The Meaning Behind Different Shapes of Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, renowned for their unparalleled brilliance, durability, and symbolism. However, not all diamonds are created equal, and one of the key factors that can influence a diamond’s appearance and meaning is its shape. From the classic round brilliant cut to the distinctive pear and marquise cuts, each diamond shape has its own unique characteristics and conveys a different message or style.
How many diamond shapes are there in total?
There is no definitive answer to this question as new diamond shapes can be created through innovation and creativity. However, the number of recognized diamond shapes in the industry is approximately 12-15. The exact number may vary depending on the source or expert you consult, but the most common diamond shapes are:
- Round
- Princess
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Oval
- Pear
- Marquise
- Heart
- Radiant
- Asscher
- Baguette
- Trilliant
These shapes are widely recognized and commonly used in jewellery settings. There may also be some lesser-known shapes or variations of these shapes that are less common in the market.
What is the real shape of a diamond?
The natural shape of a diamond in its rough form is typically an octahedron, which is a shape with eight faces, six of which are equilateral triangles and two of which are square. However, the diamond is then cut and polished to create the many different diamond shapes that are seen in jewellery settings. The final shape of a diamond is determined by the skill and expertise of the diamond cutter, who must balance the diamond’s natural shape, the desired shape, and the diamond’s optical and physical properties to create the best possible finished diamond.
The meaning behind different diamond shapes
Round
As a diamond jewellery expert, I can tell you that the round diamond shape is the most popular and classic shape for diamond engagement rings and other diamond jewellery. The round shape is a classic choice because it is timeless and has been used in jewellery for centuries.
The round shape is said to represent eternity, as it has no beginning or end. It is also thought to represent the sun, the source of all life, and the circle of life and love. Additionally, the round shape is believed to represent balance and harmony, making it an ideal choice for jewellery that represents commitment and partnership.
Overall, the round shape is a versatile and classic choice for diamond jewellery, and its popularity is due to its timeless beauty and symbolism.
Princess
The princess cut is a popular diamond shape that is known for its square or rectangular shape and brilliant-cut faceting style. It was first developed in the 1960s, and since then, it has become one of the most popular diamond cuts after the round brilliant cut.
The princess-cut diamond is often associated with modernity, sophistication, and elegance. Its sharp corners and clean lines give it a contemporary look that is perfect for those who prefer a modern or minimalist style. It’s also a great choice for those who want a diamond with lots of brilliance and sparkle.
The princess cut is a popular choice for engagement rings, and it’s often paired with side stones or set in a halo setting to enhance its beauty and sparkle. The cut’s square or rectangular shape is said to represent stability and balance, making it a meaningful choice for couples who value these qualities in their relationship.
Overall, the princess cut diamond is a versatile and timeless choice that combines modern style and classic elegance, making it a popular choice for diamond jewellery.
Cushion
The cushion cut diamond is a popular diamond shape that has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and large facets. The cushion cut has been around for centuries, and it’s a classic choice for those who want a diamond with vintage or antique charm.
The cushion-cut diamond is said to represent warmth, comfort, and love. Its soft, rounded corners give it a gentle and romantic appearance, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings or other romantic jewellery. The large facets of the cushion cut also give it a lot of brilliance and sparkle, which can symbolise the brightness and joy that comes with a loving relationship.
The cushion cut diamond is a versatile choice that can work well with many different styles of jewellery settings. It’s often set in a halo setting, which can enhance its sparkle and make it appear larger than it is. Additionally, the cushion cut is a popular choice for coloured diamonds, which can add a unique and personal touch to a piece of diamond jewellery.
Overall, the cushion cut diamond is a timeless and romantic choice that can symbolise the warmth, comfort, and love that come with a committed relationship.
Emerald
The emerald cut diamond is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond with bevelled corners and a step-cut faceting style. This cut was originally developed for emerald gemstones, but it’s now a popular choice for diamond engagement rings and other diamond jewellery.
In terms of symbolism, the emerald-cut diamond is said to represent sophistication, elegance, and classic style. Its long, clean lines and step-cut faceting give it a timeless and refined appearance that can complement a range of jewellery styles.
The emerald-cut diamond is also known for its unique optical properties, which create a hall-of-mirrors effect when viewed from certain angles. This can symbolise depth, introspection, and a willingness to see beyond the surface of things.
