The Art of Diamond Cuts

Choose the Perfect Shape and Style

When choosing a diamond, there’s nothing more important than its cut. More than any other factor, a diamond’s cut directly influences its sparkle, fire and brilliance. The cut determines how well a diamond interacts with light, giving it the signature sparkle that makes it so alluring. At Bremer Jewelry, we’ve been serving Central Illinois with diamonds since 1953. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of cut quality and explore various diamond shapes, particularly today’s popular fancy shapes that stand out in both engagement rings and diamond fashion jewelry.

Understanding Diamond Cut and Its Role in Brilliance

The cut of a diamond refers to the quality of its angles, proportions, facets and finish. While terms like “clarity” and “carat weight” are commonly discussed, the cut is what ultimately decides how dazzling a diamond appears. A well-cut diamond captures light, reflecting it through its top for maximum brightness and creating the brilliant sparkle that makes it mesmerizing. On the other hand, a poor cut can make even the most colorless and flawless diamond appear dull.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond cuts from Excellent to Poor. Diamonds with a high cut grade are meticulously shaped, ensuring every facet is positioned to maximize light return. When selecting a diamond, prioritizing cut quality is key to getting that coveted brilliance. 

Exploring Fancy Diamond Shapes

While the round brilliant cut is celebrated for its incredible sparkle and versatility, many fancy diamond shapes offer distinctive, eye-catching alternatives perfect for showcasing personal style. Let’s explore some of these premier shapes and the unique qualities they bring to both engagement rings and fashion jewelry.

Round Brilliant Cut: The round brilliant cut is a timeless classic, renowned for its circular shape, 58 facets and unmatched sparkle. This cut is the top choice for engagement rings and diamond studs, thanks to its perfect symmetry and exceptional light reflection. The round brilliant cut seamlessly blends traditional elegance with dazzling brilliance, making it a versatile and radiant option for a variety of jewelry pieces.

Princess Cut: The princess cut is a modern favorite with its square or rectangular shape and sharp corners. It’s often chosen for engagement rings or diamond stud earrings due to its clean lines and vibrant sparkle. The princess cut combines a contemporary aesthetic with traditional brilliance, making it a versatile, stunning choice for various jewelry styles.

Cushion Cut: Known for its rounded corners and larger facets, the cushion cut resembles a pillow shape, giving it a soft, romantic look. This cut offers vintage appeal, and its larger facets highlight the diamond's clarity. The cushion cut’s timeless charm makes it a beautiful choice for engagement rings and fashion jewelry alike.

Oval Cut: The oval cut combines the brilliance of a round diamond with an elongated shape, creating an illusion of greater size. Its shape flatters the finger, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. The oval cut’s unique shape allows it to transition beautifully into pendants, earrings and other statement pieces, where its sparkle truly shines.

Emerald Cut: This rectangular cut with step-like facets holds a sophisticated, understated glamor. Unlike cuts that emphasize sparkle, the emerald cut is prized for its “hall of mirrors” effect, which draws attention to the diamond’s clarity. For those who appreciate elegance over sparkle, the emerald cut’s refined aesthetic makes it a popular choice for both engagement rings and refined fashion jewelry.

Marquise Cut: Famously inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour, this shape is characterized by its elongated form with pointed ends. The marquise cut maximizes carat weight, making the diamond appear larger. Its unique shape also has a lengthening effect on fingers, making it a flattering option for engagement rings and a striking choice in pendants and statement rings.

Pear Cut: The pear, or teardrop, cut combines the best of the round and marquise cuts, featuring one rounded end and one pointed end. This elegant shape symbolizes individuality and is often chosen for its graceful appearance. It works beautifully as a solitaire diamond or in halo settings for engagement rings. For fashion jewelry, pear-shaped diamonds make gorgeous drop earrings and pendants, drawing attention with their distinctive silhouette.

Asscher Cut: Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut has a square shape with cropped corners and step facets. Known for its vintage appeal, the Asscher cut has a deep, mesmerizing quality. It’s a bold choice for someone looking to combine a classic cut with an art-deco flair, making it ideal for both engagement rings and stylish cocktail rings.

Selecting the Perfect Shape at Bremer Jewelry

With so many shapes to choose from, finding the perfect diamond shape comes down to personal taste. Round cuts are classic and radiant, while fancy shapes offer a range of unique styles that speak to individual tastes and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of an emerald cut, the modern edge of a princess cut or the romance of a heart shape, each cut brings its own personality and charm to diamond jewelry.

At Bremer Jewelry, our expert team is here to guide you through the selection process, offering advice to help you discover a shape that perfectly reflects your style and the occasion. Visit us to explore our collection, try on different styles and see firsthand the difference that a high-quality cut makes. Whether you're selecting an engagement ring, choosing a fashion jewelry piece or creating your own custom jewelry, we’re here to ensure you find a diamond that you’ll cherish for life.