How Should Your Diamond Shape Reflect and Refract?

Diamonds come in many different shapes and sizes, and each one reacts differently to light. When it comes to light performance, the cut of the diamond is one of the most important factors to consider.

Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular shape, and for good reason. Their circular shape allows light to enter from many different angles, maximizing their brilliance and fire. This cut is designed to maximize the amount of light that enters the diamond and reflects back to the observer's eye, creating a stunning display of brilliance and fire.

Princess-cut diamonds are another popular shape that reacts well to light. Their square shape allows for a similar light performance to that of a round brilliant diamond, but with a slightly different appearance.

Cushion-cut diamonds are known for their large facets and soft, rounded corners. This cut is a great choice for those who want a vintage or antique look, as it was popular in the 19th century. Its larger facets allow for a good amount of light to enter the diamond, creating a balance of fire and brilliance.

Emerald-cut diamonds are known for their step-cut faceting, which creates a hall-of-mirrors effect. This cut is typically less sparkly than other cuts, but its clean lines and elegant look make it a popular choice for engagement rings.

Oval brilliant-cut diamonds are similar in appearance to round brilliant diamonds, but their elongated shape gives them a unique look. They have a similar light performance to round brilliant diamonds, but their elongated shape can make them appear larger.

Marquise-cut diamonds have a similar elongated shape to oval diamonds, but with pointed ends. This cut is known for its dramatic look and can create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers. Its pointed ends can sometimes create areas of darkness, but a well-cut marquise diamond will still exhibit good light performance.

Pear-shaped diamonds are a unique and elegant choice for an engagement ring. Their combination of a rounded bottom and pointed top allows for good light performance, and their elongated shape can create the illusion of longer fingers.

Heart-shaped diamonds are a romantic choice for an engagement ring, but their unique shape can make it challenging to achieve good light performance. A well-cut heart-shaped diamond will still exhibit good brilliance and fire, but it's important to choose a high-quality stone for the best results.

In summary, each diamond shape has its own unique qualities and reacts differently to light. Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular choice and exhibit the highest level of brilliance and fire. Princess-cut diamonds, cushion-cut diamonds, and oval brilliant-cut diamonds are also popular choices that exhibit good light performance. Emerald-cut diamonds have a more subdued sparkle, but their hall-of-mirrors effect is still striking. Marquise-cut diamonds can create areas of darkness, but a well-cut stone will still exhibit good light performance. Pear-shaped diamonds and heart-shaped diamonds are unique choices that can also exhibit good light performance, but it's important to choose a high-quality stone to achieve the best results.