Welcome back to the Diamonds Hatton Garden blog where we showcase the latest from our family run team of Hatton Garden jewellers. Following on from a busy start to the year, we continue to offer our clients the very best quality diamonds at the very best prices. Our diamond engagement rings have happily graced welcoming fingers over the course of February and we look forward to a busy year. In today’s blog, we look at fancy shaped diamonds and how to choose them.
Often, when we are assisting clients with their diamond engagement rings, we are asked as to what diamond shape they should choose. Whilst the most popular choice is by far the round brilliant, many clients are seeking different shapes for both reasons of aesthetics and value. When we think of diamonds we often think of the round brilliant and its classic shape. This shape in particular is used across all types of jewellery including diamond bracelets, pendants, earrings and, of course, engagement rings. However, there is more to diamonds than just round brilliants – fancy shaped diamonds.
What Does Fancy Cut Mean?
A ‘fancy cut’ diamond is any diamond that is not round in shape. This means that oval, pear, princess, emerald, marquise and radiant cut are all classed as fancy diamonds. Historically, shaping diamonds was dependent upon the directions of hardness through the rough crystal. Since the use of lasers to cut diamonds, fancy shape diamonds can now be cut much easier making them more accessible to the wider public.
What Are Fancy Shaped Diamonds?
Fancy shaped diamonds include oval, cushion, princess, pear, heart shaped, emerald, marquise, asscher, and radiant diamonds. Fancy shapes have always been popular and with most things fashion are subject to trends be it from celebrities or a push from the industry. Below we look at each beautiful fancy shaped diamond and explore the unique characteristics.
Categories of Fancy Shape Diamonds
When looking for your ideal “fancy shape” there’s much to consider including style, size, price and individual tastes.Firstly fancy shaped diamonds are divided into 3 different categories
Modified Brilliant cuts: Oval, Marquise, Pear, Heart, Trilliant, Heart
Stepped Cuts: Emeralds and Asscher
Mixed Cuts: Princess and Radiant
Modified Brilliant Cut
Oval Cut Diamonds
What we love about oval shaped diamonds: The sparkle of an oval diamond resembles a glitter effect due to the way they are cut .They are a close cousin of the round brilliant but have a slightly more elongated shape which is a wonderful option if you want the classic look but something a little more unique. Also, per carat they look larger than a round diamond and they are often much cheaper!
Pear Cut Diamonds
What we love about pear diamonds: Pear diamonds like ovals have a modified brilliant cut so they are also enticingly sparkly. Pear diamonds are seen as a luxurious option for a fancy shape diamond because they appear larger per carat than round diamonds and other fancy shapes. Pear diamonds are extremely well suited to halo and solitaire settings.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
What we love about marquise diamonds: Marquise diamonds have the biggest surface size per carat, coming in at 15 percent larger than rounds – meaning that there is more of the diamond concentrated on the crown. This shape is ideal if your mantra is ‘the bigger the better’. Marquise diamonds have an elongated shape so they make the finger appear longer.
Stepped Cuts
Emerald Cut Diamonds
What we love about emerald cut diamonds: Emerald cut diamonds have a unique look to them due to the way they are cut. Instead of that fiery brilliance possessed by round diamonds, emeralds display a glassy reflection or a ‘hall of mirrors’ effect – think art-deco and 1920’s style. Emerald cuts are perfect for those looking for a vintage style diamond.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
What we love about Asscher cut diamonds: The twinkling interlocking pattern of an asscher-cut diamond is, like Emerald Cut diamonds, perfect if you like a vintage or Art Deco look. The geometric, rectangular outlines give this diamond cut a contemporary look but with a nod to the past.
Mixed Cuts
Radiant Cut Diamonds
What we love about radiant cut diamonds: Radiant cuts are one of the most brilliant cuts a diamond can have. This cut provides a huge amount of sparkle. Another advantage is they can cost 20-33% less than round diamonds! If you go with an elongated radiant cut, it may also appear larger than a round brilliant.
Princess Cut Diamonds
What we love about princess cut diamonds: Princess cuts boast incredible light reflection and are the ultimate symbol of glamour due to their intricate facets and modern silhouette.
Unsure what fancy shaped diamond to choose? At Diamonds Hatton Garden our team of family-run jewellers have assisted generations of clients to find their perfect diamond. Contact our team via harel@diamondshg.co.uk or call +44 7951 060238 for more information and to arrange your appointment.