A princess cut diamond engagement ring is just one of many different cuts that have been developed in order to best utilize a diamond gemstone’s superlative material properties. A diamond cut constitutes a more or less symmetrical arrangement of facets which together modify the shape and appearance of a diamond crystal. Diamond cutters must consider several factors, such as the shape and size of the crystal, when choosing a cut.

The development of diamond saws and quality jewelry lathes boosted the development of modern diamond cutting and produced the first cut diamond; the “round brilliant” cut. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky analyzed this cut by taking both brilliance and fire into consideration, creating a delicate balance between the two. Tolowsky’s calculations still serve as the basis for brilliant cut modifications and standards around the world.

Today we know that a diamond’s appearance is composed of many light paths that reflect considerably more than two times within the diamond, something Tolowsky did not know. Today’s new technology, that includes laser cutting and computer-aided design, has enabled the development of cuts whose complexity, optical performance, and waste reduction have completely changed the industry.

Princess Cut

Princess cut engagement rings are the second most popular in sales because they accentuate a diamond’s fire rather than its luster. The top of the diamond is cut in a square shape and the overall shape is similar to a pyramid. Princess cut engagement rings are relatively new, the first one being produced in 1970. This cut has been gaining in popularity ever since then, currently right behind the round brilliant cut where the top of the diamond is cut in a round circle and the bottom forms a point like a cone.

Chances are, if you are wearing a princess cut engagement ring today, the diameter of your diamond is smaller but the length is usually longer than a round cut. The princess cut is sometimes referred to as a “square modified brilliant,” as it combines the brilliance of a round cut with an overall square or rectangular appearance. A princess cut engagement ring does sacrifice some brilliance in order to have its unique square shape.

Choosing the shape of your diamond jewelry is one of the key elements in determining the overall appearance of your ring or other diamond jewelry. There are many shapes and variations from which to choose, but first off do not confuse “shape” with “cut”. A diamond’s shape is just that: the outward appearance of the stone, whether it is round, oval etc.; while the cut refers to how the diamond itself is fashioned, how many facets and so on. Below I’ll examine the various diamond shapes and tell a little about each of them,in order to help you make that all-important choice.

Round
The most popular shape, the Round brilliant diamond, is the traditional choice for all occasions and accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold today. Brilliant style refers to a cut of vertical direction crown and pavilion facets rather than step style horizontaled facets.
Due to laws of supply and demand, the Round diamond is the most expensive cut.
Specification Range for Ideal to Very Fine Cut Round Diamond

Marquise
Legend has it that the Marquise cut was commissioned by King Louis XIV to resemble the smile of his mistress, Marquise de Pompadour. A poorly cut Marquise can be detected by the “bow-tie effect” which can be judged by the unaided eye.
The Marquise has a very large surface area for the carat weight so is an excellent option if a big, longer looking stone is desired for a lower price. The typical Marquise diamond contains 56 facets.

Princess
The Princess cut diamond ia a brilliant style shape with sharp, uncut corners. It is typically cut square rather as a rectangle. A Princess cut diamond generally has 76 facets, giving it more brilliance and fire than the round brilliant.
The Princess Cut is fast becoming one of the most popular diamond cuts in the United States. The shape, with its squared-off corners, requires great care when setting and the corners need to be protected to avoid chipping or cracking. The Princess cut diamond is more forgiving of diamond flaws and weaknesses than the less sparkling Emerald Cut Diamond or the Asscher Cut Diamond.

Quadrillion
A patented cut similar to the princess, the Quadrillion is a square shaped diamond with 49 facets using a star shape pattern. This relatively new cut is also known as a Squarillion cut. Quadrillion diamonds exceed the brilliance of the standard Princess-cut diamond.
It is patented and trademarked by Ambar Diamonds of Los Angeles.

Radiant
The Radiant Cut Diamond is a staight-edged rectangular or square stone with cut corners. The radiant cut diamond has 62-70 facets. The radiant cut is a patented name and cut also known as a cut-cornered, rectangular (or square) modified brilliant diamond. Its truncated corners help to minimize chipping. A depth of 58-69% and table 58-69% is desired in the stone. The Radiant Cut is the first cut to have a complete brilliant facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion and as such presents a much more dazzling and brilliant diamond than the simple emerald cut.

