When talking about diamonds and precious stones it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with all the terms and technical factors that may arise. From the popular 4C’s to the different ways of calling them, they can generate a lot of confusion.
Here we’ll clarify the most common doubts about the diamond’s shape and cut, plus the advantages of the most popular ones in jewelry.
What should I call it, Brilliant or Diamond?
When we talk about diamonds it’s usual to hear the term brilliant repeatedly, but does it mean the same? The answer may be a little bit confusing too: Yes and No.
Usually, when the word "brilliant" is used, it is referring to a diamond, so we could say that it is the same, but technically, it’s about the shape or cut of the stone. Bottom line: When someone says brilliant, is referring to a brilliant-cut (round) diamond.
This shape is the most common one, the majority of diamonds are cut round because it has a better reflection of light, and thanks to this gives the more sparkle; this is precisely where the origin of the name “brilliant” comes from.
It’s important to clarify that although the term brilliant is commonly used, the correct thing to do is to refer to the diamond as "brilliant-cut diamond". The brilliant-cut is also used for other precious stones. For example, the emerald can be polished into a brilliant-cut.
Shape and Cut
Shape and cut are other terms that are often mixed up but are two different things. Let us elaborate:
The shape refers to the external form of the stone. It’s Its most obvious appearance, you can tell the shape with just a simple glance at the diamond. For example heart, pear, round among others.
Cut, on the other hand, is used to talk about the facets, symmetry, and reflective qualities of the stone. For example, a brilliant-cut diamond can be deep or shallow, this will not affect its shape, but how light is reflected on it.
The cut is one of the 4C’s used to determine the quality of diamonds.
Which is the best diamond shape?
This is a tricky question.
If you ask for a diamond expert or jeweler opinion, they will probably tell you that the best shape is round-cut because they value brilliance; On the other hand, if the recommendation comes from someone who gives importance to size, they will tell you that a cushion or princess will give the impression that you have a bigger and more flashy diamond.
The reality is that the choice of shape depends on the style and taste of the wearer.
It’s important to mention that shape Is not exclusive to diamonds, It is used for all precious stones. All the shapes that are not round are known as fancy shapes. Now, we’ll tell you about the most known fancy shapes pros, so you can consider it when choosing the best one for you.
Round-Cut

Pros:
Allows maximum reflection of light.
It's timeless and classic, so it never goes out of style.
Thanks to its popularity, you can find a wide variety of jewelry designs with this diamond cut.

It is also called brilliant, it has 58 facets providing maximum brilliance. This cut is the most studied by experts who even had applied mathematical formulas throughout history to improve the reflection of light on the stone.

Baguette

The diamond is cut in a rectangular and stepped shape. It has only 14 facets and can be found in different proportions, from almost completely square to elongated; the latter is the best known shape.
The baguette-cut can be confused with the emerald-cut, this is because they both have a rectangular shape. The way to distinguish them is in the number of facets (the emerald has more than 50) and paying attention to the corners. The baguette will have perfectly square corners (90 degrees) while the emerald has diagonal corners.

Pros:
It gives the appearance of having a larger diamond.
It gives life to unique and original pieces, even when used as a secondary stone.
They come in different proportions, which makes them versatile.

Heart

The heart carving is made up of approximately 56 facets. In an ideal cut, this shape is completely symmetrical but can be found with different proportions.

Pros:
The heart shape holds a special meaning.
It looks beautiful on any jewelry. From engagement rings to earrings and pendants.

Pear

Also known as a tear or drop, the pear cut has a tip for one side and a rounded end combining the brilliant-cut and the marquise-cut. It has approximately 58 facets that give the stone brilliance and style.

Pros:
It works for both vintage and modern style pieces. It’s a shape that can be used in various designs.
Rings with pear-cut stones can give you the appearance of having longer fingers.
It is ideal for pendants and earrings but also gives life to stunning and unique rings.
This size is usually more affordable due to its low demand.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you in your search for the perfect cut and also to better understand the wonderful world of diamonds.

Back

Brilliant or Diamond? Learn the basics about the most popular shapes.

Here we’ll clarify the most common doubts about the diamond’s shape and cut, plus the advantages of the most popular ones in jewelry.

What should I call it, Brilliant or Diamond?

When we talk about diamonds it’s usual to hear the term brilliant repeatedly, but does it mean the same? The answer may be a little bit confusing too: Yes and No.

It’s important to clarify that although the term brilliant is commonly used, the correct thing to do is to refer to the diamond as "brilliant-cut diamond". The brilliant-cut is also used for other precious stones. For example, the emerald can be polished into a brilliant-cut.

Shape and Cut

Shape and cut are other terms that are often mixed up but are two different things. Let us elaborate:The shape refers to the external form of the stone. It’s Its most obvious appearance, you can tell the shape with just a simple glance at the diamond. For example heart, pear, round among others.

Which is the best diamond shape?

This is a tricky question.

It’s important to mention that shape Is not exclusive to diamonds, It is used for all precious stones. All the shapes that are not round are known as fancy shapes. Now, we’ll tell you about the most known fancy shapes pros, so you can consider it when choosing the best one for you.

Round-Cut

Pros:Allows maximum reflection of light.It's timeless and classic, so it never goes out of style.Thanks to its popularity, you can find a wide variety of jewelry designs with this diamond cut.