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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.

Marquise-Cut Diamonds

A marquise-cut diamond is considered a classic diamond shape because it compliments any engagement ring. When selecting a marquise diamond, color and clarity are the two most important aspects to consider. A marquise diamond is cut in a way that is similar to a round brilliant diamond, except the carat weight of the stone is maximized by lengthening it into its highly recognizable boat-shape. Unfortunately, because marquise-cut diamonds have such a distinctive elongated shape, imperfections and flaws are more pronounced than they are in traditional round brilliant 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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