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Diamond Education Guide
Shape | The four C’s | Color | Cut | Clarity | Carat weight
Purchasing a diamond is an exciting and joyful event, and a very significant purchase. Whether the occasion is an engagement or anniversary, or for no special occasion at all, we want your diamond buying experience to be enjoyable and stress-free.
At Mavrik Fine Jewelry & Diamonds, we believe an educated client is a happy client. To assist you in your purchase, we’ve covered the basics of the four C’s and the different shapes available. As always, our diamond experts are available to answer your questions, and offer any assistance you may need to make the right diamond purchase. Please review our diamond education guide, and should you need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact Mavrik in person, by phone or by email.
Shape
Finding the right shape is purely a matter of personal preference. Well-cut diamonds in any shape will display the fire and brilliance that makes a diamond the most valuable gem on earth.
Round Round
The only diamond cut with universal standards of precise measurements and angles, the round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular shape diamond. It has more brilliance than any other shape, and a circle has always symbolized eternity and completeness.
Marquise Marquise
Inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King of France, Louis XIV, the marquise shape resembles an oval with pointed ends. Because of these extreme points, the marquise is a difficult shape to cut. Only the finest gem cutters in the world can properly cut the marquise shape and retain the brilliance of the diamond.
Oval Oval
The oval cut diamond is a beautiful alternative to the round. The proper cut oval comes close to rivaling the brilliance of the round, and appeals to those who like the illusion of elongating the finger of the wearer.
Pear Pear
The pear shape is also called a teardrop. It is a fusion of the round and marquise shapes. The unique shape and brilliance it displays make it equally appealing in rings, pendants and earrings.
Emerald Emerald
This shape resembles a rectangle with cut corners. Because it has fewer facets than many of the other cuts, good clarity and color are especially essential when choosing this classic shape.
Heart Heart
While this shape resembles a heart, it is actually a pear shape with two rounded ends rather than one. This is one of the most difficult shapes to cut. A properly cut stone (like those you will find at Mavrik, of course) will have symmetry and a well-defined shape.
Princess Princess
Used for less than 30 years, this shape is fast becoming a favorite for engagement rings. It is a square with many facets, and displays a great deal of fire and brilliance. The square shape works better on longer fingers.
Radiant Radiant
This newcomer combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the round. Developed only 20 years ago, it appeals to those who like the princess, but with softer angles.
Trilliant Trillion
In 1973, diamond cutters in Amsterdam created this stunning shape which resembles a triangle. Some have more rounded edges, while others have sharper angles.
Its proportions are determined by the characteristics of the rough and the skill of the cutter.
Cushion Cushion
Used since the 1830’s, the cushion cut or “old miner’s cut” is a beautiful vintage shape. Modern cutters are able to facet and polish them so they have more brilliance than first achieved in the 19th century.
Asscher Asscher
An art deco inspired shape created by the Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam in 1902, and popular in the roaring 20’s, it is square or rectangular with angled corners. After the Great Depression put the Asscher Diamond Company out of business, this shape disappeared from the market, and has only recently made a comeback. New cutting techniques have vastly improved the fire and brilliance of this cut.
Baguette Baguette
Generally used as an accent to larger diamonds and other gems, the baguette shape can be rectangular with even sides, or with angled sides.