Emerald
An emerald cut diamond shape is usually rectangular. Step cuts are comprised of larger facets which act like mirrors. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire (dispersion) than the other brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. Because of the open and large facets, a higher color and clarity in the stone is imposrant because flaws, color weakness, and a poor cut are more likely to become visible at lower grades. The emerald cut diamond tends to be less fiery than a “round brilliant” cut, but it also displays broader, more dramatic flashes of light. The trim lines of emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest and most elaborate ring settings. Emerald cut diamonds are not as “traditional” as the round brilliant or as trendy as the princess cut, therefore their pricing is much more economical than other common cuts.

Pear
The pear shaped brilliant diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond and is a combination of a Round brilliant and a Marquise cut. Length-to-width ratio is a matter of taste when it comes to pear shaped diamonds. The typical pear shaped diamond will contain 58 facets.
The pear shape is flattering to a hand with long fingers.

Oval
The oval cut diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond and that’s why its technical name is oval modified brilliant diamond. The oval-shaped diamond provides a larger surface area than a round cut diamond with the same carat weight. This makes it an option for shoppers looking for the brilliant of the round but a bigger size for the price. Fifty-six facets are typical for oval brilliant diamonds. Recently ovals have gained in popularity as center diamonds for engagement rings.
Its symmetrical design is popular among women with small hands or short fingers. The elongated oval shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.

Trilliant
The Trilliant cut, developed in the late seventies, is an adaptation of the radiant cut but in a triangular shape. The cut has equilateral sides and is a combination cut of the step cut and the brilliant cut diamond. When correctly, it displays a marvelous brilliance. The trillion cut diamond is often cut shallow and looks large for its carat weight. Trillion diamonds are beautiful when flanking a center diamond when used as a center diamond.

Baguette
Baguettes have unbeveled corners and usually only two rows of facets. They may be rectangular or tapered. Like the emerald cut, the baguette does not have the sparkle of a brilliant cut but has a classic beauty. Higher color and clarity are important for the Baguette cut diamond because there are not facets to hide inclusions or body color.

Heart
The heart shape is a brilliant cut that requires a perfectly symmetrical appearance. The lobes (top arches) of the stone need to be of even height and breadth and the overall shape pleasing to the eye. Romantic perfection for the engagement ring.

Asscher
Presented in 1902 by the Asscher Diamond Co. the Asscher cut is a patented a rectilinear diamond cut. The squarish step cut displays deeply cut corners that give it an almost octagonal outline. The Asscher cut, inspired by the table cuts of the Renaissance, was a big departure from the brilliant cuts that dominated the 1800s. Because of its high crown and small table, the Asscher cut has more light and fire than an emerald cut.

Trillion Cut Diamonds
A newcomer, born in the late seventies, this diamond is a triangle stone with equal sides. These can make stunning earrings.

Baguette Cut Diamonds
Another step cut diamond shape that is most frequently employed as side stones. Because it has few facets, quality and color come into play more here as imperfections become more visible in these uncomplicated, though elegant diamonds.

Radiant Diamonds
A square or rectangularly shaped diamond, the Radiant resembles the emerald shape but has 70 facets, making it much more brilliant and dazzling than the Emerald shape.

Asscher Cut Diamonds
A rectangular shaped diamond with high crown step facets, this shape was patented in 1902 and is know for it’s fire and ability to return light.

Cushion Cut Diamonds
Sometimes referred to as “pillow cut”, this shape was popular in the 1800’s. Cut with candle light in mind, (nothing else available at the time!) the cushion cut is a rectangular/squarish shape, with more than a touch of old world elegance about it.

According to a recent DeBeers study, four out of five brides receive diamond engagement rings. National Jeweler’s 2003 survey found that more than 40 percent of customers planned on buying a diamond one carat or larger. And the 2002 American Wedding Study (sponsored by Condé Nast) revealed that the average engagement ring costs $3,576: more than 16 percent of the average wedding budget.

