For centuries, round diamonds have dominated the jewelry market. Their classic shape and brilliant sparkle have made them the go-to choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry.
However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences toward alternative diamond shapes. These new shapes, often referred to as “fancy cuts,” are gaining popularity for their unique aesthetics, versatility, and ability to reflect personal style.
A Desire for Distinction
However, the desire for something different is a powerful force. Today’s consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly drawn to unique and personalized experiences. They seek high-end designer jewelry that reflects their individuality, and the ubiquitous round diamond can feel somewhat generic. This shift has opened the door for fancy diamond shapes, offering a wider range of aesthetics and personalities.
Popular Fancy Diamond Shapes
The Pear Cut
This elegant cut resembles a teardrop, with a rounded bottom and a pointed tip. Pear cuts offer a beautiful balance between brilliance and fire, while the pointed end creates a slimming effect on the finger. Pear cuts are often seen in vintage jewelry but are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to their unique and romantic appeal.
The Emerald Cut
This captivating cut boasts a rectangular shape with elongated facets that exude an air of sophistication and vintage charm. Emerald cuts are known for their hall-of-mirrors effect, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow within the stone.
While some may perceive these inclusions as flaws, connoisseurs appreciate them as unique characteristics that add depth and character to the diamond.
The Asscher Cut
Often mistaken for the emerald cut, the Asscher cut possesses a squarer profile with cropped corners and a unique faceting pattern. This results in a more subdued brilliance compared to the emerald cut but with a captivating depth and icy brilliance. Asscher cuts are perfect for those who appreciate a more understated elegance.
Barion Cut
A true innovation in the world of diamonds, the Barion cut is a relatively new creation that’s quickly gaining popularity. This geometric marvel boasts a bold triangular shape with a brilliant faceting pattern.
The Barion cut offers a captivating play of light, showcasing a kaleidoscope of brilliance and fire, unlike any other cut. Its sharp angles and geometric form make it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a modern and daring aesthetic.
The Radiant Cut
This versatile cut combines the brilliance of a round cut with the geometric precision of an emerald cut. Radiant cuts boast a rectangular shape with cropped corners, offering a balance between sparkle and fire. Their elongated form creates the illusion of a larger diamond, making them a popular choice for those seeking maximum impact.
Heart Cut
A romantic shape resembling a heart, this cut symbolizes love and affection. It has a distinctive cleft at the top, requiring precise cutting to ensure symmetry and brilliance. This cut is often used in pendants and rings to make a bold, romantic statement, perfect for those expressing deep emotions through their jewelry.
The Oval Cut
Offering an elongated version of the round brilliant cut, the oval cut provides a balance between brilliance and a flattering shape. It flatters the finger and creates the illusion of a longer, more slender look. Oval cuts are a versatile choice that can be incorporated into various jewelry styles, from classic to contemporary.
The Marquise Cut
Nicknamed the “navette” (little boat) for its elongated, boat-like shape, the marquise cut exudes a sense of drama and sophistication. Its pointed ends and curved facets create a dazzling play of light, making it a captivating choice for those who seek a statement piece. However, marquise cuts can be prone to chipping due to their pointed ends, so careful setting is essential.
Shield Cut
This geometric gem boasts a bold and distinctive silhouette resembling a warrior’s shield. It features a pointed top, a broad bottom, and slightly bowed sides. The shield cut offers a modern alternative to traditional shapes, perfect for those seeking a statement piece.
While not as common as round or princess cuts, shield cuts can be a great way to add a touch of individuality to an engagement ring or pendant. Keep in mind that due to its shape, careful setting is essential to protect the pointed top.
Cushion Cut
A blend of round and square shapes with soft, rounded corners, the Cushion Cut is known for its classic and romantic appeal. It features larger facets that enhance brilliance. This cut offers a vintage charm with a modern twist, making it ideal for those seeking a soft, elegant look in their jewelry.
Rose Cut
Steeped in history, the rose cut predates the brilliant cut and offers a captivating contrast to its modern counterpart. This romantic cut features a flat base and a faceted top that resembles a rosebud in profile.
Unlike the brilliant cut that maximizes sparkle, the rose cut offers a softer, more subtle shimmer. This creates a vintage aesthetic that’s perfect for antique jewelry enthusiasts or those seeking a more understated elegance.
Additionally, because the rose cut doesn’t have a deep pavilion like a brilliant cut, it allows more light to pass through, potentially making the diamond appear larger.
Choosing the Right Diamond Shape
- Personal Style: Do you gravitate towards classic elegance, vintage vibes, or a modern edge?
- Finger Shape: Certain cuts can flatter specific finger types. For example, elongated shapes like oval and emerald can elongate shorter fingers.
- Setting: The chosen setting can enhance the beauty of the diamond. Consider how the shape interacts with the band and surrounding stones.
- Light Performance: Do you prioritize brilliance, fire, or a combination of both? Different cuts excel in different aspects of light return.
With a wider variety of stunning cuts available, diamond jewelry can be a true reflection of personal style and individuality. Whether you cherish the timeless beauty of a round brilliant or are captivated by the allure of a fancy shape, there’s a perfect diamond waiting to steal the show and capture your heart at Sig Ward Jewelry.
Whether you dream of a classic and elegant piece or a modern and daring creation, browse the exquisite collection online at the high-end fine jewelry store or visit leading stockists near you to experience their brilliance firsthand.
About the Author
Jane Roberts is a seasoned gemologist and jewelry designer with over 15 years of experience in the diamond industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for exquisite craftsmanship, Jane has dedicated her career to exploring the beauty and complexity of diamonds.
She holds a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious jewelry houses. Jane’s designs include stunning pieces like Scattered Diamond Huggies and diamond cascade earrings.
When she’s not in her workshop creating stunning pieces, Jane enjoys traveling to gemstone mines around the world, always on the lookout for the next unique find.
