the round brilliant. They are essentially slightly elongated through the middle of the diamond and rounded at the corners. They can make the diamond seem larger, and may have numerous facets for greater reflection. The marquise is essentially the opposite of the oval. It is rounded through the middle and comes to a point at the two opposite ends.
Pear shaped diamonds are hybrids between marquise and oval cuts. They are rounded, and oval, but have a marquise point on the top of the diamond. A variant of the pear cut is the heart shape. Instead of bringing the diamond to a point at the top of the pear, the top is notched to create a heart shape. This cut is most often popular with less valuable gemstones than diamonds.
Emerald cut diamonds protect the points of the stone by rounding them off. This is a square or rectangular cut quite popular in vintage jewelry. The shape does not allow for many facets, making emerald cut diamonds not as popular today. A square cut that is fairly new, and quite popular is the princess cut diamond. Princess cut diamonds have similar faceting work to the round brilliants, but are almost square in shape.
New work in cutting diamonds has also produced radiant diamonds , which are emerald/princess combos. The top of the diamond does have the softened and dropped edges of the emerald cut. However, the radiant also contains numerous facets giving it plenty of light reflection. Because of the extra cutting work, both on the face and back of the diamond, this cut is one of the more expensive to purchase.
Baguette diamonds are cut on the top only, in a rectangular shape. They are cut in layers so the top part of the diamond is higher than the layers or steps the cutting produces. Some describe the baguette cut as a pyramid style of cutting. Like the emerald cut, the baguette has lost popularity since the advent of the princess and the radiant.