Understanding diamond shape and cuts
If you’re a first time diamond buyer, then understanding the complexities of diamond shape and cut might feel like a minefield to navigate. However, here at Australian Diamond Company, we’re always on hand to help you make an informed decision when it comes to making this extra special investment.
Discover more about diamond shape and diamond cut in this comprehensive guide, and pick a piece of jewellery that ticks all of the boxes!
What does diamond cut refer to?
Diamonds are known for their undeniable shimmer, and this property comes from the stones’ ability to reflect light. Diamond cut is the characteristic that allows the stone to reflect light in just the right way, garnering a lot of adoration in the process.
A diamond cut defines the symmetry and proportions of the gem, but to simplify this, diamond cut often refers to the diamond shape. When an experienced gem cutter works with a diamond, they make sure that every facet of the diamond interacts perfectly with the light that falls on it.
Types of diamond shapes
There are various diamond shapes to choose from, and they all boast their own unique beauty. From princess, to oval, marquise, and heart, each diamond shape features distinctive, charming characteristics.
The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape globally, mainly because the shape intensifies the sparkle by reflecting most of the light falling on it. However, creating a round cut diamond isn’t easy — the gem cutter has to remove over half of the stone to achieve a round brilliant diamond, and this careful cutting work makes this particular shape an expensive option.
We recommend browsing the types of diamond shapes that we have in person, as this way, you’ll get the best understanding of the differences between each. Our diamond shapes make dazzling centrepieces for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, so you can find a stone that complements exactly what you’re looking for.
Things to consider with a diamond cut chart
At Australian Diamond Company, we understand that shopping for a diamond is an intensely personal process, made all the more difficult if you’re buying a precious stone for a loved one. While you may need to ask some questions to understand your special someone’s preferences, we can almost guarantee you that sparkle is always one of the key selling points — and it’s bound to leave your lover speechless, too!
As we’ve established, diamond cut has the greatest influence on the overall sparkle of the precious stone you’re eyeing up. Even diamonds with a flawless clarity grade (no inclusions or blemishes) can appear dull or glassy if the cut is too deep or shallow. As a rule of thumb, we’d always suggest choosing the highest diamond cut grade that you can with the budget you have.
There’s a couple of other things to consider when you’re looking for the ideal diamond cut, and these include:
- Check the high quality image of the diamond closely before you buy — we’ve made assessing diamond cut online slightly easier with our consultations and digital comparison tools, so check these out.
- Get a gage of how symmetrical the diamond is, and avoid picking a diamond that has any dark spots again, if you’re buying online it may be worth arranging to see the diamond in store, as dark spots may only reflect from certain angles, and a camera may not necessarily pick this up.
- Avoid too shallow or too deep cut diamonds — your diamond can actually appear dull and less vibrant if it is cut too deep, so ask an expert for their take on this. Similarly, if a diamond is cut too shallow, it can exhibit a phenomenon known as ‘fish-eye’ wherein a crazed, dull segment appears within the stone.
- Find out if the diamond comes with a GIA certificate — A diamond with a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certificate has been assessed under globally followed grading rules, meaning they’re the best possible quality.
If you’re planning on creating a bespoke wedding or engagement ring, our team of experts will be able to give you plenty of guidance on choosing the right shape and cut, depending on your loved ones preferences. Whether you make the most of an in-store consultation with us, or if you prefer to use our virtual appointment service, we’re always happy to help. Contact us today to find out more.