Once the ring is chosen it’s time to pick a diamond if one is not already set into the ring. There are four qualities that are important: cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond. This is not the shape of the diamond, but it can determine whether a diamond has been cut too deep, too shallow or if it is an ideal cut. A diamond that is cut well will reflect light and project it through the top of the stone, and will shine more noticeably. Diamond shapes include round, emerald, pear, heart, oval, princess, trillion and marquise

Color: Even though white diamonds are still the most popular, yellow diamonds are slowly gaining popularity. Diamonds are graded on a color scale by the Gemological Institute of America and it ranges from D, which is colorless, to Z, which is a light yellow. Although yellow diamonds have been popping up into diamond stores, the colorless diamonds are considered the best, which would be listed by the GIA as a D.

Clarity: Diamonds are all unique, and naturally occurring marks and fractions can be present on a diamond while it was forming. The GIA also has a clarity grading scale, which labels diamonds from having very slight flaws to having many flaws to them. The more inclusions found on a diamond, the less brilliantly it shines.

Carat Weight: Carat is the diamond’s measured weight, but it is not the diamond’s size. Because large diamonds are harder to find in nature, a one carat diamond will be more expensive than a ring holding 2 1/2 carats of diamonds. The shape of the diamond and the mounting of the ring will also make a diamond appear larger.

After taking the four C’s into consideration, buyers should trust themselves in picking the right diamond for the ring.

Diamond jewelry of all kinds became more and more popular in subsequent decades, but the industry fell on hard times in the 1930s, due to the Depression and its accompanying plummeting marriage rate. Soon the DeBeers diamond cartel had a surplus. “So they tried to promote the diamond engagement ring,” she says. DeBeers put New York’s N.W. Ayer advertising agency on the case, and in 1948 they hit pay dirt with the slogan “A Diamond Is Forever.” This hypnotic mantra has seduced America ever since, calling out from magazine and television ads, billboards, and bus shelters.

CUT
Cut should not be confused with a diamond’s shape.  Cut refers to the diamond’s reflective qualities and determines the brilliance and fire of a diamond.  The angles and finish of the cut establish the diamond’s ability to reflect light.

Proportions are key and will discern an Ideal cut from a Poor cut. Cut is graded in 5 steps from Ideal, to Fair and Poor.

* Ideal Cut – maximizes brilliance and is only used on round cut diamonds.
* Premium Cut – also maximizes brilliance and is almost equal to an Ideal Cut diamond, although most often priced lower.
* Very Good Cut – diamond cutters might stray from the preferred proportions of an Ideal Cut to maximize the size of the diamond.  These diamonds will reflect most light and produce a good deal of brilliance. They are priced lower than the Premium Cut.
* Good Cut – provide excellent cost-savings to customers as the diamond cutter has chosen to create the largest possible stone by sacrificing proportions, therefore compromising reflectivity.
* Fair and Poor Cuts – reflect only a small proportion of light.

CLARITY
Clarity refers to the natural flaws (inclusions) caused by gasses or minerals trapped in the diamond during its long formation period.  Truly flawless diamonds are extremely rare and account for about 1% of all stones.

Inclusions refer to air bubbles, cracks and non-diamond minerals in a diamond. Clarity is graded from Flawless to Included 3.

* F – Flawless
* IF – Internally Flawless. Some surface flaws.
* VVS1 – VVS2 – Very, Very, Slightly Included. Minute inclusions.
* VS1 – VS2 – Very Slightly Included. Inclusions detected with difficulty under 10x magnification.
* SI1 – SI2 – Slightly Included. Inclusions detected slightly more easily under 10x magnification.
* I1, I2, I3 – Included.  Inclusions visible to the naked eye.

It is not recommended to drop to the “I” grade clarity when purchasing a diamond. Your diamond clarity should be mapped out on a certificate that plots out the diamond’s inclusions.  This unique “fingerprint” is proof that the diamond purchased is the diamond received, and is different to an appraisal.

COLOUR
Colour refers to natural colour present in white diamonds.  The whiter the diamond, the more valuable it is because more light is able to pass through it which increases the sparkle and fire.

Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to X (light yellow).

