Thinking about buying a diamond? It is recommended to always follow the 5 Cs (Cut, Clarity, Colour, Carat and Country of Origin) and make sure the diamond is GIA or EGL South African certified, but what comes before the 5 Cs you may ask, deciding on the diamond shape. Whether you prefer a traditional round shape diamond or you want to change it up with a pear-shaped diamond, Jack Friedman has everything you need to know when shopping different diamond shapes.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds
Pear-shaped diamonds are unique and timeless and have a high brilliance making it known for its sparkle. Pear-shaped diamonds have a unique “bow-tie” effect in the centre and hold more colour than alternative shaped diamonds. Therefore, the pear-shaped diamond is the perfect option if you want a fancy coloured diamond. We advise that the setting of a pear-shaped diamond has a v-shaped claw holding the point of the diamond to protect it and has a perfect symmetry, so that if you draw a line down the middle of the diamond each half should be identical. The elongated shape of pear cut diamonds makes your ring finger look longer and thinner, as well as having a larger surface area so the diamond looks bigger and can cost 10%-30% less than a round diamond.
Heart-Shaped Diamonds
Heart-shaped diamonds are a symbol of love and romance. This diamond is not as common, which is great if you’re looking for a rare and distinctive choice. If a heart-shaped diamond is too small, it can lose the heart shape and look more like a pear-shaped diamond. Jack Friedman advise 1 carat or bigger, so the heart shape is more noticeable, and the length to width ratio of the heart shape to be the same. The heart shaped diamond is a modified version of a round-shaped diamond and can be more cost-effective as it is usually cheaper than a round cut diamond of similar carat, colour, cut and clarity.
Princess-Shaped Diamonds
The princess-shaped diamond is contemporary, sophisticated and known for its popular square shape. Due to the popular nature of the princess cut diamond, it can be more valuable than other fancy shape diamonds. When cutting the diamond very little rough diamond is lost, making it more cost-effective and reduces waste. The sharp corners of the princess shaped diamond can easily chip if it is not set correctly. We recommend a tube or a 4 v-shaped claw setting. The striking look of the princess cut diamond is the perfect choice for a modern stylish woman.
Cushion-Shaped Diamonds
Cushion-shaped diamonds combine the square shape of princess-cut diamonds with the rounded edges of round-shape diamonds. Princess-shaped diamonds can sometimes appear bulky when set with its 4 claws, therefore if you prefer a sleeker look but want something just as sophisticated Jack Friedman recommends the cushion-shaped diamond. Cushion-shaped diamonds have a high level of sparkle and the rounded edges make it more durable. Cushion-shaped diamonds are also less expensive than round-shaped diamonds. This is the perfect choice if you want to combine the classic feel with a modern touch.
Oval-Shaped Diamonds
The oval-shaped diamond is elegant with its unique flair. It is the perfect choice for someone with an active lifestyle as it does not have pointed edges. We advise when choosing an oval-shaped diamond to make sure there is a minimal bowtie effect, a dark shadow across the middle of the diamond. This usually occurs in a poorly cut diamond and will reduce the value of the diamond. The elongated shape of the oval diamond makes it appear larger than a round diamond for the same carat weight. The ratio between the length and width of the oval is very important and you do not want the oval to be too long and thin or too short and fat, the ideal ratio of length to width is 1.4 to 1.6. Oval-shaped diamonds have the classic appeal of round-shaped diamonds but are perfect if you’re looking for something more unique. Keep a lookout for Jack Friedman’s Oval Diamond Halo engagement rings launching soon.
Round-Shaped Diamonds
The round shaped diamond is the most classic, timeless and popular of all the diamond shapes. Round cut diamonds are the most valuable and also the best investment. We recommend choosing a diamond with the best clarity you can afford and the cut, proportions and finish should be Very Good to Excellent. Round diamonds are elegant and can go well with all settings. Round brilliant diamonds have the greatest sparkle of all the diamond shapes, as they are cut to have 58 facets, which allow light to enter the diamond and reflect off each facet, creating a striking sparkle. We advise white gold or platinum claws as it makes the diamond appear larger even if the rest of the setting is yellow or rose gold. A round diamond with a halo is a great way to make the diamond look bigger at a better cost. Shop Jack Friedman’s range of halo diamond engagement rings: https://www.jackfriedman.co.za/engagement-rings/halo-engagement-rings/
