Rare Diamond Shapes
You may not know that numerous unique diamond cuts exist beyond the more commonplace square, oval, heart, and other primary geometric forms. Even while round brilliant cut diamonds are the most popular, many different shapes are available for individuals who like something a little more out of the ordinary.
Whether you're seeking the perfect ring design or the person of your dreams, the moment has come to let go of convention and embrace humanity's beauty and diversity.
Baguette-Shaped Diamond
The art deco era gave us many shapes of rings, and the baguette-cut engagement ring is a fitting tribute to that time. Baguette is the French word for an elongated and skinny loaf of bread. Moreover, these rectangular step-cuts usually feature big, wide tables and often contain 14 facets.
They are similar to step-cut diamonds because they have broad, straight facets lined up in parallel lines around all four edges. Additionally, the name comes from the fact that the arrangement of the facets is similar to that of stairs.
Baguettes and emerald diamonds, on the other hand, are frequently mistaken for one another. However, an emerald-cut diamond has cut corners, but baguettes have fine angled corners, giving them a rectangular form.
Although baguette diamonds are often dull because they have fewer facets than other traditional diamonds, they are often cheaper than different shapes of diamonds because fewer cuts are necessary for their production.
Tapered-Baguette Diamond Cut
If you imagine a little diamond with its two long sides tapered inward to form a long trapezoid, you get the shape of a tapered baguette. The sides of a tapered baguette gradually shorten toward one end, giving it a trapezoidal profile.
Tapered baguette-cut diamonds commonly serve as additional side stones due to their slim, linear design, enhancing diamonds of all shapes and sizes. This basic geometric form has a timeless appeal and contrasts sharply with the more flamboyant brilliant cut forms.
In addition, round, oval, and princess-cut centre stones also make a great duo with tapering baguettes as matching side stones. While tapered baguettes usually appear in pairs on either side of a larger centre stone, they can also cluster together to create a more definite appearance.
Half Moon Diamond
A half-moon diamond is essentially an oval diamond cut in half, with one half cut straight and the other half curved.
The half moon cut first appeared in the 1920s as a step-cut, but it quickly evolved into its current brilliant form in response to consumer demand. Although these forms are typically seen in regular aspect ratios, they can sometimes take on more unique designs, such as lengthier proportions.
It is common practice to sell them in pairs, with the intention that one be used to frame a larger centre stone. Half-moon diamonds, also known as demilune diamonds, resemble halved versions of round or oval diamonds. The half moon diamond's shape is like a square with one straight edge and one curved edge.
Half-moon diamonds are famous for usage as accent stones, especially in three-stone engagement rings. They look beautiful with practically any cut of diamonds. Although step-cut half-moon diamonds do exist, brilliant-facetted versions are the norm.
Trapezoid-Shaped Diamond
The trapezoid, also called a trapeze cut diamond, is a four-sided shape having two parallel sides and two slanted inward sides. Brilliant cut or step cut, like an emerald cut diamond, are the two most common shapes for trapezoid diamonds.
Knowing the difference between brilliant cut and step cut trapezoids is essential when purchasing trapezoids as side stones, as each is unique. Since of their versatility, trapezoids are frequently used as side stones because they may fit in between many other forms.
Pairs of trapezoid cut diamonds are typical for a ring's side stones. A trapezoid has four sides: two parallel to the ground and two slanted inward. Engagement rings and pendant necklaces with a single diamond are familiar places to see these stones.
Carre Cut Diamonds
Diamonds with a Carre cut are cut in a square stairstep pattern with chamfered corners. Step-cut faceting is so precise that only the highest-quality diamond rough is utilised to create these stunning gems.
These cuts were popularised by ancient jewellery and provide a stunning sheen to modern creations. Diamonds with a Carre cut generally have more fire but less sparkle. These renowned Carre-cut diamonds can disperse white light into their component colours.
Diamonds with a Carre cut are renowned for showcasing flaws. Because of the stone's transparency, you can inspect the inner workings in great detail. The rough used to extract Carre diamonds is often relatively small. As a result, there's a broader range of colours. These Carre-cut diamonds are more understated than brilliant cuts because they lack the cut's signature brilliance.
French Cut Diamond Shape
In terms of shape, a modern princess cut diamond is the closest modern analogue to a French cut diamond.
These square or rectangular gemstones, easily identifiable by the pattern the crown facets on the table of the diamond makes with one other, compliment the geometric designs of the Art Deco period and give a more traditionally vintage-inspired cut, with a more muted light return.
French-cut diamonds, which dated back to the 1400s and were famous among the French monarchy and nobility in the 1600s, are an excellent option for people who appreciate the elegance of a bygone era.
Recently, this particular style has seen a rebirth in popularity. In addition to being the featured stone in engagement rings, its stunning appearance makes it an excellent choice for an eternity or band ring. Because of its square or rectangular shape, you can set it with emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds in various ways.
