Cuts & Carats
Visually, a diamond engagement ring is all about shape and size. If a round diamond has stopped appealing to your taste, then it's time for you to explore other cuts.
by Preeta Agarwal
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, engagement fever is sure to catch on. Since 1948, when De Beers coined the slogan ‘A Diamond Is Forever’, every woman has dreamt of a big shiny diamond ring. Considering that the ring is worn everyday, going classic is the preferred choice. Classic engagement rings highlight the center diamond, its shape and size.
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Chopard
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David Morris
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Shape, a result of the cut of the diamond, one of the 4 C’s, is very important, as that is what makes the engagement ring fashionable. But, when the actual time comes to buy the engagement ring, the choices can be quite daunting. A little know-how on the diamond shapes can help you choose better.
Chopard
Diamonds are not unearthed in the shapes that we are used to seeing them. They occur in nature in random shapes and are not certainly as sparkly either. Cuts on a diamond add the sparkle to it and is one of the factors that give it value. After years of experiments of diamond cutting, a few diamond shapes have become more famous.
The round diamond, with its maximum fire and brilliance tops the list, as it suits most designs and is easy to set and design around. Even in the engagement ring category, round diamonds are the most popular. But, why stick to just one shape when the industry has so many fancy shaped diamonds to offer. No two women are alike so why should they have similar rings? Some like edgy, others go for softer shapes and some prefer hearts.
De Beers
Closest to its round cousin, the oval diamond is also quite popular. It has a soft shape and brilliance like the round but adds up to a higher carat weight in one stone. Jewelry designer David Morris and USA’s famous Tiffany offer various classic versions of the oval shape with simple pave surrounds.
Known to accentuate femininity, the drop shaped pear and the boat shaped marquise diamonds suit best on long slender fingers. These two shapes look best in an uncluttered fashion, when set just by themselves with minimal surrounds. Finding engagement rings with marquise diamonds is a little challenging but a good hunt can result in rare finds like the Harry Winston double marquise ring or the David Morris 6.41 carat marquise statement piece. For those looking for a simple and subtle version, Boucheron’s Eternal Grace ring is just for you.
Entice
Gems Pavilion
Moving on to those with edgy choices, the square Princess cut and the rectangular
Gems Pavilion
Emerald cut are the best on offer. Very sleek and minimal looking, these two are very clear and see through and emphasise the flaws of the stone. Thus, you are advised to go for a higher quality and color when opting for princess and emerald cuts. Very geometric in shape, these two stand out in the crowd. Buccellati’s latest Romanza collection and Chopard’s latest rings feature many emerald cut diamonds. Hong Kong based Entice offers a wide range of fancy shaped diamond rings especially the princess cut.
Harry Winston
Two shapes that have been gaining popularity recently are the pillowy looking Cushion cut and the Asscher cut, a look alike of the princess cut but with chamfered corners. From Hollywood stars to famous industrialists and socialites of the world, every one is hooked on these shapes. Women with softer choices go for Cushion cut while Asscher is for those with sleek preferences. A prominent size in the center with a little sparkle surround of round
Tiffany & Co.
diamond and you are set to go for a lifetime. These two are not just our favourite but also that of Bangkok based Gems Pavilion jewellers as they offer a series of rings with Cushion and Asscher cuts in all shapes and sizes. The David Morris cushion cut ring with heart shaped prongs is sure to sweep you off your feet.
Tiffany & Co.
An engagement ring symbolizes love and what better than a heart shaped diamond to express your love? Similar to a pear shape but with a cleft on the top, the symmetry and proportions required for the heart shape diamond make it a very difficult cut. With such complexity involved and due to extra wastage of the rough diamond as compared to other shapes, the heart shape also demands higher prices. Chopard love rings are one of the most sought after heart shaped rings as they exude passion and craftsmanship. Other prominent names that offer heart shaped diamond rings are Tiffany and Gems Pavilion.
With so many shapes of solitaires available, every bride-to-be is set to get confused. But there is one key to this problem- your own persona. Always choose the ring that you would want to wear for the rest of your life and be proud of it. If buying for the bride as a surprise think of her personality, her likes and dislikes, the answer is right there.
