Diamond Cuts

We sell all  diamond shapes. If there are any shapes you are interested in that are not shown on our website please give us a call on 01963 824640 or email us at alex@alexappleton.co.uk and we will be more than happy to help

 

Round Brilliant

This is the most popular shape, especially for engagement rings. This currently accounts for more than half of all diamonds sold today. It is cut in a round shape at the top, and a cone at the bottom to ensure the maximum return of light. 

Princess Cut 

This is the most popular 'fancy' diamond. A fancy diamond is any cut other than a round brilliant. It is square in shape and has a more contemporary feel. It was developed in the 1970's and is very flattering to long fingers, and is popular in eternity bands. 

Emerald Cut

This is rectangular with cut corners. It was originally used for cutting emeralds, hence the name and was very popular in the Art Deco period. This style is referred to as a 'step cut' and the broad flat plane highlights the clarity of the diamond. This shape is very flattering to the hand, helping to elongate fingers. 

Marquise Cut

Also known as the navette shape (meaning 'little boat' as it resembles the hull of a boat), the marquise cut is an elongated oval with pointed ends. It was originally commissioned by King Louis XIV to compliment the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompedour. The shape is again very flattering to the hand, helping to elongate the fingers. 

Oval Cut

This is an even and perfectly symmetrical design, and was developed in the 1960's. This shape optimises the carat of a diamond, meaning the shape can appear larger than round stones of the same carat weight. 

Pear Shaped

Pear shaped diamonds, or teardrop as they are sometimes known as, combines the shape of a Round brilliant cut and the Marquise, and elongates the fingers. 

Cushion Cut

This is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners that resemble a pillow and is sometimes known as a 'pillow cut'. They have larger facets for increased brilliance and are a cross between the Old Mine cut and the Oval cut. 

Heart Shaped

Heart Shaped diamonds are essentially a Pear shaped diamond with a cleft at the top, and is considered by some to be the most romantic of the diamond cuts and are relatively uncommon. It is a complex cut that requires very skilled cutting to ensure optimum brilliance. 

The Asscher Cut

Also known as the 'Square Emerald' cut was developed in 1902 by the Asscher brothers of Holland and was also very popular in the Art Deco period. It has trimmed corners which make the diamond look almost octagonal. 

The Radiant Cut

The Radiant cut, sometimes known as the 'Cut-Cornered square' and 'Rectangular brilliant', and combines the brilliance and depth of the Round, Emerald and Princess cuts. The radiant cut was designed for getting maximum brilliance. 

The Trillion Cut

Also known as the Trilliant, Trillian, Trielle and can vary between a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners and a more rounded triangular shape. Trillion diamonds are most often used as side stones to compliment larger solitaire stones in engagement rings.