An LGBTQ+ friendly guide to choosing the perfect diamond for any engagement.
Humans are naturally selective. Our inherent need for self expression sees us develop unique tastes in what we eat, what we drive and what we wear. When it comes to choosing the cut and shape of a diamond, for an engagement ring per say, the decisions can be as as difficult as they are endless.
Planning to propose, finding an engagement ring for your partner can be an incredibly daunting task, even if both of you are involved in the selection process. The engagement ring is a piece that most plan on wearing for the rest of their married life. The shape and cut of the center stone should at the very least be something that they are excited to wear day to day.
And with that, let me guide you through the most popular cuts and shapes of diamonds. I will help you to discover the ideas behind them, and in the mean time, give ourselves even more options to make our lives just that much more difficult. But before we do, lets clear something up.
Cut and shape… Is there a difference?
The answer of course, is yes. Most of us tend to mix the terms cut and shape when describing diamonds. The term shape refers to the overall shape of the stone (i.e round, oval or heart shapes). The cut refers to the style in which the stone is faceted and how the proportions affect its ability to reflect light (i.e brilliant, step or old cut stones). For example, you can have two oval shaped stones, but one can be an oval brilliant cut and the other can be an oval cabochon cut. For the purposes of this article, the common trade names will be used.
With lab grown diamonds being advertised, it is worth mentioning that the shape and cut of your diamond is directly affected by the raw material used. Although lab grown diamonds can be more affordable, they cannot beat the uniqueness of a naturally sourced diamond.
And with that, we begin.
- The Round Brilliant Shape Diamond:
A timeless classic.
The Round Brilliant cut, is to this day, the most in demand shape and cut of diamonds globally. With fifty-seven facets, Round Brilliant cut diamonds are designed to maximise brilliance and dispersion, giving the stone the classic diamond sparkle.
Those who are drawn to this traditional cut and shape are said to be honest, faithful and, at times, conservative. The incredible versatility of the Round Brilliant allows for this style to be paired with almost all other cuts and shapes.
2. The Emerald Shape Diamond:
Quietly elegant.
Emerald cut diamonds may be old fashioned but they have continued to impress those looking for a timeless elegant shape and cut that is subtly eye-catching. Dating back to the Victorian era, this style of cut has been especially sought after due to the need for incredibly inclusion free stones. The open type of the step cut allows for the full depth of the stone to be revealed, which can be symbolic of personal clarity and an open heart.
People who prefer this style of cut and shape have a good sense of who they are and never look for outside approval. They wear the diamond, instead of allowing the stone to wear them.
3. The Heart Shape Diamond:
Dotingly affectionate.
Possibly the most sentimental shape you can get out of a diamond. Those who would choose a heart shaped stone are thought to be very sentimental at heart. This style of cut is not only great for engagements but for other special occasions as well, such as birthdays, anniversaries or for a luxury push present.
4. The Pear Shape Diamond:
Strong yet delicate.
The elongated Pear Shape is a popular choice for those who have a soft side but are strong in their convictions. If you are drawn to this shape, you’re most likely to be a trend setter, maintain high standards in all aspects of life and set your own rules. Not to mention that pear shapes are phenomenal on anyone with short fingers, striking the perfect balance between a rounded and an angular shape.
5. The Cushion Shape diamond:
The best of both worlds.
A modern cut for the modern person. If you are struggling to decide between a rounded, softer shape versus a straight, more angular shape of diamond, your struggle may be over. The Cushion Cut solves the age old debacle by falling somewhere in between. Don’t let the compromise on the shape put you off, a good Cushion Cut diamond will have that distinct sparkle we are all looking for. Turns out you can have your cake and eat it too.
6. The Oval Shape Diamond:
Faithfully creative.
The Oval Cut is very similar to the traditional Round Brilliant, but shows a little more creativity with its slight diversion from the classic round design. This shape is popular with those who value tradition but are happy to mix things up every once in a while. The egg like shape is thought to represent fertility as well as stability and faithfulness. Since the 1960’s, the oval shape has been a magnificent addition to engagement rings, and in 2019, the Oval saw a surge in popularity, as this shape offers a wonderful spread of sparkle without breaking the bank.
7. The Princess Shape diamond:
Eye-catching elegance.
The Princess Cut demands attention with its extravagant glitter and sparkle. As a relatively modern diamond shape, the Princess Cut (or sometimes referred to as “Square Shaped”) diamonds have only existed in their current form since the 1960s.
The wearer will be someone who takes risks and is a natural leader. Anyone who chooses this style of cut and shape is not one to shy away from the spotlight. They revel in the attention received from their admirers. They bring a unique sense of excitement to nearly everything they do. Glamorous and dramatic, these diamonds are for those who know their place is at the center of the room.
8. The Marquise Shape Diamond:
Dramatic extravagance.
The flashy marquise shape indicates a desire for opulence and glitter, especially seeing as the shape is specifically designed to make the diamond look larger than it really is, cleverly utilising the optical properties inherent to all diamonds.
A preference in Marquise shaped diamonds therefore, may indicate a desire for extravagant appearances. Those who are drawn to this shape may be concerned with status but should always remember: It’s what inside that counts.
9. The Asscher Cut Diamond:
The definition of demure.
Developed by Joseph Asscher in 1902, the cut became a highlight of the Art Deco era. It is often referred to as the ‘Square Emerald cut’ because of its wide step facets and cropped corners, cut perfectly into its classic square shape. Their distinctive facet structure highlights the natural beauty of a diamond effortlessly. A resurgence of the stone’s uses in engagement rings began following the release of the film Great Gatsby in 2013.
The unique Asscher shape and cut highlights the wearer’s desire for drama while appealing to those appreciate vintage styles.
Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the breadth of information just thrown your way, and are still struggling to decide on a shape or cut for yourself or your partner, don’t worry. With the social advancements being made in our lifetime and the growth and acceptance of the global LGBTQ+ community, it is important for us to understand that like diamonds, love comes in all shapes, sizes and cuts.
The preferences in cutting styles or demand for certain shapes may change from country to country or even with time, but in the end, each diamond is a stunning example of what the inner workings of our planet are capable of. In a similar way, no matter who you love or how you love them, in the end it is just that. Love.
Conclusion:
If you are searching for bespoke pieces from an ethical, discreet and LGBTQ friendly private jeweler; get in touch and let’s make your sparkly dreams come true.
A special thanks to Max from Majesty Jewellers for helping me to put this article together.
Written by www.frankassparklers.com
Bespoke diamonds and jewellery Paris-London-Milan
#frankassparklers
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