Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, or so they say. But did you know that the diamond shape actually has a name of its own? Yes, it’s true – the iconic diamond shape is called a rhombus. Maybe it’s not as catchy or glamorous as “diamond,” but it’s an interesting fact nonetheless.
The rhombus is a unique shape, its four sides all of equal length, with opposite sides parallel to each other. We’ve all seen this shape before, whether it’s on a playing card or as the center of a quilt pattern. And, of course, it’s the shape that every bride hopes to see when her partner pulls out that little velvet box.
While the name “rhombus” might not be as recognized as “diamond,” it’s still worth knowing. Plus, it’s always fun to have a bit of trivia up your sleeve. So the next time you see that tell-tale shape, you’ll know the proper name for it. And who knows, it might just impress someone at your next game night or family dinner.
Diamond Classification
When it comes to diamonds, one of the most important aspects is the shape of the stone. A diamond’s shape can greatly affect its overall appearance and value. Let’s dive into the world of diamond classification.
- Round Brilliant: This is the most popular and classic diamond shape, accounting for about 75% of stones sold. The round brilliant diamond has a circular shape with 58 facets, making it reflect light the most brilliantly compared to other shapes.
- Princess Cut: Square in shape, the princess cut has sharp, pointed corners and generally has 76 facets. It is the second most popular diamond shape and is often used in engagement rings.
- Cushion Cut: The cushion cut has a soft, rounded square or rectangular shape and 58 facets. This shape is a popular choice for vintage-style rings.
- Emerald Cut: This shape has bold, rectangular lines with beveled corners and fewer facets than other shapes (usually 50-58). It’s known for its elegant, elongating effect and was popularized during Art Deco times.
- Radiant Cut: A square or rectangular shape with cropped corners, the radiant cut is known for its brilliance and fire. It has a unique combination of round and square shaped facets that make it stand out.
- Pear Cut: A combination of a round and marquise shape, the pear cut has pointed ends and a rounded center. It typically has 58-71 facets and is often used for pendants or earrings.
- Marquise Cut: The marquise has a distinctive, football-like shape with pointed ends and an elongating effect. It usually has 56-58 facets.
- Oval Cut: Similar to the round brilliant, the oval cut has a longer, elliptical shape with 56-58 facets. This shape is known for its elegance and ability to make fingers appear longer and more slender.
It’s essential to note that while a diamond’s shape can add to its value, it isn’t everything. A diamond’s color, clarity, and cut quality also play important roles in determining its overall worth.
When buying a diamond, it’s essential to consider all aspects of the stone, including its shape, to ensure you make an informed decision.
| Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| Round Brilliant | Circular shape with 58 facets |
| Princess Cut | Square shape with pointed corners |
| Cushion Cut | Soft, rounded shape with square or rectangular outline |
| Emerald Cut | Rectangular shape with beveled corners and fewer facets |
| Radiant Cut | Square or rectangular shape with cropped corners and a unique combination of square and round facets |
| Pear Cut | Combination of round and marquise shape with pointed ends and rounded center |
| Marquise Cut | Distinctive, football-like shape with pointed ends and elongating effect |
| Oval Cut | Elliptical shape resembling the round brilliant |
Overall, diamond classification is an important aspect of diamond purchasing. It’s vital to consider all aspects of a diamond – including its shape – to ensure you make the best decision for you and your budget.
Geometric Shapes
In the world of diamonds, the shape refers to the form of the stone’s outline when seen from above. While diamonds can be a variety of shapes, there are a few that are more popular than others. Each shape has its own unique characteristics, and some are more suited to certain styles and settings than others.
Diamond Shapes and Their Geometric Characteristics
- Round: This is the most popular and classic shape for diamonds. It is also the most forgiving, offering the greatest flexibility in terms of cut grade, color, and clarity. A round diamond has 58 facets, allowing for maximum sparkle and brilliance.
- Princess: This shape is perfect for those who want a diamond that is both classic and modern. It features pointed corners and straight sides, making it a great choice for those who want a more geometric look. Princess diamonds are also known for their excellent fire and brilliance.
- Cushion: This shape is a square cut with rounded corners, making it perfect for those who want a vintage or antique look. A cushion-shaped diamond is an excellent choice for those who want a diamond with lots of sparkle and fire, as well as a unique, soft look.
