The beauty of a diamond is often determined by the way it sparkles and scintillates. This is often the factor that we most consider when purchasing our chosen diamond. This is what tempts us and puts us under the diamond's spell.

The cut of the stone and it's shape is therefore extremely important, and at Monroe Yorke Diamonds we offer the most classic and revered cuts of diamonds. Below is an in-depth analysis of each diamond cut, it's name and how many diamond facets you can look forward to. We'll begin with the most recognised, that is aptly named:

BRILLIANT ROUND CUT DIAMOND

This is the most classic vision of a diamond. It has proved to be the most popular cut and is often considered to be the best. This shape accounts for more that 75% of the diamonds sold to purchasers today. A Round Brilliant cut diamond will include 58 facets, which are distributed among the crown, girdle and pavilion of the diamond. This ensures optimum light and brilliance.

 

PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND

A relatively new cut, this diamond is square shaped. The ideal diamond should of course be perfectly square, although some Princess cut diamonds can be deemed rectangular. This cut accentuates a diamonds fire and brilliance. This cut has approximately 76 facets.

 

CUSHION CUT DIAMOND

The cushion cut or pillow-cut diamond is cut in either a square or rectangular shape. It includes rounded corners and larger facets. This type of cutting increases the brilliance of the stone. For square shaped cushion, the length to width ratio should be between 1 and 1.05. For the more rectangular shaped, length to width ratios should be greater than 1.15

 

EMERALD CUT DIAMOND

A superb cut for fancy coloured diamonds. Rectangular with cut corners, it includes side cuts that are flat and graduate inwards. This cut is chosen for coloured stones because it provides maximum view of the hue. It will have a total of 58 facets, 8 girdle, 25 pavilion and 25 crown. It is advisable to choose an emerald cut diamond with a depth range of 58% to 69% and length to width ration of 1.5:1

 

OVAL CUT DIAMOND 

This diamond is cut longer than round which gives it the classic oval shape and offers the illusion of a much larger diamond. Should have a length to width ratio between 1.33 and 1.66 with 58 facets

 

PEAR SHAPED DIAMOND

Having exactly 58 facets the Pear shaped diamond is a brilliant cut. It is reputed to reflect the shape of a perfect drop of water. Purchasers often refer to it as the 'tear drop'. Its an extremely popular shape for engagement rings, pendants and sparkling earrings. The traditional pear-shaped diamond should have a length to width ratio between 1.45 and 1.75

 

MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND

This cut was inspired the the smile of a Marquise. The Marquise de Pompadour had a remarkable smile, apparently, and this cut was custom made to reflect it. The cut is exquisite as a solitaire and should have a length to width ratio between 1.75 and 2.25

 

HEART SHAPED DIAMOND

The beautiful heart shaped diamond is the classic symbol of love. It is a rare cut and often used for fancy pink diamonds to reflect the cut's history. The design is extremely complex. This cut should have a length to width ratio between 0.90 and 1.10

ASSCHER CUT DIAMOND

 

With a length to width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05, this cut is virtually a square version of the popular Emerald cut. A very beautiful diamond that scintillates from the pavilion upwards.

 

RADIANT CUT DIAMOND

This cut includes 70 facets which gives optimum colour refraction. It's a diamond with inherent brilliance and emits maximum scintillation. Radiant diamonds that are square shaped should have a length to width ratio between 1 and 1.05. For a rectangular shape, the length to width ratio should be greater than 1.10

 

TRILLIANT / TRILLION CUT DIAMONDS

If this diamond is cut to the correct depth it allows excellent scintillation. Generally, it is cut with length to width ratio of 1:1. The cut is sometimes called the trillion or trillian and comes in variations of curved or straight sides. This diamond cut typically has 25 facets on the crown and 19 facets on the pavilion.

 

For advice and guidance on all cuts of diamonds available, and to see extensive and beautiful collections of diamond rings with all these shapes of diamonds, go to www.mydiamonds.com.au or call us on 1800 766 567 and speak with one of their diamond specialists.