Diamond Shapes: Pros and Cons
When selecting a diamond, one of the most important choices to make is the shape. The shape of a diamond can impact its appearance, price, and overall appeal. This article explores the pros and cons of the most popular diamonds shapes pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Round Brilliant
Pros:
- Classic and Timeless: The round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape, known for its timeless elegance.
- Maximum Sparkle: Its 58 facets are designed for optimal light reflection, resulting in exceptional brilliance and fire.
- Versatility: Works well in various settings, from solitaires to intricate halo designs.
Cons:
- Higher Price: Due to its popularity and complex cutting process, round diamonds are generally more expensive per carat compared to other shapes.
- Commonness: Its popularity means it’s less unique compared to other shapes.
Princess
Pros:
- Modern and Stylish: The princess cut is a square-shaped diamond with sharp corners, giving it a contemporary look.
- Brilliant Sparkle: Offers excellent brilliance and fire, second only to the round brilliant.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, the cost per carat is lower than the round brilliant.
Cons:
- Fragile Corners: The sharp corners are prone to chipping, requiring a protective setting.
- Limited Versatility: May not be as versatile as the round shape for certain settings.
Emerald
Pros:
- Elegant and Sophisticated: The elongated rectangular shape with step-cut facets creates a classic and understated look.
- Unique Appearance: The large table and open facets allow for a clear view of the diamond’s interior.
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive per carat compared to the round brilliant.
Cons:
- Less Sparkle: The step-cut facets offer less brilliance and fire compared to brilliant-cut diamonds.
- Shows Inclusions: The open facets make inclusions and flaws more noticeable, requiring a higher clarity grade.
Oval
Pros:
- Elongating Effect: The oval shape can create the illusion of longer, slender fingers.
- Brilliant Sparkle: Offers a level of brilliance similar to the round brilliant.
- Unique Yet Classic: A distinctive shape that still maintains a classic appeal.
Cons:
- Bow-Tie Effect: Some oval diamonds exhibit a “bow-tie” effect, a dark area across the center.
- Symmetry Challenges: Requires careful attention to symmetry during cutting.
Marquise
Pros:
- Dramatic and Distinctive: The marquise’s elongated shape with pointed ends offers a unique and striking look.
- Elongating Effect: Like the oval, it can create the illusion of longer fingers.
- Cost-Effective: Generally offers more surface area per carat, providing a larger appearance for the cost.
Cons:
- Bow-Tie Effect: Similar to the oval, marquise diamonds can exhibit a “bow-tie” effect.
- Fragile Points: The pointed ends are prone to chipping, requiring a protective setting.
Pear
Pros:
- Versatile and Elegant: The pear shape combines the round and marquise, offering a teardrop-like appearance.
- Elongating Effect: Can also create the illusion of longer fingers.
- Unique and Distinctive: Offers a unique alternative to more traditional shapes.
Cons:
- Bow-Tie Effect: Like oval and marquise shapes, it can exhibit the bow-tie effect.
- Fragile Point: The pointed end can be prone to chipping, requiring protective settings.
Cushion
Pros:
- Classic and Soft: The cushion cut has rounded corners and a pillow-like appearance, offering a soft and classic look.
- Brilliant Sparkle: Offers a high level of brilliance and fire.
- Versatile: Works well in various settings, from solitaires to halos.
Cons:
- Bulkier Appearance: The cushion cut can appear thicker and less elongated compared to other shapes.
- Less Sparkle Than Round: While it offers good brilliance, it’s not quite at the level of the round brilliant.
Conclusion
Choosing the right diamond shape depends on personal preference, budget, and desired style. While the round brilliant is the most popular lab grown diamonds, other shapes offer unique characteristics and can be more cost-effective. Consider the pros and cons of each shape to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
