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Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Alternatively, so the saying goes.
Weddings, engagements, bridal showers, and receptions – these are all ways of expressing joy over the impending union between two lovebirds.
And it all begins with the groom picking out the right engagement ring.
With all the different types of diamonds and cuts currently on the market, it can be difficult to find that distinctive diamond cut that really stands out.
Most grooms want a distinctive diamond that not only speaks to them, but that fits the personality of their loved one for which the diamond is intended for.
Current, more traditional diamond cuts are beautiful in their own rights, but what if a shopper is looking for something even more unique?
If a traditional diamond cut just doesn’t seem to speak to you, then why not look into antique diamond cuts? Not only are they beautiful, but they fall under distinctive diamonds for sure.
Before we take a look at the antique diamond cuts, let’s take a few minutes to talk about traditional diamond cuts.
Why?
Traditional diamond cuts are still stunning and can fall under the distinctive diamond category depending on multiple factors, such as the color, karat, and even the ring setting that the buyer chooses.
Traditional Diamond Cuts
When we say “traditional” diamond cuts, we are referring to the most popular diamond cuts currently on the market.
When a shopper is looking for something considered distinctive, traditional cuts can fit the bill nicely.
With ten popular shapes to chose from, diamonds can come in a variety of colors and sizes, and once a ring setting is chosen, the ring becomes unique on its own.
That being said, let’s take a look at the ten traditional diamond cuts that are currently considered hot buys.
Round
One of the most popular cuts is the round diamond and is traditionally used as the focal point for many engagement rings. The round diamond is a favorite because of its simplicity, unmatched brilliance, and overall beauty. This style has been around since the 1700s and has been altered over the years.
Princess
The princess-cut diamond was first created in the 1980’s by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz. It is considered a very fashionable cut and very popular for engagement rings because of its sophisticated square shape. Because of the way this diamond is cut, it generally gives off the appearance of looking larger than it really is, another reason it is a popular cut for engagement and wedding bands.
Oval
If a distinctive diamond is what you are really looking for, then an oval diamond is a great option for a number of reasons. Not only do they resemble the round diamond, but they often look larger than round diamonds thanks to its elongated body. When worn on the finger, it helps to create the illusion that the finger is not only longer, but also slimmer.
Marquise
The marquise diamond closely resembles the oval diamond but takes on a more football shape. This shape helps to create an illusion that the diamond is, again, larger than it really is. Carat for carat, this diamond cut has one of the largest surface areas of any other diamond shape. As far as symmetry is concerned, it is very important for the marquise diamond shape because even the smallest difference can give the diamond an uneven, imbalanced look.
Pear
The pear-shaped diamond is a beautifully distinctive diamond given the fact that it is a combination between a round and marquise shape. While it is officially known as a pear-shaped diamond, many individuals love this cut because of the teardrop shape, rounded at one end and tapered to a point at the other. The pear shape is an ideal stone for a halo setting.
Emerald
The emerald shape is completely different compared to the ones we have talked about so far. This is a distinctive diamond-cut considering the cut was designed to highlight the qualities of emerald gemstones but does wonders for diamonds. What makes this cut unique is the fact that this cut creates a hall-of-mirrors effect. Many love the large, flat surface of this cut, but it does require a stone of top quality and clarity.
Asscher
The Asscher diamond is often seen as a 21st-century update to the emerald cut. Rather than having a rectangular shape, the Asscher diamond features a square shape and a higher crown and smaller table than the emerald cut.
Cushion
The cushion-cut diamond is another square cut, though this cut has rounded corners, giving it more of a pillow look, which is how it gets the “cushion” name. This diamond falls under the distinctive diamond category because it also goes under the name of the “old mine cut,” which we will discuss further below.
Radiant
The radiant cut is considered a relatively newer cut as it becomes popular in the 1980s. This cut combines the best of a variety of different cuts, and the fact that it has the flat surface and rounded corners make it a popular cut for those who live a more active lifestyle. Due to the overall design of this cut, a stone of high quality is required in order to display all it has to offer.
Heart
The heart-cut diamond is probably one of the most distinctive diamond cuts around given that it takes a skilled cutter to create something so stunning. The most important aspect of the heart-cut diamond is the symmetry of the stone because both halves of the stone must look identical. Otherwise, the heart shape will be off.
