DIAMONDS: WHAT SHAPE?

To answer this question, let's consider some of the factors that will determine what shape diamond is best for you.

YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE:

This should play the greatest role in your choice. There is no point in wearing a diamond if you don't like its looks. However, most people like more than one shape. Therefore it's helpful for them to know how the various shapes affect a diamond's brilliance, apparent size and price.

THE AMOUNT OF BRILLIANCE AND SPARKLE YOU WANT YOUR DIAMOND TO DISPLAY:

ROUND BRILLIANT

The shape and cutting style that shows the most brilliance and sparkle is the round brilliant. This is probably the single biggest reason why round diamonds under three carats are more popular than any other shape.

EMERALD CUT DIAMOND

Emerald cuts have less sparkle than brilliant cuts, but many people like their sleek, elegant look.

PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND

People who would prefer a rectangular or square diamond with more sparkle can buy a Quadrillion, Radiant or princess cut.

OVAL CUT DIAMOND

The Oval is an adaptation of the round brilliant and appears larger than a round stone of the same carat weight.

Even though fancy shapes are normally not as brilliant as rounds, when they are cut properly, they can display a great deal of brilliance.

PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND

The pear shape is the English name for the French pendalogue which is related to our word pendant.

MARQUISE DIAMOND

The Marquise shape is the name given to the diamond shape that is long and pointed at both ends.

HEART SHAPE DIAMOND

The heart shape is perhaps the most romantic of what are known as the fancy shapes.

HOW MUCH YOU WANT YOUR DIAMOND TO WEIGH:

In sizes over three carats, fancy-shape diamonds often outsell round diamonds. This is because many people think that large, fancy-shape diamonds look more elegant and less pretentious than large round ones. If you are buying a big diamond, see how the various shaped diamonds look on your hand. Then make your choice.

HOW BIG YOU WANT YOUR DIAMOND TO LOOK:

A lot of people want their diamond to look as big as possible, even if it doesn't weigh much. Fancy shapes generally look bigger than round diamonds of equal weight, particularly if they are elongated like the marquise and pear.

The Trielle is also known for looking bigger than it weighs. The people that market it claim that it looks nearly 50% larger than a round brilliant diamond of the same weight because it is cut wide and shallow.

THE SHAPE AND SIZE OF YOUR HAND:

The shape of your diamond can give the illusion that your hand looks longer or shorter than it is. For example, a long, thin diamond set lengthwise along your finger can make your hand look longer and thinner. A broad diamond or long one set horizontally across your finger can make your hand look broader and shorter. Try on a few shapes and see which one flatters your hand the most.

THE COLOUR AND CLARITY OF THE DIAMOND (how flawed it is):

The shape and cutting style that can best mask flaws and yellow tints is the round brilliant. In emerald cuts and baguettes, the flaws become the most obvious. What this means is that a low quality, less expensive, round brilliant can look very good to the naked eye, whereas a step-cut rectangular or triangular diamond of the same quality might look unacceptable.

THE AVAILABILITY OF THE SHAPES:

Even if you like a specific shape, you may find that there is a very poor selection in the size or quality you want to buy. For example, you might have a hard time finding a well-shaped one-carat marquise and end up buying another shape instead. If you have your heart set on a specific shape, ask us to find it for you. We can find the diamond that meets your needs, but give us the time we need to find it!

YOUR PURPOSE FOR BUYING THE DIAMOND - PLEASURE OR INVESTMENT:

If you're buying a diamond for personal pleasure, any shape you like can be a good choice. But if resale for profit is your goal, you need to consider what shapes are most in demand and are likely to stay in demand. If the diamond is less than three carats in weight, you are more likely to find a buyer for a round diamond. For stones over three carats, you will probably find it hard to find an immediate buyer no matter what shape you buy, mainly because so few people can afford investment quality diamonds that size. However, fancy shapes might be a better choice for stones over three carats since they tend to outsell large diamonds.

Please note that the above is mostly for those considering diamond solitaires.

(Extracted from the "Diamond Ring Buying Guide" by Renee Newman.)

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