Overall, the emerald cut diamond is a classic and sophisticated choice that can symbolise timeless elegance, introspection, and depth of character. It’s a great choice for those who value classic style and understated elegance in their diamond jewellery.
Oval
The oval-cut diamond is an elongated and symmetrical diamond with a brilliant-cut faceting style. In terms of symbolism, the oval-cut diamond is said to represent creativity, individuality, and uniqueness. Its elongated shape and rounded edges give it a graceful and feminine appearance that can complement a range of styles. The oval shape is also believed to represent a sense of continuity and balance, making it an ideal choice for those who value stability and harmony in their relationships.
The oval-cut diamond is a versatile choice that can work well with many different jewellery settings. It’s often set in a solitaire setting or paired with side stones or smaller diamonds to enhance its sparkle and beauty.
Overall, the oval cut diamond is a classic and elegant choice that can symbolise creativity, individuality, and balance. It’s a great choice for those who want a diamond with a unique and feminine appearance that also has a sense of continuity and stability.
Pear
The pear-cut diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is a unique diamond shape that combines the features of a round cut and a marquise cut. It has a tapered point at one end and a rounded end at the other, which gives it a distinctive teardrop shape.
In terms of symbolism, the pear-cut diamond is said to represent gracefulness, individuality, and emotional depth. The tapered end of the diamond is believed to represent a journey or transition, making it an ideal choice for those who are starting a new chapter in their lives. The rounded end of the diamond is said to represent the emotional and spiritual qualities that come with a committed relationship, such as love, loyalty, and compassion.
The pear-cut diamond is a versatile choice that can work well with many different jewellery settings. It’s often set in a solitaire setting or paired with other diamonds or gemstones to enhance its unique beauty and sparkle.
Overall, the pear-cut diamond is a romantic and elegant choice that can symbolise gracefulness, individuality, and emotional depth. It’s a great choice for those who value unique and meaningful jewellery that tells a story.
Marquise
The marquise cut diamond is a long, narrow diamond with pointed ends that is sometimes referred to as a “navette” cut due to its boat-like shape. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewellery because of its elegant and sophisticated appearance.
In terms of symbolism, the marquise cut diamond is said to represent elegance, sophistication, and royalty. Its unique shape is believed to have been inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France, who was known for her grace and elegance. The marquise cut is also said to symbolise a sense of regal sophistication and nobility, making it an ideal choice for those who value luxury and exclusivity in their diamond jewellery.
The marquise cut diamond is a versatile choice that can work well with many different jewellery settings. It’s often set in a solitaire setting or paired with other diamonds or gemstones to enhance its unique beauty and sparkle.
Overall, the marquise cut diamond is an elegant and sophisticated choice that can symbolise royalty, elegance, and luxury. It’s a great choice for those who value unique and luxurious diamond jewellery that makes a statement.
Heart
The heart-shaped diamond is a romantic and symbolic choice for diamond jewellery, often used in engagement rings and other romantic gifts. It is a modified version of the round brilliant cut diamond, with a cleft at the top that creates a heart shape.
In terms of symbolism, the heart-shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of love, passion, and romance.
The heart shape is universally recognized as a symbol of love and affection, making it an ideal choice for those who want to express their love through jewellery. Heart-shaped diamonds are often given as gifts on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or proposals, as they symbolise the deep love and commitment shared between two people.
Heart-shaped diamonds can be set in a variety of settings, including solitaire, halo, and pave settings. They can also be paired with other diamonds or gemstones to enhance their beauty and symbolic meaning.
Overall, the heart-shaped diamond is a romantic and meaningful choice for diamond jewellery that symbolises love, passion, and commitment. It’s a great choice for those who want to express their love and affection through a beautiful and timeless piece of jewellery.
Radiant
The radiant cut diamond is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond with trimmed corners and a brilliant facet pattern that maximises its fire and brilliance. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewellery due to its unique beauty and versatility.
In terms of symbolism, the radiant cut diamond is said to represent strength, power, and confidence. Its sharp lines and strong geometric shape give it a modern and powerful look that is often associated with success and achievement. The radiant cut is also known for its brilliance and fire, which can symbolise passion and energy.
Radiant cut diamonds can be set in a variety of settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings. They can also be paired with other diamonds or gemstones to create unique and personalised pieces of jewellery.
Overall, the radiant cut diamond is a beautiful and versatile choice that can symbolise strength, power, and passion. It’s a great choice for those who want a diamond that makes a bold and powerful statement while still being elegant and sophisticated.
