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Square-cut or Asscher-cut, diamonds are a popular diamond shape that are characterized by a step cut. This cut results in less light return when compared to their more brilliant alternatives, but offers a more vintage appeal. Square-cut diamonds feature cropped corners, which give it a unique, almost octagonal shape. Square-cut diamonds became very popular during the 1920s and as a result, are a desirable diamond cut for a vintage looking engagement ring.
A heart shaped diamond has a cleft at the top of the stone and typically flaunts great brilliance. For obvious reasons, heart shaped diamonds are considered the most romantic of all the diamond shapes. When finding the right heart diamond for an engagement ring, symmetry must not be overlooked – the two halves of the heart should be identical. As a general rule, heart shaped diamonds smaller than .50 carats are not a good selection, as they will appear smaller after being set in prongs. Three prong and bezel settings are the best match for heart diamonds.
Cushion diamonds are an interesting combination of rounded corners on a square or rectangular frame. There are two cutting styles for this shape: Cushion Brilliant, which is a more vintage cut with chunkier facets and larger flashes of light return, and Cushion Modified Brilliant, which is more akin to a modern-day round diamond cut with smaller facets and more rapid light return. Cushion cut diamonds have been around for over two centuries and as a result, offer a very antique feel for an engagement ring.
