Natural Diamonds are fascinating as rough crystals, but the polishing process and degree of optical precision determine the volume and intensity of the sparkle.
It stands to reason that diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. Most people think that limiting their search to GIA Excellent guarantees high-performance. However, the overall cut grade on the lab report is only a small piece of the puzzle.
The other mistake that people make is trying to apply recommendations for maximizing the performance of round brilliant to fancy shapes. Of course, that doesn't work well because each shape has its own characteristics and intricacies.
Under those circumstances, the following tutorials are an essential blueprint. Each one is all-inclusive and will guide you through the process of maximizing performance for each shape.
Three Stone Diamond Rings from Blue Nile.
Buying Guides for Round and Fancy Shapes:
Round Ideal Diamond Buying Guide.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Buying Guide:
The modern round brilliant cut is the most popular shape of all time. That's because it offers the best light performance and sparkle factor when cut properly. Learn what to look for in this in-depth tutorial.
Asscher Cut Diamond Buying Guide.
Asscher Cut Diamonds Buying Guide:
The Asscher cut diamonds is a variation of the square emerald cut that features step-facets that are carefully arranged to create a pattern of concentric squares. Needless to say that the effect can be mesmerizing when done right. Read the tutorial to learn what to look for.
Anita Halo Setting by Brian Gavin.
Cushion Cut Diamonds Buying Guide:
Modified cushion cut diamonds are a brilliant cut with a pillow-like outline. As a matter of fact, it offers spectacular light performance and sparkle factor when cut right. They can rival the sparkle factor of round brilliant ideal cuts when properly fashioned.
Emerald Cut Buying Guide.
Emerald Cut Buying Guide:
Obviously, an emerald cut is rectangular in shape. The step-facet design can produce a very bright looking diamond when cut properly. However, the sparkle factor is not as vivid and intense as brilliant facet structures.
Tapered 3-row Pavé Setting by Ritani.
Marquise Cut Buying Guide:
the marquise cut is sometimes referred to as a cat-eye shape because of the outline. As a matter of fact, this can be a tricky shape to get right in terms of maintaining the symmetry. Discover the secret to getting it right in this guide.
Oval Cut Buying Guide
Oval-shaped Diamonds Buying Guide:
Oval-shaped diamonds are one of the more popular shapes because the brilliant facets produce a lot of sparkle. In addition, you might like the way that the longer shape has a tendency to stretch down the length of your finger.
Pear Shape Buying Guide
Pear-shaped Diamonds Buying Guide:
The tear-drop outline of pear-shaped diamonds makes them a popular choice. Although that may be true, it's prone to symmetry issues because of the challenge of creating sides that are equal in length and curvature. Learn what to look for in the guide.
Princess Cut Buying Guide
Princess Cut Buying Guide:
The modified square brilliant cut, AKA the Princess, is a very popular because of the vivid sparkle. But did you know that the size and intensity of the sparkle is dictated by the number of chevron facets on the bottom?
Radiant Cut Diamond Buying Guide.
Radiant Cut Buying Guide:
If you like the look of a rectangle, but also want brilliant sparkle, then Radiant cut diamonds are a good option. After all, the design combines the shape of an emerald with brilliant-cut facets that produce more vivid sparkle.