Bullet Diamond
As the name implies, bullet diamonds take the form of a bullet. The name stems from the bullet's distinctive shape, which resembles a square with three sides straight and the fourth pointed. They reach a rectangle from three angles, but the fourth side tapers to a point.
These diamonds are typically presented in pairs and include a step or brilliant cut to complement a larger centre stone. Depending on the context and the other diamonds in the ring, a bullet diamond may be step-cut or brilliant-cut.
A step-cut bullet diamond, for instance, will look great next to emerald-cut stones. Although, a brilliant-cut bullet diamond complements a round diamond more than any other shape.
In diamond rings, bullet-cut diamonds are usually not the focal point. However, given their angled point, they work great as stepping stones. As accent stones, their purpose is to draw attention to the beauty of the main stone in a multi-stone setting.
However, bullet-cut diamonds can be featured prominently as accent stones. Diamonds of a similar shape and size are typically set around them to create a stunning design.
Asprey Cut Diamond
The Asprey Cut is an irregular diamond shape that, at first look, may resemble the more popular Cushion Cut. Nonetheless, the Asprey Cut's cutting qualities are unique. It was the world-famous diamond cutter Gabi Tolkowsky who created the Asprey Cut.
The Asprey Cut is easily identifiable by its shape, which is not quite square and features rounded edges. In addition, unlike other diamond cuts, Asprey Cuts are created entirely by hand.
This beautiful diamond has been given a makeover from the traditional cushion cut to make it look more sleek and bright. Its remarkable light reflection is the result of its 61-faceted design.
Diamonds with a colour grade of D-G, a clarity level of Flawless to VS2, and a carat weight of 0.5 to 3 carats or more are the only ones suitable for the Asprey Cut. That's why this particular diamond cut is so uncommon.
Eighty-Eight Cut Diamond Shape
The "Eighty-Eight Cut," a unique diamond cut, is often regarded as the ideal option for those who like to wear rings for good fortune. Based on the Asian idea that the number "8" is auspicious, this ring is said to bring its wearer luck. In Chinese, the number eight has a meaning comparable to prosperity, authority, and luck.
The Eighty-Eight Cut utilises an octagonal shape for its cut. This product is a creation of the "Finesse Diamonds" brand and features 88 facets. The octagonal shape of this unique diamond cut makes it stand out from the crowd.
As a bonus, it brings success and shines in a way that is distinct from a conventional round diamond. Moreover, its distinctive masterful cutting techniques allow it to shine brightly even in dim lighting.
Royal Asscher Cut Diamonds
The "Royal Asscher Cut" diamond is an improved version of Joseph Asscher's original Asscher Diamond design from 1902. Edward and Joop Asscher, Joseph's great-grandsons, revisited the diamond cutting business in 1999 to give it a more contemporary spin.
The original Asscher cut diamond featured 58 facets. There are 16 extra facets on the Royal Asscher, an additional facet layer, a taller crown, and a narrower cross-section.
The diamond's perfect symmetry is another factor in its increased brilliance compared to more often found in square diamonds. In addition to being clearer than round diamonds, its shape has several other advantages.
The Royal Asscher Cut diamond is a unique rarity among diamond cuts. Since only about seventy-five persons on the face of the planet are skilled enough to cut this particular form of diamond, you won't find it at any diamond shop.
Ashoka Cut Diamond
The Ashoka Cut is extremely rare and is just a tweak on the Cushion Diamond shape. However, a more rounded rectangle has replaced the original square shape. In 1999, William Goldberg Diamond Corporation was responsible for its design.
The Ashoka diamond is a 41.37 carat D colour, Flawless clarity gem from the Golconda mine. Due to its connection to the Golconda-located "Ashoka the Great", has enjoyed trademark protection since 2000.
A diamond must have 62 facets to be considered an Ashoka Cut diamond. When cut with 62 facets, the diamond will give the impression of being much larger than it generally is. Since the raw diamond used in this technique must be more extensive and longer than other diamonds, the cutting procedure can take up to six months to complete. However, rarely more than 10% of rough diamonds meet these specifications.
Jubilee-Shaped Diamond
The Jubilee Cut is an antique, rarely-seen diamond cut often reserved for bigger diamonds to maximise their already impressive brilliance and fire. The absence of a flat table and the presence of eight facets in the crown are the main distinguishing features of a Jubilee Cut.
As a whole, there are 88 facets on a Jubilee Cut. In honour of Queen Victoria of England's Golden Jubilee, the jubilee diamond was created around the turn of the 20th century. The Jubilee diamond is a flawless VVS-2, rectangular cushion-cut brilliant with an E colour grade, just one step below the colourless D standard.
Because this uncommon diamond cut is both shallow and lacks a cutlet, it is so rare that it is among the very few that may truly sparkle like a star.
Criss Cut Diamond Shape
The emerald-cut diamond, famous for its stair-like shape, has a new cousin: the Criss-cut diamond. Its increased number of facets gives it more sparkle and shine than an ordinary emerald cut diamond.
