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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.

Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Radiant diamonds are best characterized by their brilliance and facets. Radiant cut diamonds feature cropped corners (similar to a Cushion Cut) and brilliant cut (similar to a Princess Cut). Radiant shape diamonds are a great choice for people who like the square or rectangular shape the Square or Emerald but want more sparkle. Radiant cut diamonds tend to hide flaws better than Square or Emerald cuts because they are cut with many facets, whereas the latter cuts have large tables that easily show flaws.

Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Pear-Shaped Diamonds are typically a combination of a round and a marquise shape. A quality Pear diamond ought to have very good or excellent symmetry, and the point of the diamond should be in line with the apex of the rounded end. A pear-shaped diamond should be set with a prong at the point of the stone – this ensures that most flaws and inclusions will be covered by a prong. Pear diamonds typically contain 58 facets, which allows light to pass through the diamond much in the way light passes through a round diamond.

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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