How to find the perfect diamond cut- Part 2

Hello there! Finally, Part 2 of how to choose your diamond cut is here! Let's not get into the excuses (work, kids, the JCK Las Vegas show, life, the Fifa World Cup etc.) but I have been one busy lady lately. Don't fret, I didn't forget about you out there. Now this article is about more "fancy" cut diamonds that you may or may not have considered for your engagement ring. I really thought I could make it short, a part of me really believed this, but then I realized there are so many cuts out there! The term "fancy" cut is a jewelers term for "not round or princess cut". That's pretty much it. We jewelers are a simple folk, and try to keep things pretty self explanatory. As you might imagine, a "fancy" cut stone will also usually be more expensive. They are harder to find because they are not as in demand as a round brilliant or princess cut is. So lets jump in shall we!

Radiant Cut 
I love love love a radiant cut diamond. This is also known as a modified princess cut diamond. It is more rectangular. So basically its a rectangular princess cut. It's a nice change, and if you want to be unique, but not too crazy out of your comfort zone, this is the cut for you.

It can often be confused with an Emerald cut diamond. The difference between the two is how the diamond is cut, facets and such. A radiant cut has many more facets, giving it a more brilliant sparkle, like a Princess cut diamond.

Emerald Cut

Now an emerald cut diamond has a cut known as a step cut. It looks like long facets that step up like stairs. This results in a very unique shine, and it is beautiful. There are a few negatives to a step cut.

1. The lack of facets won't hide any flaws that are natural in a diamond. An inclusion can almost be magnified if there are not too many facets to distract your eye.

2. Since you cannot hide an imperfection, you will want a flawless (or as close to flawless) stone, hence being way more expensive than a stone that may have a flaw but is not noticeable. 

3. For this same reason your stone will always need to be cleaned. A step cut is not a friend of soap and lotion.

How awesome is this Blue Diamond?? There's your something blue!

Cushion Cut

http://www.modernjeweler.com/web/online/Diamond-Gem-Profiles/Cushion-Cut-Diamond/2$282 

Another favorite of mine, and I am still trying to get my hands on a good one, is a cushion cut. This is known as the jewelers cut. For a long time this cut was only known by jewelers, but I think when the antique jewelry trend hit, more consumers became aware of this awesome cut. Now everyone, and their stylish mothers, wants a cushion cut. Let me give you the low-down on this hot cut. So to explain it simply, this cut diamond looks like a princess cut with the ends cut off. That's not the scientific explanation, but its the best way that I describe it that really paints a picture for people who have never seen one.

http://www.ascotdiamonds.com/blog/index.php/cushion-cut-diamonds-antique-brilliant-and-modified-brilliant-cuts/

This cut has a few negatives.
1. The way the diamond is cut, the point at the bottom of the diamond is really deep and fat. The problem with this? A lot of the weight of the stone is on the bottom, and it looks a lot smaller when it is set. If you were to look at a round brilliant cut that was 1.00 carat versus a cushion cut that is the same weight, the round brilliant will look WAY larger.
2. This results in you wanting a larger stone, which in turns means you will need to spend more money.
3. This cut is in such demand, it is harder to find, and when you do find them you may be paying a premium for it.

If money is no object, and you want to be on trend, then honey we found the cut for you!

Marquis Cut

Ahh the Marquis cut diamond. This cut is not really in style right now, but you know it will come around again. Your mom, or aunt who got married in the late 70's or 80's was totally rocking this cut, set in yellow gold of course. It was the princess cut of its day. Although, just like high waisted jeans and jelly shoes, the reign of the marquis cut diamond will live on. Maybe you received your mom's first wedding ring, the one she had before she upgraded to a 2.00 carat Princess cut, and you want to wear it for sentimental reasons. This cut can for sure be modernized in a halo setting or worn simply as a solitaire and pair it with a fun wedding band, or even play with it in a 3 stone setting. A diamond is a diamond, clean it up, find a new setting, and make it your own.

Heart shape

For all you romantics out there, this is the perfect cut for you. This is defiantly a fancy cut, and it takes a very fun hearted girl to wear this cut. Some people wear their hearts on their sleeve, you wear it on your finger as a huge diamond.

Pear cut

This cut has its moments of popularity, and it's making a splash again. I personally have a soft spot for a pear shape. The most classic, and I feel flattering, way to set a pear shape is in a 3 stone setting with two trillion (triangle cut diamonds), or with Baguette cut diamonds, and even smaller pear cut diamonds! A Pear cut will elongate any ladies finger, and looks great on everyone. If you are going for a large Pear cut (2.00ct and up), then I feel this looks best on ladies with longer fingers. When the stone is too large, and its long and pointy, it will obviously take up a lot of space. If you have short fingers, this will just make your fingers look smaller.

Who needs a diamond? Emerald is a beautiful and unique way to show your personality in your engagement ring.