Distinctive Diamond Cuts
Just because traditional diamonds are more frequently seen, doesn’t mean that they aren’t considered distinctive diamonds.
With all the skill and craft that go into creating some of the more complex cuts ensures that most diamonds are one of a kind – no matter how similar it may look to another stone.
However, if you are still not quite satisfied, then why not look into something a little more antique?
Now, antique doesn’t have to mean old.
In this case, we say antique because these distinctive diamond cuts are less frequently seen when compared to the top ten traditional cuts that we’ve already discussed.
Diamond cuts using old techniques tend to show off a little less fire and brilliance of diamonds today, but that doesn’t make them any less magnificent.
These cuts are actually becoming more popular as they offered up more distinctive designs and were set in specific settings.
They create a rather romantic look, and overall, warmer feel to them.
If a distinctive diamond is what you are looking for, why not take a look at some of these antique cuts that are currently enjoying a renewed popularity?
Single Cut
A single cut diamond is a beautiful cut that has a large table and an octagonal girdle. The culet can either be flat or pointed. The beautifully simple cut dates back to the 1300s. While today’s single cut diamonds are often used as accents for larger diamonds, they are still beautiful on their own.
Point Cut
These diamond cuts are known to date back as far as the Middle Ages and are widely recognized as the very first diamond cut. These diamonds were alleged created by keeping a diamond in a natural octahedron shape and then was polished to a point.
Rose Cut
The rose cut diamond features a flat bottom with a beautiful dome-shaped crown that raises to a single apex. These diamonds get their names because they tend to resemble the shape of a rosebud. These diamond cuts have dated back to the 1500s and stayed relevant through both the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Old Mine Cute
These diamonds feature a high crown, small table, and a large, flat culet and are generally compared to today’s cushion cut diamonds. This cut was especially popular in the early 18th century.
Old European Cut
Diamonds with the old European cut not only feature a circular girdle, but they also possess a high crown, small table, and a large, flat culet, much like the old mine cut. This cut was dated back to the 1800s and was most popular during the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau eras.
Modern Round Brilliant Cut
The modern round brilliant cut was introduced in 1919 and quickly became popular due to its ability to maximize fire and brilliance. Much like the European cut, this diamond cut is round and has a circular girdle and 58 facets. This cut became popular during both the Art Deco and Retro periods. Today’s version of the round cut diamond is now one of the most popular cuts in the market and is used in a variety of different forms of jewelry.
French Cut
The French cut is often used in not only diamond jewelry, but also in sapphire jewelry. These stones resemble the Princess cut because of its square shape. This stone first gained popularity in the 1700s and are in higher demand in France than almost anywhere else. Despite its name, it was not created in France.
Choosing A Distinctive Diamond for Your Loved One
When it comes to choosing a distinctive diamond for your loved one, all of these options can seem a little overwhelming. The point of sharing all these options isn’t to overwhelm shoppers.
By looking at both the traditional and antique diamond cuts, you can choose what overall look your loved one may prefer.
Once you’ve decided between those types, take a close look at each of the cuts that fall into your chosen category.
Does your loved one prefer simpler looking stone or more intricate? Does she prefer round cuts or square cuts?
These are the questions you have to keep in mind when shopping for a diamond.
When it comes to finding a “distinctive diamond” for your loved one, as silly as it may sound, follow your gut instinct. If you are ready to pop the question to your loved one, then chances are you know this person inside and out.
When you are shopping for a ring or a given diamond, your gut will more than likely lead you in the right direction.
You want a ring that shows off your loved one’s personal taste.
You want something that not only speaks to you but will speak to the one it is intended for.
So, when it comes to defining what is considered “distinctive,” keep in mind what makes your loved one unique.
In fact, keep in mind what makes your relationship unique.
These, along with the earlier asked questions, will help guide you in finding that perfect ring.
The definition of distinctive is all in the eyes of the beholder. So, don’t let yourself stress out over finding that “distinctive” diamond.
Follow your heart, and you’ll be sure to find that perfect ring.
KW: Distinctive Diamond