Diamond Symmetry
When a diamond is cut with symmetry, it means that the facets are aligned in such a way that the diamond looks balanced and pleasing to the eye. Symmetry is an important factor in determining a diamond’s value, and it can greatly affect its brilliance and sparkle.
In general, a diamond with excellent symmetry will have a more beautiful and sparkling appearance than one with poor symmetry. The table below shows the different symmetry grades for diamonds:
| Symmetry Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent | All facets are aligned perfectly in relation to each other |
| Very Good | Minor imperfections can be seen under 10x magnification |
| Good | Minor imperfections can be seen under 10x magnification, but not visible to the naked eye |
| Fair | Imperfections are visible to the naked eye |
| Poor | Imperfections are easily visible to the naked eye and affect the diamond’s overall appearance |
In conclusion, understanding the different shapes and symmetry grades of diamonds is essential when choosing the perfect diamond for your needs. Each shape and symmetry grade has its own unique characteristics, and it’s important to choose one that is suited to your style and personality.
Mineralogy
Before we talk about the different diamond shapes, let’s explore a bit about the mineralogy of diamonds. Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, under intense heat and pressure. They are made of pure carbon atoms, arranged in a crystal lattice structure. This gives diamonds their characteristic hardness and durability, making them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
Different Diamond Shapes
- Round
- Cushion
- Princess
There are many different shapes of diamonds to choose from, and each one has its own unique characteristics. The most popular shape is the classic round diamond, which is known for its timeless elegance. Other popular shapes include the cushion-cut diamond, which has rounded corners and a pillow-like appearance, and the princess-cut diamond, which has a square shape and numerous facets that give it a stunning sparkle.
Diamond Anatomy
Understanding the anatomy of a diamond is important when choosing a shape that suits your needs. Each diamond is composed of various elements, including the crown, girdle, pavilion, and culet. These elements determine the overall appearance and durability of the diamond.
The crown is the top part of the diamond, while the pavilion is the bottom part. The girdle is the narrow band that separates the crown and pavilion, while the culet is the small facet at the bottom of the pavilion. The placement and angles of these elements determine the diamond’s fire and brilliance, making each shape unique.
Diamond Shapes Comparison Table
| Shape | Description | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Classic and timeless, with exceptional brilliance and fire. | Traditional |
| Cushion | Pillow-shaped with rounded corners, a vintage-inspired look. | Romantic |
| Princess | Square or rectangular shape with sharp corners, modern and stylish. | Contemporary |
Comparing and contrasting the different shapes of diamonds is a great way to begin your search for the perfect diamond for you or your loved one. From classic to contemporary, each shape has its own unique style and personality, making diamonds truly one of a kind.
Gemstone Identification
Identifying gemstones can be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to determining the shape of a diamond. Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones, coveted for their brilliant sparkle and rarity. Understanding the different shapes of a diamond can help you select the perfect stone for any occasion.
What is a Diamond Shape Called?
- A round diamond is one of the most popular shapes, featuring a classic circular form that maximizes the diamond’s brilliance and fire.
- A princess diamond is a square shape with pointed edges, offering a contemporary look that produces excellent sparkle and brilliance.
- An emerald diamond has a rectangular shape with cropped corners and step-cut facets that emphasize the diamond’s unique clarity and color.
Other diamond shapes include the cushion, pear, oval, and marquise, each with their own unique characteristics to suit individual preferences.
Gemstone Identification Techniques
There are several techniques available to identify gemstones and determine their characteristics, including:
- Laboratory identification using specialized equipment like microscopes and spectrometers to analyze the gemstone’s physical and chemical properties.
- Visual identification through examination and comparison of the gemstone’s color, clarity, shape, cut, and other factors. For example, diamonds often have a distinct sparkle and appearance, while emeralds have a unique green hue and step-cut facets.
- Comparison to known reference samples, which can help identify specific gemstones based on their unique properties and characteristics. Gemological databases and charts can also be used to compare and identify different gemstones.