* D – F: Colourless
* G – I: Nearly Colourless
* J – L: Faint Yellow
* M – O: Very Light Yellow
* S – X: Light Yellow

D – F are the most valuable, but G – I show almost no colour to the untrained eye. Diamonds falling in the J – M category may appear slightly coloured to the naked eye.

Your choice of setting will impact the look of your diamond.  It is recommended to set higher quality diamonds in platinum or white gold to maximize their brilliance, whereas a yellow gold setting will off-set the discolouration in lower grade diamonds, thus making them appear whiter and more brilliant.

Fancy colour (pink, yellow, blue etc.) diamonds do not follow this grade classification. They are extremely rare and very valuable for their colour.

CARAT WEIGHT
Diamonds are measured in carats. A common mistake is to confuse Carat and Karat.  The former refers to diamond weight, and the latter refers to the purity of gold. One carat measures about 200 milligrams.  Larger diamonds are more rare and (depending on their Four C’s) will most likely be more expensive.

Bigger is not always better when you take the value in clarity, cut and colour into consideration.  If size is important to you, but your budget does not allow for a large diamond, try shopping for rings with multiple stones and a high combined carat count. Another way to buy on a budget is to look for diamonds that fall just short of the full carat – a 1.90 carat diamond will cost a lot less than a comparable 2.00 carat diamond – yet to the untrained eye, appears very similar in size.

Why are diamonds unique?

Diamonds are very much influenced by the wealthy and well-known. They are expensive and really symbolical. Many celebrities, famous people are into diamonds that’s why the public follow the trend.

The word “diamond” itself says a lot, rare, beautiful, expensive, precious, genuine, desirable and brilliant. There are many types of diamond rings. They come in different shapes, styles and colors. What is so special about heart diamond engagement rings? If you are to choose a diamond engagement ring, would you like this type?

Heart diamond engagement rings are very popular type of diamond engagement rings. Not only that it is a sign of engagement, the heart-shape itself symbolizes love. It can be considered as the most sentimental and romantic. That is why it is very meaningful to those who are given this type of engagement ring.

So, it is not unbelievable that many couples choose this type as the symbol of their love. But couples should decide carefully in choosing this shape because it could be so common or too bold.

Heart diamond engagement rings are beautiful and are more unique than standard diamond shapes. It can be very timeless and elegant. They can be very expensive but there are also many less expensive ones which are available in the market.

Many couples consider and purchase this type and shape because it says a lot and is a direct and clear representation of their unity and commitment to each other.

There are jewelers who can cut diamonds into any shape that you like. There are even available diamonds which are already cut into a heart-shape. Heart diamond engagement rings can either be flat or elongated.

That’s why you can customize and personalize your own diamond engagement ring. This makes the engagement more personal and meaningful. So by the time you have the chance to choose an engagement ring, you might want to consider this style.

Engagement rings are available in a variety of designs, stones, cuts and shapes. Amongst all the types of stones used in engagement rings, diamonds are the most precious and appropriate ones. Their sparkle truly has the ability to win a woman’s heart. There is a fabulous collection of diamond engagement rings available in the market. Some of the rings are designer creations, which are designed as per the customer’s choice. They can also be called customized diamond engagement rings. Some of the jewellers provide the customers with the skill of experienced designers to bring magic to the otherwise regular features and shapes.

Designer diamond engagement rings are not only designed according to the choice of customer but also suit their budget. These rings are affordable, as compared to the other diamond engagement rings. The buyers can choose their own ring settings and match the diamonds, to create a special piece of jewelry for loved ones. Most of the designer diamond engagement rings are made in white gold, yellow gold and platinum. Other than the settings and diamond selection, there are a number of other details that play an important role in designing a ring. Apart from choosing a particular design, it is important for the purchasers to keep in mind the different combinations of designs. The width, thickness and precise size of the rings are also important and must be taken into consideration while designing a diamond engagement ring. Most of these rings take about 6 to 8 weeks to be made.

Designer diamond engagement rings are very good options, compared to the readymade rings easily available. These rings offer more satisfaction to the purchasers and are special, owing to the personal touch. They give the buyer to work on the design and choice of stone and personalize the creation.

