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Learn More About Diamonds

Emerald-Cut Diamonds

Emerald-cut diamonds are characterized by step cuts and a long table. Although emerald-cut diamonds are less brilliant than round diamonds or princess diamonds, they are revered for their clarity. Emerald-cut diamonds are known for their angled corners and step-cut, as well as their rectangular shapes. Because of their long table, inclusions are more easily seen on emerald shape diamonds than other more brilliant cuts. Emerald-cut diamonds are named as such because the cut was originally only used on emeralds.

Heart-Shaped Diamonds

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-Cut 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.

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