Choosing the ideal diamond shape
The shape of a rough diamond crystal is octahedral. The cutter
must cut in such a way as to maximize its weight , brilliance
and minimize its flaws. The diamond
cut influences the value of the diamond.
About 75% of all diamond sold are round brilliant. There are
other shapes like emerald, princess, oval, marquise, heart ,
pear shape.
The round brilliant gives the most brilliance . Its facet and
proportion has been perfected using science and mathematical
analysis conducted by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. Modified
brilliants have the same facets and facet arrangement. The
following are all modified brilliants: marquise, heart, oval and
pear shape.
Step cut diamonds do not sparkle as much as the brilliant cut
diamonds. However they highlight the clarity of the diamond. If
there are any inclusions these will be visible. Example of step
cut is the emerald shape.
The mixed cut is a combination of the brilliant and step cut.
The step cut is applied on the crown while the brilliant cut is
given to the pavilion. An example of this cut is the Princess
cut.
Contrary to expectations, fancy cut diamonds is more affordable
than the brilliant round cut diamond. This is because they are
cut to maximize their weight. There is less cutting and waste
for a princess cut. A rough diamond cut into a brilliant round
may only yield half a carat compared to another 50% more carat
for fancy cut diamonds.
You also need to consider the shape of your hands. If you have
short fingers or small hands wearing a marquise or oval shape
diamond ring will wear your fingers look longer.
Pear shaped diamonds tend to be used for pendant and earrings
such as these diamo
nd pear shape earrings.
If you are concerned about clarity and color then go for the
brilliant round as it covers these flaws well with its
brilliance. On the other hand inclusions and poorer coloration
is most obvious in the emerald shape since its shape is the most
uncluttered of all.Therefore, it is imperative to pick a higher
quality emerald shape diamond if you are interested in this
shape.
If you are a romantic at heart and want a diamond to symbolize
your love to your spouse , consider getting a hear
t shape diamond. It is actually a pear shape with a cleft at
the top.
The size of a diamond is also affected by the shape of the
diamond. A one carat emerald diamond with a bigger table and
less depth give an appearance of bigger size diamond than a two
carat brilliant round with a smaller table but greater depth.