The three least known diamond shapes (2024)

However, there are some less popular diamond shapes that certainly deserve their time in the spotlight. We've got three exceptional diamond-cuts that you've probably never heard of — or know little about — before now.

Let's dive in!

Radiant-Cut Diamonds

The three least known diamond shapes (1)

Ashley Bean

Pear

Radiant-cut diamonds boast 70 facets that result in a breathtakingly brilliant stone. They are either square or rectangular with beveled corners that create a unique silhouette for this cut. The radiant cut features step-cuts on its crown and brilliant cuts on its pavilion, which makes it a fun hybrid of the emerald and round brilliant cuts. Radiant cut engagement rings are also extremely versatile and can shine beautifully in a solitaire setting or add even more detail to an intricate vintage setting.

Pros of Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Radiant-cut diamonds are known for their ability to maximize a diamond's size, as they appear much larger than their carat weight would suggest.

Radiant-cut diamonds can effectively conceal both lower color and clarity ratings.

Cons of Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Poorly cut diamonds might include a bow-tie effect, and as the radiant cut is not a popular cut, your diamond search may be a bit harder than if you were looking for a more prevalent cut.

Well-cut radiant-cut diamonds are rare and can be difficult to find.

Marquise-Cut Diamonds

The three least known diamond shapes (2)

Emerald

Marquise-cut diamonds are known for their unique silhouette which resembles a football. The elongated oval shape is completed with two sharply pointed ends to create a look of distinction. This diamond shape is rare and is the perfect match for any individual who wishes to stand out from the crowd.

Pros of Marquise-Cut Diamonds

Marquise-cut diamonds appear larger than many other fancy-cut diamonds due to their large crown surface area.

Marquise-cut diamonds can conceal some imperfections from view.

Even diamonds with a little color are ideal for marquise-cut diamonds. As color was traditionally present in the cut several centuries ago, a bit of color can make the stone look more authentic.

Cons of Marquise-Cut Diamonds

Due to the sharp edges of the marquise-cut, you may be limited to certain settings to better protect your ring from damage.

When cut poorly, marquise-cut diamonds can feature a bow-tie effect, which is undesirable in this cut.

Asscher-Cut Diamonds

The three least known diamond shapes (3)

Gray Box Studios

Emerald Halo Ring

Asscher-cut diamonds are the lesser-known relatives of the emerald-cut. These square-shaped diamonds take the emerald cut’s famed step-cut and combine them with beveled, faceted corners to enhance the diamond's brilliance. It's an exceptional cut for those who are fans of the emerald-cut but want something a little off the beaten path.

Pros of Asscher-Cut Diamonds

Asscher-cut diamonds have a vintage appeal, as they were popular during the Art Deco era.

The famed step-cuts of the Asscher-cut create an illusion of depth in your diamond, drawing eyes wherever you go.

If you go with the Royal Asscher Cut, you'll have a diamond with 74 step facets instead of the traditional 58. The additional cuts mean more brilliance, shine, and depth for your stone.

Cons of Asscher-Cut Diamonds

Asscher-cut diamonds don't hide color or imperfections well, so you'll need to choose a diamond with at least a VS2 clarity rating and an H color rating.

As much of the Asscher-cut diamond's weight is below its pavilion, these diamonds will not appear as large as other fancy-cut diamonds when compared by carat weight.

If you're looking for a diamond cut that is as rare and unique as you are, then the radiant-cut, the marquise-cut, and the Asscher-cut are excellent starting points. That said, finding a skilled gemcutter or reputable jewelry that offers these rare cuts can be challenging, but oh so worth the effort!

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The three least known diamond shapes (4)

The three least known diamond shapes (2024)

FAQs

What is the least popular diamond shape? ›

The three least known diamond shapes
  • Ashley Bean. Pear.
  • Emerald.
  • Gray Box Studios. Emerald Halo Ring.
Mar 10, 2021

How many shapes of diamonds are there? ›

The diamond shape refers to the outline shape of the diamond as you look at it from the top down. Round, Oval, Princess, Emerald, Cushion, Heart, Marquise, Asscher, Pear, Trapeze and Baguette are all shapes, and are often referred to as 'fancy shapes'.

