Diamond Shapes


There are a multitude of shapes of diamond this shouldn’t be confused with the cut of the diamond which is a different thing altogether. The shape of the diamond is the outer design of the diamond in other words the shape. One very popular shape is the trendy Asscher which is a twist to the emerald or square cut diamond. The unique mirrored affect of this 74 faceted diamond is often referred to as the “hall of mirrors”, because the layered cutting brings the eye into and outward to the core of the diamond.



The Asscher Cut Ring.

The Asscher cut is brainchild of Amsterdam born diamond cutter brothers famous for designing the cullian diamond which is part of the British crown jewel collection. The Asscher is a deep set step cut diamond that has a unique bold beautiful look to it. The stepping cut creates a more brilliant fire than the usual emerald or other rectangular style diamonds. The look of the diamond is one of an elongated square diamond like the emeralds or the radiant but with softened corners similar to the cushion.


Those brides to be familiar with the Art Deco era of vintage jewelry will be aware of the stylish stunning eye catching design. The cut of the Asscher is less forgiving in terms of flaws or inclusions as they are less visible allowing for the purchaser to buy a good cut and clarity ring with a high level on the cut scale. Colour is also important for the stepping affect of the ring to allow for light to flow freely through the centre core of the ring and back outward.


Vintage jewelry shops are a good way to buy cheaper engagement ring, but do keep in mind the facets of the older original rings of the 1920’s will have fewer facets than the more modern ones with added facets. Asscher diamond will ten to be smaller than other diamonds because of the need for high quality necessity for deeper cuts. For all diamonds the principles of the 4C’s is very important the cut, colour, clarity and carat diamond are the 4 rules of thumb for purchasing a good quality diamond.


Your diamond should come with an independent certificate of authenticity especially if you are purchasing over the internet. The GIA or gemmological institute of America certificate is a guarantee of the authenticity of cut, colour, carat and clarity and presence of florescence. It is important to be aware of the principles of diamonds the kind of diamond that will look better in a larger or smaller shape the level of carat and clarity for an affordable ring and the setting and metal of choice.


White gold is cheaper but less durable than platinum or titanium. A white platinum clear diamond ring set in a high prong setting is the popular choice or the majority if brides to be. Shop around and try on all the various styles of ring that will suit your ring finger and taste as well as your budget. Festive and seasonal holidays are the most romantic times to get engaged but not the most sensible times in terms of expense. A ring chosen pr3e Christmas or in an end of stock clearance will be less expensive.


The Princess Diamond Ring

This cut is almost as popular as the traditional round cut diamond which is instantly recognizable to all. The princess is a twist to the round diamond for brides to be who want a less traditional ring but want a sophisticated ring that is stylish an classical as well. The princess like the round cut is almost as reflective as the round for showing off the sparkle and lustre of the diamond. The clarity of the diamond is very important as inclusions are very visible with this shape ring.


This Princess cut is like a square or a pyramid shape that is centred in the middle of a 3 or 4 prong setting. The princess cut is the newest design to the jewelry market it is the baby of the diamond shapes as it originates from the 1960’s. the princess cut is a more a favourite with jewelry cutter because it allows for very little wastage of the original stone. The Princess Stone looks magnificent as a single stone in a high prong setting or accented with smaller flattering diamonds to complement it. The perfect princess cut is difficult to find because of the abundance of these shaped diamonds.



The Emerald Cut Ring.

The emerald is
a similar ring to the previously named Asscher rectangular shape. The emerald shape is very popular pat and present with the likes of princess grace of Monaco the most famous emerald ring wearer. The elongated shapes of the emerald can be worn on its own or as a 3 stone ring with a 4 prong setting with colourful diamonds or fancy gems. A 4 prong setting will enhance the ring shape and keep the edges secure and securely set while protecting the trimmed edge from chips and cracks.


Square diamonds with set in line with a band that is deeply set with smaller encrusted diamonds will look stunning and expensive. Long broad or long thin fingers will flatter this shape diamond as opposed to smaller ring fingers which might benefit from the more petite round set diamond rings. Flaws are quite noticeable but the cut of the emerald is simplistic making it quite inexpensive as the cut allow for very little wastage or the original diamond. The simplicity of the emerald cut lends its self to triple settings as well as having the ability to stand alone as a solitaire.



Colored Diamonds and Fancy Gems.

Choosing a colourful diamond ring will have 2 attributes in 1 it will make the perfect ring and a significantly chosen one will be a birthday representation if your wedding is in or around the month of your birth. Corn Blue sapphires are the perfect ring especially now as this was the choice of the princess of Wales and now the choice of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Sapphires are an alternative to diamonds they are more durable and hard wearing and usually cheaper. Sapphires look stunning as a solitaire gem or with in a 3 gem setting with clear diamonds flaked side by side.



How Do I Choose the Perfect Diamond?

• The rule of thumb is generally a month’s salary this will ultimately depend on the amount you earn or the amount of disposable income available.
• Your should choose a reputable jewelry before choosing your ring to make sure you get value for money and a diamond that is independently certified
• It is not necessary to have an engagement ring before you announce your engagement but it is the thing to do as the ring will be the talking point and the focal point.
• Just because a diamond sparkles and shines don’t mean it is a good quality diamond as the light setting in the jewelry stores are purposely chosen to make the diamonds shine and sparkle.
• Just because the stone looks big doesn’t mean it is of a good quality as the shape of the diamond doesn’t relater to the cut or the clarity of the diamond. Most jewelry themselves can mistake the shape for the cut of the diamond. The shape is the cosmetic design of the diamond and the cut is the inner and outer features of the diamond that make it sparkle, along with good clarity.
• Just because you choose a designer ring from a well known jewelry store doesn’t mean it will be a better quality than one chosen from a small outlet. Big famous stores will have a name to uphold and you will pay for a designer diamond also the over heads of staff, storage, heating lighting and insurance for example.
• Buying on line usually works out cheaper because they cut out the middle man the over heads are minimal and the variation is tremendous.
• Choose a diamond that is flattering to the ring finger of your intended as well as displaying her own since of style and individuality
• Less expensive alternatives are “fancy” gems coloured small inset diamonds or lab created artificial diamonds.
• Lab created diamonds will look equally as stunning as earthed ones in fact they will sparkle even more because of the heating and production process.
• Buying loose diamonds can sometimes be cheaper than choosing a pre-set diamond ring
• A family air loom can be altered or changed to make the perfect ring
• Art Deco Edwardian or Georgian ring are known as vintage ring and can be a great alternative to the modern styles and can be found at estate auctions for less.
• Engagement ring can be combined with matching wedding bands for a truly complementary look.
• Men’s engagement rings are very popular with male celebrities choosing to wear them with their matching wedding bands. In some European and South American countries the male engagement ring is traditional and the norm.
• Choose a setting or a metal to complement a diamond and set it off in a show case format.
• Do your home work and educate your self in the principles of the 4C’s and shop around for the perfect ring especially if the ring is a surprise.