Which Diamond Cut Is Best? | Ultimate Guide
At Malakan, we understand the importance of finding the diamond cut that best suits your customers’ desires and styles. With decades of experience in the jewelry industry, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a well-crafted diamond cut. From the timeless elegance of the round cut to the modern allure of the princess cut, we want to help you guide your clients on a journey to discover the best diamond cut that will truly capture their hearts and stand the test of time.
What Is A Diamond Cut?
In the world of diamonds, the cut refers to the precise way a diamond is shaped and faceted. It is crucial in determining a diamond’s brilliance, sparkle, and overall visual appeal. The quality of a diamond’s cut affects its ability to reflect and refract light, resulting in that captivating and dazzling display we all desire.
Choosing The Perfect Diamond For Your Jewelry
As a jeweler, you must offer the most elegant jewelry for your customers and clients to ensure that each piece is exactly what they imagine. In addition to diamond cut, clients must also choose the type of diamond they want in their piece. At Malakan, we proudly offer natural, Bellataire®, and lab-created diamonds to fit your client’s needs. Before we get into the different cuts of jewelry they can choose from, we would like to showcase the various diamond types we offer.
Natural Diamonds
At Malakan, we keep a vast inventory of natural diamonds in stock to ensure you can access any cut and carat for your client. Our natural diamonds range in size from 0.005ct-20ct and are available in various cuts. If you are looking for a specific size or cut that we do not list on our site, our team will be happy to custom-cut it for you.
The Bellataire® Diamond Brand
As a leading provider of diamonds, Malakan is proud to offer Bellataire diamonds, an exclusive collection of natural, earth-minded diamonds noted for their chemical purity. Our proprietary treatment process saves you 30-60% compared to natural stones while still giving you the highest quality, GIA-certified, natural diamonds. Bellataire diamonds are made using a high-pressure, high-temperature process that reveals a natural, colorless brilliance.
Your clients can even custom-cut their own diamond from a rough crystal. They can choose the sizes and shapes of the diamonds to cut from it, then follow the journey as the rough diamond is cut, polished, and set into their custom jewelry.
Lab Created Diamonds
With their undeniable brilliance, lab-created diamonds continue to grow in popularity with 70% of millennial shoppers considering a lab-grown engagement ring*. Recognized by prestigious gemological institutes as genuine diamonds, they bring dazzling elegance within reach of any budget. Your clients can enjoy the diamonds of their dreams at one-third of the cost of natural diamonds. Explore our wide range of cuts and carat weights to embrace this flourishing trend.
Diamond Cuts Explained
Every diamond cut has its own unique characteristics, brilliance, and versatility. When your clients understand each diamond cut, they will be more empowered to select the perfect one for them.
Round
Featuring 58 precisely placed facets, the round cut maximizes the diamond’s ability to reflect light, resulting in exceptional sparkle and fire. Its symmetrical shape and carefully calibrated proportions make it a versatile choice for various jewelry designs, from engagement rings to earrings. With its enduring appeal and captivating allure, the round diamond cut is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating breathtaking diamond jewelry.
Both round and round brilliant diamonds have the same shape, but the round brilliant cut is designed to maximize sparkle and brilliance. The round brilliant diamond is cut with 58 facets in a specific arrangement to achieve this effect. It is the most popular and widely recognized diamond shape, often chosen for engagement rings. The brilliance and fire of a round brilliant diamond make it an enduring classic.
Princess
With its square shape and pointed corners, the princess-cut diamond combines contemporary style with brilliant sparkle. This cut features multiple facets that allow light to reflect and refract, creating a stunning display of brilliance. The princess cut is highly versatile, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. Its clean lines and geometric shape lend a sophisticated and timeless appeal. For those seeking a blend of luxury and modernity, the princess diamond cut offers a captivating choice that beautifully enhances the essence of individual style.
In addition to its versatility, the princess cut also offers practical benefits. Compared to other diamond cuts, the princess cut boasts a higher yield from the raw stone, meaning less material is wasted during the cutting process. This makes it a more environmentally conscious choice for diamond buyers. Additionally, the squared shape of the princess cut allows for a larger appearance in carat weight, as the weight is distributed more evenly across the diamond’s surface area. This can make the princess cut a more cost-effective option for those looking to maximize the size and sparkle of their diamond. Overall, the princess cut is a stunning and practical choice for those seeking a timeless yet modern diamond option.