Which diamond shape sparkles the least? ›

Of all the diamond cuts, the baguette has the least amount of sparkle. Though its long rectangular shape and step cut facets give it an unusual and alluring appearance, it has far fewer facets than other cuts (an average of 14).

What are the three cuts of diamonds? ›

Diamond Shapes With Brilliant Cuts
  • Round Brilliant Cut. The Round Brilliant has 58 triangle and kite-shaped facets that are cut to maximize brilliance, with fire and brightness determined by the precision of its cut.
  • Pear Cut. ...
  • Oval Cut. ...
  • Marquise Cut. ...
  • Trillion Cut. ...
  • Heart Cut. ...
  • Cushion Cut. ...
  • Princess Cut.
Dec 10, 2023

What diamond shape is the cheapest? ›

Ranking number one as the most affordable diamond shape, cushion-cut diamonds are a great choice for an elegant yet price-conscious purchase. Price-savvy brides adore cushion cut diamonds and this elegant shape has been experiencing a serious revival in popularity over the last few years.

What is the lowest kind of diamond? ›

The lowest grade is I3 which stands for included and will usually lack the transparency and brilliance associated with diamonds. Most people opt to purchase SI1 (slightly included) or VS2 (very slightly included diamonds.

What is the rarest diamond? ›

Red diamonds are the rarest and some of the most expensive in the world. Also known as Fancy Reds, they come in a variety of shades ranging from orange-red to brownish red.

What is the prettiest diamond shape? ›

1. Round Brilliant Cut. Round Brilliant Cut diamonds exhibit the most brilliance making them the most prized of all diamonds. They come in a variety of sizes and grades allowing any groom-to-be to find one that fits his budget.

Do three types of diamonds exist? ›

The 3 types of diamonds that exist are mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds and fancy coloured diamonds.

What diamond shape holds most value? ›

The most expensive diamond shape is by far, the round brilliant cut diamond. This cut has 58 facets to reflect the maximum amount of light, making it the most sparkly and brilliant of all the diamond cuts. The round cut diamond requires a lot of skill and precision to cut correctly, which adds to its high cost.

What's prettier than a diamond? ›

Moissanite is the most affordable diamond alternative for those who are looking for a diamond-like appearance and don't want to lose out on radiance. Because moissanite has a higher refractive index than a diamond, it will exhibit a fierier, rainbow brilliance at a lower cost.

Which diamond shape is timeless? ›

Always Timeless: Round Brilliant

The round brilliant is the most popular diamond and a great choice for the woman who appreciates classic style. A round brilliant cut diamond maximizes the amount of reflected light, giving it incredible sparkle, especially when compared with other cuts.

What are the 3 C's of diamonds? ›

The diamond represents our proposal, our love, our relationship, and our everlasting partnership with that one special someone. When it comes to choosing the right diamond, there are some rules to go by. The 3 C's, cut, clarity, and carat weight, make a huge difference when purchasing a diamond.

What are 3 diamonds on a ring called? ›

Three stone diamond rings, also known as trinity rings or trilogy rings, are rings with three diamonds set horizontally in a row. Popular as both engagement rings and anniversary rings, there are several different styles of three stone diamond rings to choose from.

What is the hardest diamond shape to cut? ›

The hardest diamond shapes to achieve include marquise cut, specialty cuts such as heart-shaped and trilliant, and any other custom or uncommon shape. On the other hand, the easiest diamond shape is round cut, which is also the most popular.

Which diamond shape is more popular? ›

1. Round- Still takes the top spot. According to GIA, more than 60% of couples choose a round diamond for their center stone.

What cut of diamond is rare? ›

Ashoka Cut Diamond

The Ashoka Cut is extremely rare and is just a tweak on the Cushion Diamond shape. However, a more rounded rectangle has replaced the original square shape.

What is a poor quality diamond? ›

A diamond with a poor clarity grade has multiple inclusions, which directly affects sparkle. Because inclusions hinder the refraction and return of light, the lower the clarity grade, the cloudier the diamond will appear.

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