Diamond Shape Chart
Below is a list of common diamond shapes and their respective characteristics:
| Diamond Shape | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Classic circular shape | Maximum brilliance and fire | Higher cost compared to other shapes |
| Princess | Square shape with pointed edges | Contemporary look, excellent sparkle | Sharp edges can be prone to chipping |
| Emerald | Rectangular shape with cropped corners and step-cut facets | Unique clarity and color, vintage look | Inclusions and flaws can be more visible |
| Cushion | Square or rectangular shape with curved edges | Soft, romantic appearance | Less fire and brilliance compared to round diamonds |
| Pear | Tapered shape resembling a teardrop | Elongates the finger, unique appearance | Less common, can be more expensive |
| Oval | Long, oval shape with rounded edges | Elongates the finger, similar sparkle to round diamonds | Surface area can appear smaller, less common |
| Marquise | Long, narrow shape with pointed ends | Elongates the finger, maximum surface area | Sharp edges can be prone to chipping, less common |
Understanding the different shapes and characteristics of gemstones, especially diamonds, can help you make a more informed decision when selecting a piece of jewelry. Whether you’re looking for a classic round diamond or a unique emerald shape, there’s a diamond shape to suit your style and preferences.
Carat Weight
One of the most important factors when it comes to determining a diamond’s value is its carat weight. A carat is a unit of measurement used to weigh diamonds, with one carat equivalent to 0.2 grams. The heavier the diamond, the higher the carat weight and usually, the higher the price. However, carat weight is not the only factor that affects a diamond’s value; other factors such as color, clarity, and cut can also have an impact.
- One carat is equal to 100 points, so a 0.50-carat diamond would be 50 points.
- Diamonds are sold by carat weight, not size. A diamond can have the same carat weight but appear larger or smaller depending on its cut.
- The price per carat of a diamond increases as the carat weight increases.
The table below shows how a diamond’s carat weight can affect its price:
| Carat Weight | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Less than 0.50 carats | Lowest price per carat |
| 0.50-0.99 carats | Higher price per carat |
| 1.00-1.49 carats | Even higher price per carat |
| 1.50-1.99 carats | High price per carat |
| 2.00 carats and above | Highest price per carat |
It’s important to note that a diamond’s carat weight alone is not a measure of its overall quality. When buying a diamond, it’s important to consider all of the Diamond 4Cs – carat weight, color, clarity, and cut – to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality stone that suits your preferences and budget.
Color Grading
Color grading is a crucial aspect of diamond evaluation and determines the rarity and value of a particular diamond. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale that ranges from D to Z, with D being the rarest and most valuable diamond. As the grading scale moves toward Z, the color of the diamond becomes more visible and decreases its value.
- D: This grade refers to a completely colorless diamond. Only the top 1% of diamonds are in this category, and as such, are the most expensive.
- E-F: These grades refer to diamonds that are nearly colorless. These diamonds are also very rare and expensive.
- G-I: These grades refer to diamonds that are mostly colorless but may have a slight yellow tint that is not visible to the naked eye. These diamonds are more affordable than the previous two categories.
- J-K: These grades refer to diamonds that have a slight yellow tint that is visible to the naked eye, but still appear relatively colorless when set in jewelry.
- L-Z: These grades refer to diamonds that have a more noticeable yellow or brown tint. These diamonds are typically the most affordable.
The color grading of a diamond is determined by a team of professionals in a laboratory setting who compare the diamond against a set of master stones at each grade level. The diamond is then assigned a color grade certificate which accompanies the diamond wherever it goes.
Below is a table summarizing the color grading scale:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| D | Colorless |
| E-F | Nearly colorless |
| G-I | Mostly colorless |
| J-K | Slightly yellow/brown |
| L-Z | Noticeable yellow/brown |
Overall, the color grading of a diamond is one of the most important factors to consider when evaluating its value and rarity.
Diamond Cutting Styles
If you’re in the market for a diamond, understanding the different diamond cutting styles is important to make an informed purchase. Each diamond cutting style gives the stone a unique look and plays a significant role in the overall value of the diamond. Here are the seven main diamond cutting styles:
- Round: This is the most traditional and popular diamond cutting style, with 58 facets that allow for maximum brightness and sparkle.
- Cushion: This style features rounded corners and larger facets to create a vintage look. Cushion diamonds can also come in square shapes and are popular for engagement rings.
- Princess: A square or rectangular diamond with pointed corners, princess cut diamonds are popular due to their brilliant sparkle and modern look.