Asscher
In the realm of vintage sophistication, the asscher diamond cut reigns supreme. With its distinctive square shape and cropped corners, this step-cut diamond embodies timeless charm and elegance. A step-cut diamond is a specific type of diamond cut that is characterized by its unique faceting style. Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds that have numerous facets designed to maximize brilliance and sparkle, step-cut diamonds feature a series of long, narrow, and parallel facets that resemble steps or staircases.
The Asscher cut features a high crown, a small table, and step-cut facets that create a mesmerizing play of light and dark planes. This cut beautifully showcases a diamond’s clarity and transparency while exuding an air of sophistication reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Whether adorning an engagement ring or a statement pendant, the Asscher cut diamond is a true testament to the enduring allure of vintage-inspired jewelry.
Trillion
When it comes to unique and captivating diamond cuts, the trillion cut steals the show. This triangular-shaped cut, or trilliant or triangle cut, offers a modern twist on traditional diamond shapes. Trillion-cut diamonds are exceptionally versatile, allowing for a range of carat sizes, shapes, and colors, while also maximizing the stone’s brilliance and fire. While not as popular as round or princess cuts, trillion-cut diamonds offer a distinctive and modern look for those looking to stand out from the traditional diamond ring crowd.
Emerald
Emerald cut diamonds feature a rectangular-shaped cut, also known as a step-cut. Elongated facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect and showcase the diamond’s clarity. The emerald cut, with its crisp and refined lines, is widely admired for its sophisticated elegance that evokes the Art Deco era. With its open table and large, flat facets, this cut highlights the diamond’s exceptional clarity and natural beauty. The captivating beauty of the emerald-cut diamond is undeniable. Whether it is displayed in a classic solitaire setting or harmoniously paired with complementing side stones, this diamond cut has stood the test of time as the epitome of timeless elegance.
Radiant
If you are searching for a diamond cut that blends elegance and brilliance, the radiant cut takes center stage. With its square or rectangular shape and brilliant-cut facets, the radiant cut offers a dazzling display of light and fire. This versatile cut combines the best of both worlds, featuring the sleek lines of an emerald cut and the brilliance of a round cut. The radiant cut’s faceting style allows it to hide flaws while maximizing its brilliance, making it an excellent choice for four-prong solitaire settings to ensure plenty of protection on all four corners. Whether set as a solitaire or surrounded by complementary stones, the radiant cut diamond captures attention with its undeniable allure and timeless beauty.
Cushion
Known for its pillow-like shape and rounded corners, the cushion cut showcases timeless elegance and charm. The cushion-cut diamond usually features 58-64 facets that enhance its brilliance and fire, creating a captivating play of light. This cut’s soft edges and antique-inspired appeal make it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. Whether set in a classic solitaire or surrounded by intricate halo detailing, the cushion-cut diamond adds a touch of vintage allure. It creates a romantic statement that stands the test of time.
Baguette
The baguette cut features an elongated rectangular shape with step-cut facets, creating a clean and elegant appearance. Jewelry designers frequently use baguette-cut diamonds as accent stones, infusing jewelry designs with a touch of refinement and brilliance.Their sleek and elongated shape makes them a popular choice for complementing other diamond cuts because they create a striking contrast that enhances the overall beauty of the piece. Whether adorning an engagement ring or a stunning necklace, the baguette cut diamonds bring a touch of understated glamour and timeless elegance to any jewelry collection
Marquise
With its distinctive boat-like shape and pointed ends, the marquise cut creates a stunning and elongated appearance on the finger. This cut features multiple facets that enhance its brilliance and fire and captivate with its unique silhouette.
Its ability to maximize the carat weight and create the illusion of a larger diamond is what makes this cut renowned. The marquise cut diamond boasts unparalleled elegance and opulence, making it a coveted choice for engagement rings and high-end statement jewelry.
