Stone Shapes

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 diamond- Cuts of Diamonds

All diamonds are judged by cut, clarity, color and carats. You can purchase a two carat stone that has good color and clarity, but if the cut is poor, your stone is much less valuable. All our Diamonds are cut to Ideal "Hearts and Arrows" specifications for maximum fire and brilliance.

Round Cut

Round cuts have evolved into what is known as the round brilliant cut. This is an exceptionally popular cut of diamonds and today the cut represents 75% of all diamonds that are purchased. The round brilliant will generally be the most expensive cut because more of the rough stone is used to produce this unique shape. To the naked eye, a round brilliant cut resembles a small cone from the girdle down. By cutting the diamond in this particular way more light is reflected through the top of the stone.

We cut all round brilliants with 58-facets, although some jewelers stick with 57. The cuts (or facets) are divided among its crown (top), girdle (middle top) and pavilion (base). With the round brilliant cut stones are superbly proportioned meaning light can enter from varied directions and angles. It is in the nature of a diamond that light paths can reflect more than twice within the same cut. This cut is also known for its fire and exceptional reflection.

Princess Cut

If the buyer is looking for the fire of the round brilliant but wants a different shape, the princess cut may be a superb choice. The top of the stone is square yet the bottom of the stone is cut into an inverted pyramid. This allows all the light to enter as it does with the round brilliant. Because the top of the stone is square and not round, less of the rough stone is cut away. The princess cut can be less expensive per carat than a round brilliant because there is less waste in the cutting process of the rough stone.

Emerald Cut

The Emerald cut was first introduced to cut emeralds – thus the name. But when master cutters saw what a beautiful shape the emerald cut would make with a diamond, a new cut was born. Do not expect the same fire and brilliance of a round or princess cut. The emerald cut’s significant properties give sudden flashes of light which are spectacular. The buyer will see a smooth, flat top of the stone with step cuts along the sides. The step cuts are larger facets which act like mirrors which cause the flashes of light.

While the emerald cut does not display the fire of a round cut, it is a most elegant shape. Many women choose and emerald cut with smaller diamonds on the side which makes for a stunning ring. This is a cut for the discriminating buyer who wants elegance and sophistication.

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut has evolved into the now Royal Asscher cut. The forerunner of the standard emerald cut, this cut is square to rectangular with a flat top. There are many small step cuts along the top area and larger, longer facets underneath the diamond. The bottom of the diamond is open which seems to give the diamond more depth. Its beauty, however, is breathtaking due in part to the angled corner facets which gives it a look of an inverted pyramid. It is also commonly attributed as having an art deco look which conveys a real class on the style.

When looking at an Asscher cut gem, the wearer will notice that the diamond forces the eye to look down like looking through a pool of sparkling water. Other cuts of diamonds will reflect light in an upwards direction when the Asscher cut will bring light into its center.

Oval Cut

The oval cut borrows the same faceting techniques from the round cut. However, like other brilliant cuts that are not round, the oval cut will utilize more of the rough stone making just as sparkling but less expensive than the round brilliant. Oval cut diamonds can be short and fat or long and narrow. One shape is not more desirable or expensive than the other.

The beauty and reception of the oval cut was enhanced over 100 years ago when famous Tiffany’s introduced an open mount setting that allowed light to travel freely through the stone. If the stone does not show fire and brilliance to the naked eye, it could possibly be from a bad cut. When you place this quality cut stone next to a round brilliant, they both should reflect abundant light and fire.