Now that you’ve decided to make the commitment it’s time to buy the ring. An engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you will ever make and you need to get it right. To set your mind at ease familiarize yourself with some diamond-buying basics. Plan a budget and set some guidelines on what your are able and willing to spend. the rule of thumb is 2 months salary, but your personal circumstances may allow you to spend more or less.

The Basics: Diamonds are measured by weight. The bigger the number, the bigger the diamond. Size, however, is not a reliable indicator of quality. Diamonds come in a variety of cuts and shapes and weight alone does not determine value. The cut refers to the width, depth, and number of facets cut into the diamond. The objective of a good cut is brilliance. The facets reflect white light and give the diamond its sparkle. A cut that is too broad and shallow will lack brilliance as will a cut that is too deep and narrow. The shape of the diamond may be round, square, rectangular, pear, tear drop, oval, marquise, or even heart-shaped. Round brilliant is by far the most common and popular shape and cut.

Diamonds also vary in color. Generally, the less color the better when it comes to the quality of the diamond. Some diamonds may appear unflatteringly yellowish or cloudy; however, a few colors of diamonds are extremely rare and can have a higher value. Clarity goes hand in had with color. Imperfections and flaws in the stones, although they may be imperceptible to the average person’s eye, lower the value of diamonds.

Now that you have picked a diamond it’s time to look at settings. The variety of styles is staggering. The solitaire set in yellow gold is possibly the most common setting. White gold, titanium, and platinum are also excellent choices. Be sure your setting has a sturdy set of prongs to hold the diamond in place. The beauty of the center stone is often accentuated with smaller stones. This is an easy way to make the diamond look bigger. A Bezel setting completely surrounds the center stone. When choosing the setting take your fianc’s personality into account. If she prefers simple elegant clothing she will likely admire the same quality in a ring.

Diamond rings have always fascinated men and women throughout. Such is the beauty of a diamond that makes one feel special just by wearing it. It elevates ones persona and gives the wearer the feeling of being one above everybody else.

With the coming into being of the fashion conscious modern woman, there was need for a change in the designs of rings too. With this in mind, jewelers started modifying the traditional designs to gel with the modern concepts of living. Thus was born the diamond fashion ring. The beauty of diamonds beckoned from the most modern precious metal setting and this proved to be a major attraction in the current day.

Diamond fashion rings come in a variety of designs to match every possible modern outfit and every personality that one can think of. Diamond fashion rings are made in all shapes, from geometrical to square, while the round diamond ring still remains a hot favorite amongst many. It is the combination of the old world with the new world that has brought about a revolution in jewelry and gave birth to the diamond fashion ring.

The four-leaf clover theme diamond fashion ring is in vogue and is seen adorning the elegant fingers of many celebrities. The three stone diamond ring is a representation of the past, present and future. The value of this diamond fashion ring is not only the superficial elegant look, but the beautiful thought that goes with it. It is said that just as the man and woman and bound together in marriage, similarly their past, present, and future all come together with the wearing of this ring.

Under the diamond fashion rings category falls the ever-fashionable solitaire ring.
They could very well be the best diamond fashion rings. These rings include basket diamond rings and trellis diamond rings too.

Diamond fashion rings come in a variety of metals, aside from gold and silver. They come in titanium and platinum too. They need less maintenance and are lighter than gold and silver, and they are very popular.

Diamond fashion rings are a great way to celebrate special occasions. There are the engagement rings and the wedding rings, which are the most popular, but even a passing out of college is a great occasion that warrants a diamond fashion ring gift.

The new age fashion trends tend to be different and look for occasions to celebrate. You will find the singles ring also for the single men and women. This ring sends a message of being single and looking. There is the unbelievable chameleon like mood ring, which changes colors with the change in our moods. Imagine being envious of someone and the ring turns green.

The diamond fashion rings have taken a life of their own and have a place in everybody’s jewelry box and hearts. They vary in designs from the very simple to the very large and exotic, to suit all types of people. Gift the diamond fashion rings to the your loved ones who are fashion conscious and would like to be at the helm of things. They will love you for it.