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Diagram |
Description |
Recommended
Ranges |
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Round
Brilliant - This is the shape that has set the traditional
standard for all diamond shapes. Over 75% of the diamonds sold today are
Round Brilliant. Its 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle
(widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula
to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance. |
Crown
Facets:
1 table, 8 bezel facets, 8 star facets, 16 upper-girdle facets
Pavilion Facets:
8 pavilion facets, 16 lower girdle facets, and
usually a culet |
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Oval
- This is a symmetrical design which is even and appeals
to many small handed women seemingly elongating hands and fingers. |
Modified
brilliants whose
facets that radiate from the center of the stone
towards the girdles edge. Length
to Width Ratio: 1.33-1.66:1 |
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Marquise
- This shape is elongated with pointed ends. The smile
of the Marquise de Pompadour inspired this shape which was then commissioned
by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It
is beautiful as a solitaire or when matched with smaller complimentry diamonds. |
Modified
brilliants whose facets that radiate from
the center of the stone towards the girdles edge. Length
to Width Ratio:
1.75-2.25:1 |
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Pear
- This cut combines the best between the oval and marquise
shapes. It is the hybrid shape that looks like a sparkling teardrop. It
beautifully compliments the average size hand and fingers. It is gorgeous
for pendants and earings. |
Modified
brilliants whose
facets that radiate from the center of the stone
towards the girdles edge. Length
to Width Ratio: 1.50-1.75:1 |
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Heart
- A pear shaped diamond with a cleft on the top. The
extraordinary skill of the cutter determines the beauty of this cut. Look
for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline. |
Modified
brilliants whose facets that radiate from
the center of the stone towards the girdles edge. Length
to Width Ratio: .98-1.02:1 |
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Emerald
- This shape is known as a step cut because its concentric
broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Arectangular shape with cut corners.
Inclusions and inferior color can be more pronounced in this particular
cut. So clarity and color should be looked at carefully and time taken when
a choice is made. |
Rows
in stepped elongated facets on the crown and pavilion,
parallel to the girdle, and with truncated corner
facets. Three on the crown and three on the pavilion,
that number may vary.
Length
to Width Ratio:
1.50-1.75:1 |
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Princess
- This is a square rectangular shape with many facets.
This is a relatively new cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement
rings. It is attractive with longer fingers. This cut requires more weight
to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance.
Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon. |
Square
or rectangle brilliant cut with 57 to 70 facets and no culet.Length
to Width Ratio:
0.95-1.05:1 |
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Trilliant
- This is the spectacular wedge shape. This was first
designed in Amsterdam. This design can vary depending on a particular diamond's
natural characteristics and the cutter's personal preferences. The shape
may look like a traditional triangle with pointed corners, but more rounded
shapes can be found. |
Triangle
shaped trancuated corners and bowed sides, usually
50 facets.
Length
to Width Ratio:
0.90-1.10:1 |
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Radiant
- This is a square or rectangular
shape. The elegance of the emerald and the brilliance of the round shape
marks this cut. 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Depth
percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon. It requires this depth because
of its cut and 70 facets. |
Cushion
or square shaped brilliant cut introduced in 1976 with 70 facets truncated
corners. Often confused with Princess and Quadrillions.Length
to Width Ratio:
0.95-1.05:1 |
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Cushion
Cut - Late
19th and early 20th style antique type shape.
Remnants of the "Old Mine Cut", a deep
cut with large facets. |
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