Pear
The pear-cut diamond is a unique and eye-catching diamond cut that combines the elegance of a round cut with the distinctiveness of a marquise cut. Resembling a teardrop, the pear cut features a rounded end and a pointed end, creating a beautiful asymmetrical shape. Renowned for its versatility, this cut allows for creative and personalized jewelry designs, as it can be worn with the pointed end facing either up or down. Additionally, this style is known for its stunning brilliance and fiery sparkle, making it a highly sought-after choice for engagement rings and pendants.
Heart
The heart-cut diamond is a perfect choice to embody the spirit of love and romance. With its distinctive heart shape, this cut captures the essence of sentimental moments and celebrates deep connections. With its symmetrical shape, well-defined cleft, and rounded lobes, the heart-cut diamond requires exceptional skill and precision to create. Known for its undeniable charm and emotional significance, the heart-cut diamond is a popular choice for engagement rings and romantic jewelry pieces. The brilliant facets and unique silhouette make it a stunning symbol of love that beautifully reflects the wearer’s affection and devotion.
One of the most important aspects of a heart-cut diamond is its intricate shape which requires precise cutting, polishing, and symmetry. The technique used to create the heart shape involves carefully selecting the raw diamond and then cutting the pavilion to create two symmetrical halves. This process takes exceptional skill and attention to detail to ensure that each half is identical in size and angle. After forming the basic shape, skilled artisans meticulously facet the diamond to maximize its brilliance, fire, and sparkle. This process results in a breathtakingly beautiful gemstone, perfect for commemorative celebrations.
Oval
The oval-cut diamond is a classic and elegant choice. This diamond combines the elongated shape of a marquise cut with the brilliance of a round cut. Similar to the marquise, its elongated form creates the illusion of a larger diamond, making it a popular choice for those seeking both size and sparkle. The oval cut features similar facets to the round cut, maximizing light reflection and creating a captivating play of brilliance.
Kite
The kite-cut diamond is a unique and contemporary diamond cut that stands out with its unconventional shape. Resembling a kite, this cut boasts two long and two short sides, creating a distinctive, eye-catching silhouette.
The kite cut’s modern and edgy appeal is well-known, providing a fresh alternative to traditional diamond shapes. The cut highlights a diamond’s brilliance and fire, perfect for those seeking unique, fashionable jewelry. Whether in a solitaire ring or pendant, the kite-cut diamond adds individuality and flair.
Bullet
Bullet cut diamonds are a sleek and distinctive diamond cut that showcases modern elegance. With its tapered rectangular shape resembling a bullet, this cut stands out with its clean lines and geometric appeal. The bullet cut features step-cut facets that create a mirror-like effect, emphasizing its clarity and brilliance. Designers frequently employ this cut as an accent stone, infusing sophistication and enhancing complement with other diamond cuts. The bullet cut diamond adds contemporary refinement to rings, necklaces, or earrings, appealing to seekers of unique, stylish jewelry.
Trapezoid
The trapezoid cut diamond is a striking and unique choice for those who appreciate bold and edgy jewelry pieces.
It has four sides that characterize the cut. Two parallel sides on the top and bottom, and two slanted sides on the sides. This distinct shape creates a symmetrical and balanced appearance, making it ideal for use as side stones or accent diamonds. The trapezoid diamond’s step-cut facets arrange themselves in a linear pattern. This produces clean and crisp lines that give the stone its signature contemporary look.
One of the main advantages of the trapezoid cut is its versatility. Its geometric flair enhances the brilliance and fire of round, pear, or oval-shaped diamonds, complementing them effectively. Furthermore, one can use the trapezoid cut as a standalone centerpiece, showcasing its unique shape and beauty. Its angular style often finds application in unconventional designs that stand out and make a statement.
So Which Diamond Cut Is Best?
In the search for the best diamond cut, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal diamond cut will depend on factors such as the type of jewelry, your personal style, and individual preferences.
At Malakan, we understand the significance of finding the perfect diamonds for your jewelry business and your clients. With our extensive knowledge, inventory, and expertise, we can help you and your customers navigate the world of diamond cuts. We can also help guide you toward selecting the best diamonds for their dream custom jewelry.
Our team selects diamonds to suit your vision. Whether it’s a timeless round cut for an engagement ring or a unique custom design. Trust Malakan for diamonds that surpass expectations, leaving a lasting impression on your customers.
Sources:
*The MVEye, “Millennial Consumer Research Lab Grown Diamonds”, 2018