Diamond Cuts: Which Magical Shape Captures Your Heart?

Chaumet
Crown Your Love Collection
18K gold, diamonds
Comparison of pear-shaped diamonds with different proportions

The dazzling beauty of diamonds is irresistible, especially fancy-shaped diamonds that captivate hearts with their unique forms and charm. Fancy cuts can maximize a diamond’s weight retention, which is why most rare historical diamond pieces feature fancy cuts. If you’re eager to explore the diverse allure of diamonds, join us as we delve into the splendor of these uniquely shaped gems.


I. Diamond Cuts

The Interplay of Light and Shadow

The brilliance of a cut diamond, radiating light from all angles, has mesmerized countless admirers.

Cindy Chao Art Jewel
White Label High Jewelry Four Seasons Collection
Leaf Earrings
18K gold, diamonds
Cindy Chao Art Jewel
White Label High Jewelry Four Seasons Collection
Leaf Earrings
18K gold, diamonds

In fact, the dazzling radiance of every diamond is the result of meticulous craftsmanship by skilled cutters. From initial design sketches to precise cutting, followed by delicate polishing, this series of intricate processes is akin to an artist’s painting. It breathes life into diamonds, allowing them to display infinite variations and spectacular brilliance in light and shadow.

Buccellati
Mosaico High Jewelry Collection Ring
18K gold, diamonds
Center stone: cushion-cut diamond
Buccellati
Mosaico High Jewelry Collection Ring
18K gold, diamonds
Center stone: cushion-cut diamond

The cut is not just a technique; it’s a magical process that gives diamonds new life.

Fred
Monsieur Fred Inner Light High Jewelry Collection
"Master of Destiny" Theme Bracelet
18K gold, diamonds, agate
Fred
Monsieur Fred Inner Light High Jewelry Collection
“Master of Destiny” Theme Bracelet
18K gold, diamonds, agate

Over nearly seven centuries of development, diamond cutting has evolved from simple point cuts to a diverse array of fancy shapes including triangular, marquise, pear, heart, and many others. This has greatly enriched the variety of diamond cuts available.

Messika
Joy Coeur Bracelet
18K gold, diamonds
Featuring heart-shaped cut diamonds
Messika
Joy Coeur Bracelet
18K gold, diamonds
Featuring heart-shaped cut diamonds

Each facet of a diamond seems to come alive, showcasing its unique charm. These distinctive diamond shapes have made “diamond beauty” synonymous with the perfect blend of fashion and individuality in today’s jewelry world.

Harry Winston
Secret Cluster Necklace
Platinum, diamonds
Featuring pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds
Harry Winston
Secret Cluster Necklace
Platinum, diamonds
Featuring pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds

II. Diamond Cuts

The Secret to Jewelry’s Beauty

The quality of a diamond is actually measured by the “4C” standard. Whether it’s a classic round cut or a distinctive fancy shape, their quality is comprehensively evaluated based on four core elements: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.

However, unlike standard round diamonds, when evaluating the cut of fancy-shaped diamonds, most certification institutions like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) only grade Polish and Symmetry.

The highest cut grade for fancy-shaped diamonds is 2EX, where both polish and symmetry achieve an Excellent rating. This is because, while ensuring weight retention, more emphasis is placed on symmetry and harmonious length-to-width ratios to achieve the best visual effect, rather than precise cutting data.

Chaumet
Crown Your Love Collection
18K gold, diamonds
Comparison of pear-shaped diamonds with different proportions
Chaumet
Crown Your Love Collection
18K gold, diamonds
Comparison of pear-shaped diamonds with different proportions

For a fancy-cut diamond, when the depth-to-width and table-to-width ratios reach perfect proportions, it can enhance the diamond’s visual size.

Therefore, when selecting fancy-shaped diamonds, a table that’s too large or too small will affect the diamond’s aesthetics. Additionally, a girdle that’s too thick will hide carat weight and affect appearance, while one that’s too thin may crack during setting or wearing.

This demonstrates that producing an exquisite piece of jewelry truly requires exceptional cutting skills!

Chaumet
Joséphine Aigrette Impériale Collection
Platinum, diamond ring
Marquise cut
Chaumet
Joséphine Aigrette Impériale Collection
Platinum, diamond ring
Marquise cut

Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is cleverly designed with symmetrically elongated ends, not only smartly retaining maximum carat weight but also visually presenting a stunning effect. They act like small vortices of light, ingeniously trapping and reflecting dazzling brilliance, making the diamond appear larger than it actually is.

Known as the “Queen of Cuts,” the marquise shape is also a symbol of romantic love. Its creation stems from a romantic story: At a masked ball, King Louis XV of France fell in love at first sight with Madame de Pompadour and immediately had jewelers create this shape inspired by her lips.

To this day, this emotionally charged diamond shape remains widely loved, even chosen by David Beckham for Victoria’s engagement ring, continuing to convey love stories.

