For centuries, the round diamond has reigned as the darling of the jewelry world, capturing hearts with its scintillating sparkle and timeless allure. Its classic appeal has made it the ultimate preference of diamond wearers for centuries. While one can always circle back to this traditional shape, a new era of glittering possibilities has emerged, offering an array of captivating options to explore for rings, necklaces, and earrings than ever before.
Fancy-shaped diamonds (encompassing any diamond shape other than round) are captivating the hearts of diamond lovers worldwide. These alluring and exciting alternatives are casting a fresh sparkle on the jewelry world. Each fancy shape possesses its own distinct look, sparkle, and identity while providing a unique twist on a diamond’s most beloved feature: its dazzling brilliance. With their unmatched skill, diamond cutters are transforming rough diamond crystals into a stunning variety of shapes that will leave you breathless.
Among the plethora of options available, choosing just one can be a daunting task. However, several popular shapes have emerged as frontrunners in the world of luxury jewelry. The cushion-cut, the emerald-cut, and the oval, each vastly different from one another, appeal to individuals for various reasons. Let’s explore a few of the most popular fancy shapes:
Cushion-Cut: Impeccable Brilliance & Timeless Charm
Sometimes referred to as a pillow-cut diamond, the cushion cut earns its name from its plush shape. Renowned for their rounded corners and larger facets, cushion-cut diamonds boast impeccable brilliance and clarity. Available in both square and rectangular shapes, they offer a mesmerizing display of light.
Oval: Classic Elegance with a Modern Twist
The oval diamond exudes a classic appearance with a contemporary edge, making it a popular choice across all types of gems, especially engagement rings. Its sparkle is reminiscent of the round brilliant cut, but its elongated shape showcases its size in a larger and more captivating way, making it an easy and elegantly feminine shape to adore.
Emerald-Cut: Timeless Beauty in Every Facet
Emerald-cut diamonds possess a unique optical appearance, thanks to the rectangular facets step-cut into the diamond’s pavilion. This cut beautifully showcases the diamond’s clarity, accentuating inclusions, and color due to its large rectangular table. The emerald-cut exudes a timeless appeal, providing a subtly stunning alternative to the round shape.
Pear-Shaped: A Rare Treasure
A properly cut pear-shaped diamond is a rare and special find. Its unique asymmetrical shape poses a challenge for diamond cutters, making it one of the most coveted diamonds. While other shapes follow basic symmetrical geometries, the pear shape combines the brilliance of a round diamond with the elongated elegance of a marquise cut. The result is a distinctive tear-drop shape, radiating femininity with its stunning and elegant design.
Square Splendor: Princess and Radiant Cuts
The square shape has two popular cuts, the princess cut and the radiant. Introduced in the 1960s, the princess cut has steadily gained popularity over the years. It appeals to women seeking a traditional shape with a contemporary twist, offering a perfect blend of timeless and modern aesthetics.
The radiant-cut diamond merges elements of the cushion and princess cuts, boasting a square shape with beveled corners. Its vibrant and lively appearance produces a sparkle akin to the stunning cushion-cut. Additionally, it can be found in an elongated form similar to the emerald cut, but with a heightened brilliance that captivates all who behold it.
Buying a Fancy: Celebrating Your Style
When evaluating fancy-shaped diamonds, graders consider factors such as color and clarity, much like they would for round diamonds. However, there is no universal agreement on what makes each fancy shape beautiful; it becomes a matter of personal taste. In contrast, round diamonds are assigned specific cut grades based on their proportion, symmetry, and polish. Think of fancy shapes as embodying the phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” With fancy shapes, the general shape, sparkle, and pattern take precedence in determining their beauty and appeal. Let the allure of fancy-shaped diamonds light up your world as you indulge in the captivating beauty they offer. With their dazzling array of shapes and mesmerizing brilliance, these diamonds are poised to make an indelible mark on the world of luxury jewelry.
In this era of boundless choices, dare to deviate from the traditional and embrace the extraordinary. Allow me to guide you through the vast spectrum of diamond shapes, helping you discover one that truly resonates with your unique style!