When a diamond first comes out of the ground, it looks rather unremarkable. Often resembling clear stones or coarse crystals, raw diamonds need to be shaped and cut in order to transform into the glittering, breathtaking gems we know and love.
While they can technically be cut into almost any shape, there are a select few that really make diamonds sparkle, such as round, oval, cushion, emerald, and radiant. But which of these shapes is the most popular?
Diamond Shape Vs. Diamond Cut
Although diamond shape and diamond cut are used interchangeably, they’re actually not the same thing.
A diamond’s shape is its outline or external figure, like round, pear, princess, or cushion. A diamond’s cut is a rating that denotes symmetry, facets, dimensions, and other factors that impact its reflective qualities. For example, a round shape diamond can have a deep, brilliant, or dull cut, but it’s still round.
Round Diamonds Take the Prize
Round is, according to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the most popular diamond shape, making up about 60% of the diamonds chosen for engagement ring center stones.
Round cut diamonds have been popular since the early 1800s, though the modern round wasn’t introduced until 1919 when a Russian mathematician used his skills to create a diamond with 58 facets for reflecting maximum light and creating breathtaking brilliance. Despite its popularity, the round diamond shape is one of the most expensive because of how much raw diamond is discarded during the cutting process.
Other Popular Diamond Shapes
While round cut diamonds take the top spot, there are many other shapes that are very popular and just as lovely:
- Cushion – Cushion diamonds look like small, square pillows with rounded corners, which is how they got their name. Though it’s been around for more than 200 years, this shape has become more popular in recent years.
- Oval – In use since the 14th century, the oval diamond was made famous by Lazare Kaplan, a member of the Jewelers International Hall of Fame. This shape is perhaps popular because, with 58 facets and a large surface area, it appears to be bigger than other diamonds of similar carat size.
- Emerald – Emerald shapes really allow the diamond’s true brilliance to shine as its parallel lines create a “hall of mirrors” effect. They’re also very popular because, when worn on a ring, they make the finger appear longer.
- Radiant – A newer shape than most of the others, radiant diamonds only became popular in the 1970s. A combination of a princess and an emerald, the radiant shape allows for intense sparkle and fire.
Diamonds at F. Silverman Jewelers
F. Silverman Jewelers, located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, is known throughout Bergen County for stunning, GIA-certified diamonds in every shape and cut. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, birthday present, or a piece for your collection, our expert jewelers can help you find your perfect gem. Visit our showroom to find exquisite diamond rings, diamond earrings, and more or contact us today!