De Beers
Forces of Nature Collection
Leopard Jacket Ring
18K gold, diamonds
Center stone: Marquise-cut diamond
De Beers
Forces of Nature Collection
Leopard Jacket Ring
18K gold, diamonds
Center stone: Marquise-cut diamond

Pear Cut

Also known as the teardrop shape, it’s a perfect combination of elegance and grandeur. It combines the soft curves of a round diamond with the sharp point of a marquise, creating a visual sense of fluid extension that elegantly accentuates the wearer’s slender hands. Diamonds of this shape appear larger and more eye-catching at the same carat weight, which is a key reason for their popularity.

For pear-shaped diamonds, symmetry is crucial. Imagine drawing a line down the center of the gem; its profile should be perfectly mirrored on both sides, thus radiating irresistible romantic brilliance from every angle.

Bulgari
Mediterranea High Jewelry Collection
Tribute to Venice Necklace
18K gold, diamonds
Bulgari
Mediterranea High Jewelry Collection
Tribute to Venice Necklace
18K gold, diamonds

In the world of fancy-shaped diamonds, the Asscher cut stands out with its unique charm. This cut cleverly combines the dazzling brilliance of the round brilliant with the complex angles of the emerald cut, absorbing light from all directions and sparkling with kaleidoscopic colors.

The Asscher cut’s distinctive wide step-cut facets and high crown create an almost perfect square symmetry. When you gaze into it, it’s like getting lost in a series of reflecting mirrors, creating a mesmerizing “hall of mirrors” effect. If you want a dazzling diamond within your budget, an Asscher-cut diamond is an excellent choice!

De Beers
Forces of Nature High Jewelry Collection
Zebra Jacket Ring
18K gold, diamonds
De Beers
Forces of Nature High Jewelry Collection
Zebra Jacket Ring
18K gold, diamonds

Beyond these, the world of diamond cutting boasts many classic techniques and exquisite expressions. We’ll continue to explore and learn about them together in the future!


III. Diamond Cuts

Leading New Trends

As modern aesthetics become increasingly diverse, diamond cutting methods have evolved to create more innovative shapes. Simple geometric forms are no longer surprising; have you seen these avant-garde and artistic niche cuts? Let’s explore them together!

Star Cut

Louis Vuitton
Deep Time High Jewelry Collection
Bones Chalcedony Theme Ring
18K gold, diamonds
Louis Vuitton
Deep Time High Jewelry Collection
Bones Chalcedony Theme Ring
18K gold, diamonds

Louis Vuitton has transformed its classic Monogram pattern into dazzling star-shaped diamonds. Each star-shaped diamond undergoes a lengthy cutting and polishing process, precisely carving out 53 facets to accurately trace the star’s outline with every ray of light.

Louis Vuitton
LV Diamonds Collection
18K gold, diamond necklace and earrings
Louis Vuitton
LV Diamonds Collection
18K gold, diamond necklace and earrings

This ingenious craftsmanship ensures that each star-shaped diamond shines with captivating brilliance, becoming a witness to time.

This futuristic and complex diamond necklace is from Louis Vuitton’s 2024 “Deep Time” high jewelry collection, second chapter. The bottom of the cord is set with 4 LV Monogram star-cut diamonds, totaling 1.91 carats. Each diamond has 77 facets, shining as brilliantly as stars in the night sky.

Louis Vuitton
Myriad Diamond Necklace
Louis Vuitton
Myriad Diamond Necklace

Wulu Cut

The unique gourd-shaped cut is a new type of cut created by Qeelin, revolutionizing traditional craftsmanship. This cutting method makes the diamond visually softer and warmer. Based on the pear shape, the pavilion of the diamond is carved to create a rounded gourd shape. Combined with the brilliance brought by the facets, it adds a special charm to the diamond.

Shield Cut

The unique shield cut cleverly combines triangular cutting with the shape of a shield. Diamonds with this cut have sloping sides, a flat bottom, and a triangular top, with the triangular face pointing upward when set.

Fred
Monsieur Fred Inner Light Force 10 Collection
"Winning Belief" Theme Earrings
18K gold, diamonds, blue sapphires
Fred
Monsieur Fred Inner Light Force 10 Collection
“Winning Belief” Theme Earrings
18K gold, diamonds, blue sapphires

In sunlight, the intricate interaction between the shield-cut diamond’s facets and light makes each facet seem like a tiny mirror. It not only highlights the diamond’s brilliance and fire but also adds a unique and eye-catching personality to jewelry designs, emphasizing the diamond’s geometric beauty while being extremely modern and fashionable.

Fred Hero Cut Diamonds
Fred Hero Cut Diamonds

Kite Cut

Kite-shaped cut diamonds typically have four straight edges, two short and two long, forming a flat top and a long tail, resembling a kite flying in the sky. While showcasing the diamond’s texture, it allows the diamond to present unique light and shadow effects under illumination, providing designers with infinite possibilities and creative inspiration.

Messika
Voltige High Jewelry Collection
Trapézistes Ring
10.19-carat kite-shaped yellow diamond
Messika
Voltige High Jewelry Collection
Trapézistes Ring
10.19-carat kite-shaped yellow diamond

Diamond cutting is the magic that gives diamonds a second life, providing the public with an incomparable visual feast. So, which diamond cut is your favorite? Is it the classic pear cut or the refreshing star cut? Tell us quickly, or share your Dream Diamond with us!

Diamond Cuts: Which Magical Shape Captures Your Heart?