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| Diamond Shape Information: |
| Traditionally, the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings is the Round Brilliant. All other shapes are referred to as ‘fancy shapes’. The current most popular fancy cut for engagement rings is the Princess. |
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| There are many different diamond shapes to choose from, diamond shape is quite simply a matter of personal preference, personality, and the specific thumbprint that is your relationship with you person you are asking to be your wife. There are no end all be all rules. Get creative. Have fun. Remember, it is love. |
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| We have all sorts of shapes and cuts of diamonds that Albert has incorporated into his hand crafted, one of a kind engagement rings in our Online Store. Take a look around. While you are there, why not browse the entire category of rings? Who is to say that just because a ring is not in the Engagement Ring category that one of Albert’s unique designs isn’t perfect for you and yours. Also, if you like his work but do not see a particular cut or shape here online that you are looking for, feel free to contact us via email or phone. We want to help. |
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| See below the different diamond shapes on the market: |
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| ROUND SHAPE ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| The most classic shape for engagement rings is the Round Brilliant. Mathematically designed by Marcell Tolkowsky in 1919, the round cut not only maximizes the amount of light and sparkle reflected back through the top face, but the traditional shape for is also known for holding value and may be one reason why the round cut diamond is also known as an ideal cut. |
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| We feature a whole range of engagement rings with Round Brilliant diamonds. This particular shape is one of Albert’s favorite to work with. The facets of a 360º brilliant cut are shaped like triangles to ensure that light reflects from every direction and can be set in any piece of jewelry. |
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| PRINCESS SHAPE ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Designed in the 1960s, the second most prevalent shape used in engagement rings today is the Princess cut, also referred to as Square Modified Brilliant since it appears square from above. The princess cut is a fancy cut diamond and may have a higher degree of brilliance than the round cut which is perhaps why this modern design is so popular. Diamond lovers favor the Princess shape since it retains 80-90% more actual diamond than a round shape due to this perfectly cut square. |
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| Not all diamonds are equal and neither are jewelers. Please note that higher diamond color grades are important in the Princess shape, to avoid seeing color in the corners. Also, a skilled diamond cutter will avoid a too thin girdle, which can cause chipping in this shape due to the sharp, uncut corners. |
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| EMERALD SHAPE ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Emerald shaped diamonds have a large main face, and perhaps what makes them so enchanting is a sophisticated elegance with long lines of brilliance. At the same time, the wide open face means that higher diamond clarity grades are important; VS2 or better will minimize the appearance of inclusions. Emerald diamond shapes tend to be less fiery than the brilliant round cut because of the open face, so any flaws, color weakness or poor cuts are more obvious to the naked eye. |
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| Whether you choose a simple or elaborate setting, the trim emerald shape features flashes of light with a unique appearance than more traditional settings. |
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| MARQUISE SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| The classic shape and styling of a Marquise shaped diamond makes it an ideal central setting in engagement and wedding rings. One reason to choose the fancy, elongated Marquise shape is that compared to a round diamond of the same carat weight it can appear larger. The Marquise shape also suits people with slender fingers. |
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| As with pear and oval shapes, be aware of the “bow-tie effect” appearing in this shape. This is a darkened area resembling a bow-tie which minimize brilliance due to improperly cut edges. Please read here about the quality stones we use which have built our first-rate reputation. Whatever your preference may be, Albert is always here to educate and guide you to the most significant piece of jewelry you will own. |
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| OVAL SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Like a round shaped diamond, the Oval typically has excellent brilliance and sparkle. An oval diamond appears elliptical when seen from the top of the diamond. Like the Marquise, this shape can have a lengthening and slimming effect on fingers; you just need to find the correct proportion for your preference and hand shape. |
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| The reason why a jeweler will cut fancy shapes like an Oval diamond instead of a round diamond is to keep the maximum weight of the rough stone. Therefore the diamond will be bigger if cut as a fancy. Fancy shape diamonds are generally less in price than round brilliant diamonds. As with the marquise and pear diamond cuts, the bow-tie effect may occur unless you purchase a high quality diamond with a length to width ratio of 1.5:1, this eliminates the dark or shaded area which can dull the diamond’s brilliance. |
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| PEAR SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Pear (or Teardrop) shaped diamonds can be particularly beautiful as side stones in a custom design. Some simple solitaire engagement rings also suit Pears. This brilliant-cut diamond is also called a teardrop for its single point and rounded end. The unique look of the pear shape makes it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. If you choose an elongated pear shape, the length of the diamond creates a subtle slimming effect on the fingers. |
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| Good symmetry and clarity is very important when choosing a Pear shape diamond The non pointed end of the Pear shape diamond should have a nice round even gentle arc to it. Watch for uneven shoulders. Cutters square off or give a rounded triangle end to the pear shape diamond to increase the carat weight and decreases the value of a diamond and should also be avoided if possible. |
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| ASSCHER SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Another fancy cut, the Asscher diamond shape is similar to an emerald cut except the Asscher is square not rectangular. The Asscher also features very unique patterns throughout the diamond. It is best to select diamond clarity above VS2 because the top face (also known as the ‘table’) is so large that inclusions can be easily seen. |
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| Albert is a master craftsman and all of his diamonds are of the utmost quality and are of non conflict origin. If you do not see what you are looking for in a Asscher Cut in our Online store feel free to contact us. Albert is always making new items of jewelry. He may have an Asscher shaped engagement ring in the works that is about to be completed. We will happily work with whichever diamond shapes and cut you prefer. Albert aims to make you smile and is always up for a challenge. |