Asscher
The Asscher cut diamond is a square-shaped diamond with cropped corners and a stepped facet pattern that gives it a distinctive and elegant look. It was first created in the early 1900s by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam and has become a popular choice for vintage and antique diamond jewellery.
In terms of symbolism, the Asscher cut diamond is said to represent elegance, sophistication, and vintage glamour. Its unique and intricate facet pattern gives it a classic and timeless look that is reminiscent of the Art Deco era. The Asscher cut is also known for its clarity and symmetry, which can symbolise balance and harmony.
Asscher cut diamonds can be set in a variety of settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings. They are also a popular choice for vintage and antique-inspired jewellery designs.
Overall, the Asscher cut diamond is a beautiful and sophisticated choice that can symbolise elegance, vintage glamour, and balance. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage and antique jewellery styles.
Baguette
The baguette-cut diamond is a long, narrow rectangular-shaped diamond with straight facets that create a clean and elegant look. It is a popular choice for diamond jewellery such as earrings, bracelets, and wedding bands, as well as for accent diamonds in engagement rings.
In terms of symbolism, the baguette-cut diamond is said to represent clarity, simplicity, and sophistication. Its clean lines and understated beauty give it a timeless and classic look that is often associated with elegance and refinement. The baguette cut is also known for its ability to enhance the beauty of other diamonds and gemstones, making it a popular choice for accent stones in jewellery designs.
Baguette-cut diamonds can be set in a variety of settings, including channel, pave, and prong settings. They can also be paired with other diamonds or gemstones to create unique and personalised pieces of jewellery.
Overall, the baguette cut diamond is a beautiful and versatile choice that can symbolise clarity, simplicity, and sophistication. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate the beauty of clean lines and understated elegance in their jewellery.
Trilliant
The trilliant cut diamond is a triangular-shaped diamond with sharp, uncut corners and a brilliant facet pattern that maximises its brilliance and fire. It is a popular choice for diamond jewellery such as earrings and pendants, as well as for accent stones in engagement rings.
In terms of symbolism, the trilliant cut diamond is said to represent creativity, individuality, and boldness. Its unique and distinctive shape gives it a modern and edgy look that is often associated with innovation and originality. The trilliant cut is also known for its brilliance and fire, which can symbolise passion and energy.
Trilliant cut diamonds can be set in a variety of settings, including prong, bezel, and tension settings. They can also be paired with other diamonds or gemstones to create unique and personalised pieces of jewellery.
Overall, the trilliant cut diamond is a beautiful and bold choice that can symbolise creativity, individuality, and passion. It’s a great choice for those who want a diamond that makes a statement and shows off their unique style and personality.
Related Questions
What was the first diamond shape?
One of the earliest recorded diamond shapes was the “Old Mine Cut”, which was developed in the 1700s and was the predecessor to the modern round brilliant cut. Other early diamond shapes included the rose cut, the cushion cut, and the emerald cut, which were developed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
What is the most popular diamond shape?
The most popular diamond shape is the round brilliant cut. It is estimated that about 75% of all diamonds sold are round brilliant cut diamonds. This diamond shape is popular because it maximises the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and sparkle, making it appear more brilliant and lively than other shapes.
What is the most unique diamond shape?
The term “unique” is subjective and can mean different things to different people. However, there are some diamond shapes that are less common or less popular than others, which can make them stand out and be perceived as more unique.
One diamond shape that is considered unique and rare is the heart-shaped diamond. Another less common diamond shape is the trilliant cut, which is a triangular-shaped diamond with pointed corners.
Other diamond shapes that are considered unique or unusual include the kite-shaped diamond, the hexagonal-shaped diamond, and the bullet-shaped diamond. However, the popularity and demand for diamond shapes can vary depending on cultural influences, fashion trends, and personal preferences.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the shape of a diamond is much more than just a matter of aesthetics. It can reveal a lot about the personality, style, and sentiment of the wearer, and can even influence the perceived value and quality of the diamond. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a round cut, the bold sophistication of an emerald cut, or the romantic whimsy of a heart shape, there is a diamond shape out there for everyone. By understanding the meaning behind each shape, you can make a more informed and meaningful choice when selecting your next diamond. So go ahead, explore the world of diamond shapes and discover the perfect gemstone to express your unique style and personality.