Purchasing diamonds is an exciting process; whether you’re buying a necklace, ring, or another jewellery item, owning brand-new diamond jewels is something many of us daydream about. However, deciding which diamond is right for you can be difficult, with so many shapes and cuts to choose from, each beautiful in its own unique way.
As experts in all things diamonds, we are here to provide our knowledge so you can make the best decision on the best diamond shape and cut for you or your loved one. The shape of a diamond drastically changes its overall look and meaning, as many different cuts symbolise various things. But first, understanding shape and cut is essential when looking for the perfect diamond.
What Is Diamond Shape and Cut?
A diamond’s shape is the way and style it’s been cut. The process of diamond cutting is the way in which it is shaped from its rough form, which is organic and natural. In addition, you may have heard the term brilliant cut, which doesn’t refer to the shape but the outstanding sparkle that this diamond cut produces.
There are various diamond shapes that you will have seen time and time again in all your favourite jewellery. From the traditional diamond cut to modern princess cuts and an assortment in between, all with their own unique properties and overall style. Let’s explore some of the shapes and cuts you can expect to see here at Banks Lyon in our new and second-hand diamond jewellery.
Brilliant Round Cut
As mentioned, the term brilliant cut refers to the diamond’s sparkle rather than shape due to how it has been cut. Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular cut, with other cuts being known as a ‘fancy shape’. It achieves the most sparkle a diamond can produce, with 58 faucets carefully cut into the rough diamond. They are symmetrically perfect and provide the customer with a balanced shape, ideal for engagement rings.
Pictured here is the Platinum 2.56ct Lab Grown Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring available at Banks Lyon for £18,055 or just £150.45 per month on 0% finance.
Pear Cut
Sometimes referred to as teardrop cut, pear cut diamonds have a unique shape with a point at one end and a rounded edge at the other. Also popular for engagement rings, pear-shaped
diamonds offer incredible sparkle due to their outstanding reflection. In addition, they are often favoured as a value-for-money option due to their shape, which is shallower and offers a bigger measurement compared with other diamond cuts.
Pictured here is the Platinum 0.71ct Pear Cut Diamond Halo Ring available at Banks Lyon for £5750 or just £47.91 per month on 0% finance.
Oval Cut
Part of the brilliant family, an oval cut diamond is essentially an elongated round cut diamond, offering the same benefits, such as outstanding sparkle. This diamond cut gained popularity in the 1960s as the new engagement ring stone.
Pictured here is the 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum 0.40ct Oval Cut Diamond Halo Ring available here at Banks Lyon for £2825 or just £23.54 per month on 0% finance.
Princess Cut
One of the more modern diamond shapes, princess cut diamonds are known for their unique shape and exceptionally feminine style. They are perfectly square and part of the brilliant
shape family, cut with 58 faucets providing exceptional sparkle and a unique twist of elegance.
Pictured here are the 18ct White Gold 1.00ct Princess Diamond Earrings available here at Banks Lyon for £3750 or just £31.25 per month on 0% finance.
Emerald Cut
As the name may suggest, the shape of emerald cut diamonds was used solely for emerald stones but has since been adopted by many other jewels. The unique purity of an emerald cut diamond makes this shape special and desirable for rings. Choose an emerald cut diamond eternity ring for an entirely unique gift for a loved one and guarantee a smile on their face.
Pictured here is the Platinum 2.00ct Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Ring available here at Banks Lyon for £13,795 for just £114.95 per month on 0% finance.
Marquise Cut
Marquise cut diamonds come with a fascinating and beautiful history, making them the perfect gift for a loved one. Louis XIX commissioned this shape in the 1700s to convey the
appearance of his lover’s smile, and since then, it has been refined to the stunning cut you see today. It is also chosen by those with smaller fingers as it elongates them, giving you a more feminine look.
Pictured here is the Platinum 0.40ct Marquise Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring available here at Banks Lyon for £2975 for just £24.97 per month on 0% finance.
Cushion Cut
A cushion cut is a rounded-edged square or rectangular-shaped diamond – a more contemporary design than some classic cuts. It offers incredible value compared to other designs and gives a unique crushed effect, making it a popular choice for many.
Pictured here is the 18ct White Gold 0.51ct Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Pendant available at Banks Lyon for £950 or just £7.91 per month on 0% finance.
Diamonds at Banks Lyon
We have an extensive range of diamond jewellery here at Banks Lyon, including our stunning collection of platinum diamond rings, the last puzzle piece in your engagement plans. Please feel free to explore our range online or visit our Lancaster or Kendal showrooms and speak to our diamond experts. Contact us today to book your personal shopper experience, or pop in, and we’ll be happy to help.