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| TRILLIANT SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Trilliant is a very unique shape. These diamonds work particularly well as side stones in a custom design. They can also look very contemporary in a simple solitaire ring. |
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| Browse our Online store to see our Trilliant shaped selections. If you do not see this specific shape while browsing and you like Albert’s hand crafted, one of a kind designs – let us know what you are looking for. Email us, call us, or come on into our store if you happen to be in Monrovia, Ca. |
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| You can access all of our contact information here. |
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| BAGUETTE SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Baguette is a very unique shape. These diamonds work particularly well as side stones in a custom design. They can also look very contemporary in a simple solitaire ring. The baguette cut shape normally comes in small weights, less than one carat. |
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| Due to its smaller size, it tends to be measured by its dimensional size, rather than its carat weight. The length to width ratio of this accent stone is ideally 1.5 to 1. As a step cut stone the baguette cut shape usually has only 14 facets, fewer than the number of facets used for the emerald cut. Like the emerald cut, however, the baguette cut diamond should be of high quality, as its shape and cut can reveal more of its flaws. |
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| CUSHION SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Many old gems are cushion cuts, including the infamous Hope Diamond. Because the shape is still rare in modern rings, cushion cuts work well as solitaires that draw the eye just to that central unique gem. Many women prefer to incorporate accent stones, however, and ovals or trilliant shapes are lovely complementary styles. This shape is a pleasant alternative to emerald, oval or princess cuts, since it incorporates similarities between all three shapes and comes in square or rectangular proportion. |
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| Cushion cut diamonds look nice in every style of engagement ring from the antique settings to the contemporary pave settings so are a great choice for a diamond shape if you want something a little different but still like brilliance and sparkle. See what we have in our Online Store. |
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| HEART SHAPED ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| Heart shaped engagement rings combine the elegance of an engagement ring with the symbolism and romance of a heart for a meaningful and cherished piece of jewelry. For many couples, a heart shaped diamond ring with elegant side stone accents is the perfect choice, and from heart shaped stones to intricate heart designs, there is a heart shaped ring suitable for every couple, no matter what their tastes and budget. |
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| The cost of a heart-shaped diamond is more or less the same as that of oval and pear shapes, usually 20 to 25 percent less than that of an identical round brilliant stone. You’ll be able to afford more, but it’s important to remember that bigger isn’t always better, especially with a complex cut such as this one. Often, buying a smaller stone guarantees more quality craftsmanship for your money. |
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| RADIANT CUT ENGAGEMENT RINGS |
| The radiant cut offers many benefits over other diamond cut designs. Because of its increased brilliance that highlights the light within the gem, a well cut radiant can appear to have better diamond color than a stone with a simpler cut, and the extra facets can also help conceal diamond flaws and inclusions for overall better clarity. |
| Properly proportioned, radiant cuts also maximize the diamonds carats by using more of the gem in visible ways rather than obscuring useless weight beneath the surface of the stone. |
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| Radiant cuts also have an added benefit over princess cuts: the square corners of the princess cut are delicate and vulnerable, prone to chipping and other damage. Because radiants have clipped corners, however, they are more durable and may be more suitable for an active lifestyle. |
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| Okay. That about covers it. You can continue your education and read about diamond cut on this page here or: |
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| Diamond Cut Information: |
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| Many people make the mistake of confusing cut and shape. While shape is one thing, cut is concerned with how well a diamond has been cut and polished. The way a diamond is faceted determines how much light reflects from it. |
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| The quality of a diamond cut significantly alters how much sparkle a diamond has, and therefore how beautiful your Engagement Ring is. You can sometimes compromise on Diamond Color or Diamond Clarity but it rarely makes sense to compromise on diamond cut. |
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| The diagram below show why well cut diamonds sparkle so much. All the light is reflected back through the top of the diamond. |
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| If a diamond is cut too shallowly then light will escape through the base of the diamond and if it is cut too deeply it will exit via the sides. However, when cut just perfectly most of the light will be reflected out through the table at a person looking at the diamond. Diamonds with Excellent or Very Good cut grades are quite enchanting to look at because of how they sparkle. |
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| Cut is graded Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Generally, you should seek an Excellent to Very Good Diamond. |
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| In a well-cut diamond light enters and reflects straight back to the viewer’s eye. And all the faces, angles and dimension are symmetrical and in the appropriate dimension. Some cutters will sacrifice cut to create the larges possible diamond, thus making too shallow or too deep of a cut and causing light to “leak” out of the sides of the diamond. |
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| The diagram below shows why well cut diamonds sparkle more brilliantly. All the light is reflected back through the top (or the table) of the diamond. |
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| Cut can be something very difficult for a layperson to evaluate, which is why it is important to get an AGS Certificate or a GIA certificate verifying the quality of your diamond. |
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| Cut and Shape Guide Summary: |
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| Hopefully we have covered all the important things you need to know about engagement rings in our Cut and Shape guide. You may be interested in exploring the Four C’s, and other information regarding diamond Color, Clarity, and Carat (weight) in our Size and Clarity Guide. If you still have any questions, please feel free to contact us at The Noble Jewelers. Albert will be more than happy to work with you to answer any questions you might have to find that perfect ring for your special occasion. Otherwise, if you are ready – let’s go shopping. |
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