The "Crisscut," created by Christopher Slowinski in 1998, is a rare diamond cut with a distinctive and uncommon facet. Christopher made this unusual diamond cut while attempting to create an "Emerald" shaped diamond. The diamond now has a unique texture known as a "Crisscut" because of his careless cutting.
An Emerald Cut diamond has only 44 facets, while a Crisscut diamond has 77. Diamonds of many shapes and sizes, including the famous Emerald Cut, Cushion Cut, Asscher Cut, and even round, can benefit from this treatment.
Crisscrossing facets are the defining feature of this cut. This diamond cut's sparkle is unlike any other precious diamond cut.
Lily Cut Diamond
This unique diamond shape is arguably one of the most appealing and adorable cuts. Different diamonds are cut into a floral or four-leaf clover form to attain this shape.
Invented in 2007, Israeli jeweller Lili Diamonds created the cut. A diamond with such a rare cut has been utilised by the renowned French fashion house Louis Vuitton, which uses a symbol very close to this one. It has since become an instant icon of elegant style.
This unique diamond shape is based on a flower and has about 65 facets. Its versatility allows it to take on the appearance of a rounded or pointed flower.
Moreover, this form calls for a massive amount of rough diamonds to be cut to form this shape. A rough diamond can lose anywhere from 25 to 50% of its weight during the cutting and polishing.
Princess Plus Cut-Shaped Diamond
To put it simply, the PrincessPlus Cut is a far superior variant of the classic Princess Cut. It was in the year 2000 that EFD, also known as the maker of the renowned Princess Cut diamonds, introduced the world to this uncommon diamond cut.
The standard Princess Cut typically has around 58-68 facets, while the more elaborate PrincessPlus cut would have about 100-115. The rare diamond cut shines significantly brighter than the standard Princess Cut. It shares up to 20% in colour grade and clarity since the more refined details appear more frequently in the base and the top of the diamond.
In addition, you will get a "Light Return Analysis" certificate with your purchase of such a diamond to prove that its sparkle is the result of expert diamond cutting.
Bead Cut Diamond
While bead cut diamond is not a certified diamond cut, the unique characteristics of this uncommon diamond cut set it apart from all others. Due to its intended function as a bead, the Bead Cut is spherical, much like a disco ball. This cutting method can produce a unique "diamond bead" that you can string into a necklace or bracelet.
Bead-cut diamonds are also available in various sizes and shapes. The diamonds' facets are cut in a way that complements the form rather than opposing it. They also don't have tables or cutlets. In addition, these unique bead-cut diamonds are typically cut from a round diamond.
The drill hole, located in the centre of a bead-cut diamond, is the most crucial factor to consider when making a purchase. If the hole isn't tiny, the diamond will lose its sparkle and shine, giving the stone a dim, unappealing appearance.
Trillion Cut Diamond
Sometimes referred to as a trilliant cut or Trillian cut, a trilliant is a triangle shape used to cut gemstones. A brilliant cut can have either slightly curved (trillions) or straight (trilliants) sides.
If you want to create a big impression with little effort, the trillion-cut rings are the way to go. Because of their unique triangular form, these diamonds appear larger and more brilliant than other stones of the same carat weight.
Moreover, a trillion-cut stone is a good option if you want to buy a ring without stressing over the four Cs (cut, clarity, colour, and carats). Due to its unique shape, a trillion-cut diamond doesn't need many of these things to be perfect.
The ring's triangular design appeals to individuals searching for exclusive jewellery that won't go out of style soon. However, you can still get engagement rings with trillion-cut stones if you look, but finding one will be difficult.
Star-Shaped Diamond
Star-shaped diamonds are the perfect choice if you want something better than an exceptional and magnificent engagement ring. A star-shaped diamond is an ideal option if you or the one you love wants an engagement ring specially designed for the occasion.
A five-pointed star diamond, however, takes a higher level of precision and ability from your jeweller than other traditional shapes of diamonds. To make a star diamond, a jeweller must carefully place each diamond so the finished product resembles a star.
Yet this stunning cut necessitates precise cutting and positioning of all points and centres to get the desired form. This additional effort, however, yields a ring of ethereal beauty.
The beauty of a star-cut ring is that it may be customised to be as casual or as elaborate as the wearer desires. The star-shaped diamond in the centre of your ring's design can stand alone or be surrounded by smaller stones. Yet, when placed between other diamonds, the star shape diamond appears like a cluster of stars.
Hexagon-Shaped Diamond
A hexagonal-shaped diamond is an excellent choice if you're searching for a band with a bit of geometric flair or want something magnificent. These six-sided rings are ideal for creating a bold fashion statement with your finger.
Moreover, a hexagonal diamond is an attractive alternative if you want a unique ring but still value certain traditional elements. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a wider hexagon ring and a narrower stone, as this diamond offers various shapes and sizes.
However, this hexagon ring's uncommon and exquisite beauty may necessitate extra care. Hexagonal-shaped diamonds have sharper corners and edges and are more likely to catch on fibres and other materials, such as clothing. Therefore, it may take additional effort and care to track down a hexagonal cut diamond, which is already quite rare.