- Emerald: This style has fewer facets than most other styles but makes up for it with the large, elongated shape that highlights the clarity of the diamond.
- Marquise: A unique style, marquise diamonds are shaped like a football with pointed ends and create a large, elongated appearance.
- Pear: Similar to marquise diamonds, pear-shaped diamonds have one rounded end and one pointed end. They can also create the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers when worn as an engagement ring.
- Oval: This style has the same number of facets as a round diamond, but with a more elongated shape. Oval diamonds are popular for those who want the brilliance of a round diamond but prefer a more unique shape.
Diamond Shape: Why It Matters
The shape of a diamond can have a significant impact on its value and appearance. The cutting style determines the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation, which are the three main components that create a diamond’s overall sparkle. Choosing a diamond shape is a matter of personal preference, but it’s important to understand that certain styles may be more popular or trendier at certain times. For example, around the time of Princess Diana’s engagement, oval diamond rings gained popularity due to the stunning ring Prince Charles proposed with.
The 4 C’s: A Quick Recap
Before choosing a diamond cutting style, it’s essential to understand the 4 C’s: carat, color, clarity, and cut. The carat is the weight of the diamond, while the color can range from colorless to yellow or brown. Clarity refers to the number of imperfections or inclusions in the diamond, while cut is the quality of the diamond’s facets and angles. Knowing all four factors will give you a better understanding of a diamond’s value and help you compare and make informed decisions when choosing your perfect diamond.
The Final Cut: Making Your Decision
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Round diamonds have the most sparkle and are timeless. | Round diamonds are often the most expensive due to the high demand. |
| Cushion cut diamonds offer a vintage look and are more affordable than round diamonds. | Cushion cut diamonds may look smaller than other shapes due to the depth of the cut. |
| Princess cut diamonds are very popular and offer a modern look. | The pointed corners can be more prone to chipping. |
| Emerald cut diamonds offer a sophisticated look and highlight the diamond’s clarity. | Because the clarity of an emerald cut is more visible than other styles, you’ll want to choose a higher clarity grade and may pay a premium for it. |
| Marquise cut diamonds are unique and can make your fingers look longer and more slender. | The pointed ends can be more prone to chipping. |
| Pear cut diamonds offer a unique look and can create the illusion of longer fingers when worn as an engagement ring. | The point at the top of the diamond can be more prone to chipping. |
| Oval cut diamonds offer the brilliance of a round diamond with a unique shape. | The elongated shape may not be to everyone’s liking. |
Choosing a diamond cutting style is a matter of personal preference, but now that you understand the different styles and their pros and cons, you’ll be well on your way to choosing your perfect diamond.
FAQs: What Is a Diamond Shape Called?
1. What is the name of the traditional diamond shape?
The name of the traditional diamond shape is the round brilliant cut, which is the most popular and widely recognized diamond shape.
2. What is the name of the diamond shape that looks like a rectangle?
The name of the diamond shape that looks like a rectangle is the emerald cut, which is known for its elegant, understated style.
3. What is the name of the diamond shape that has corners cut off?
The name of the diamond shape that has corners cut off is the cushion cut, which is similarly square or rectangular in shape.
4. What is the name of the diamond shape that looks like a teardrop?
The name of the diamond shape that looks like a teardrop is the pear shape, which is a unique and stylish alternative to more traditional diamond shapes.
5. What is the name of the diamond shape that is elongated and pointed?
The name of the diamond shape that is elongated and pointed is the marquise cut, which is a distinctive and striking shape that is often used in engagement rings.
6. What is the name of the diamond shape with hexagonal facets?
The name of the diamond shape with hexagonal facets is the hexagonal cut, which is a less common but still beautiful option for those looking for a unique engagement ring.
7. What is the name of the diamond shape with a square or rectangular shape and cropped corners?
The name of the diamond shape with a square or rectangular shape and cropped corners is the princess cut, which is a modern and popular alternative to the more traditional round diamond.
Closing: Thanks for Reading!
Now that you know the names of some of the most popular diamond shapes, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a diamond for your engagement ring or other jewelry. Remember that each diamond shape has its own unique qualities and can be designed to suit your personal style and taste. Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more helpful articles and guides in the future!