No matter the occasion, shopping for the perfect diamond is a unique and memorable experience. Though it can feel intimidating if you're unfamiliar with your options, the diamond experts at Mervis Diamond Importers will help you understand the qualities and characteristics to consider.
It all starts with shape. Identifying your preferred diamond shape is one of the most essential qualities to consider when choosing your stone. Shape not only affects the diamond's appearance but also the way it sparkles (aka "brilliance"). In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what you should know when seeking the perfect piece.
Understanding Diamond Shapes
Before diving into the decision-making process, let's start with the diamond shape basics. Below is a brief description of some of the most popular shapes on the market today:
Round Brilliant Cut: Classic and timeless, a round brilliant cut is known for its unparalleled sparkle and brilliance. It's a popular choice for engagement rings and works well with a variety of jewelry settings.
Princess Cut: This diamond shape is celebrated for its stunning brilliance and modern, square shape, making it a popular choice among those seeking a combination of elegance and contemporary aesthetics in their engagement rings.
Emerald Cut: Featuring long, clean lines and stepped facets, the emerald cut is ideal for those who appreciate understated sophistication. Additionally, its elongated shape highlights the diamond's clarity.
Asscher Cut: This particular cut is known for its distinctive square shape with cropped corners. Its Art Deco-inspired appeal makes it popular for those who like incorporating vintage elegance and unique, geometric designs into their daily style.
Radiant Cut: This square or rectangular shape combines the brilliance of the round cut with a modern aesthetic. A radiant cut can create a timeless or trendy appeal, depending on the setting.
Pear Cut: Resembling a teardrop, a pear-shaped diamond features a unique and graceful appearance.
Marquise: With its slim, elongated shape and pointed ends, the marquise cut creates the illusion of longer fingers, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
Oval Cut: A modified round shape, the oval cut offers a classic look with a twist. One of the primary advantages is a larger surface that can accommodate a heavier stone.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diamond Shape
Now that you've read through the benefits of each diamond shape, you're ready to start choosing the one that fits your style. Although settling on a shape can be challenging, the guide below lays out a few key factors to consider before making the final decision.Personal Preferences
Take a minute to reflect on your personal taste and style. When you close your eyes and picture your perfect diamond, what do you see? Are you generally more inclined toward timeless and traditional designs, or do you prefer something unique, modern, and trendy? These are the questions that should guide your choice of diamond shape. The good news is there are no wrong answers!
Finger Shape and Size
Your finger shape and size should play a role in determining which shape will look best on your hand. For example, elongated shapes like marquise and oval can make shorter fingers appear longer. Round or princess cuts can complement wider fingers by adding symmetry and balance to the hand's appearance. Ultimately, the one that makes you feel most confident is always the right choice.
Setting
We offer several different setting options for your diamond, and some shapes fit better when paired with specific settings. For instance, a solitaire set often complements round or princess-cut diamonds, while halo settings can enhance the appearance of other shapes. With wedding band options from renowned designers like Tacori, Verragio, and the Mervis Collection, you'll have the industry's best options at your fingertips.
Brilliance and Sparkle
Round diamonds are lauded for their exceptional brilliance as the precise and symmetrical cut featuring 57 or 58 facets maximizes the diamond's ability to reflect and refract light. However, other shapes like radiant or princess cuts may provide comparable brilliance with an added level of dynamic and unique style.
Durability
Some diamond shapes, like emerald and pear, have pointed corners that may be more susceptible to chipping. If you have an active lifestyle, opt for a more durable shape like a round or princess cut.
Trends and Timelessness
While choosing a shape that suits your style is essential, it's important to consider whether you want a trendy design or a timeless classic. Round diamonds, for example, have maintained their popularity for generations and always stay in fashion. On the other hand, more unique shapes may come in and out of style depending on the latest style trends.
The Diamond of Your Dreams is at Mervis
Mervis Diamond Importers is a family business run on old-fashioned family values like quality, customer service, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. Each diamond we sell is hand-selected by Zed Mervis for the highest quality and greatest sparkle – that's what we call the Mervis Difference.
If you're in the market for an engagement ring, anniversary or holiday gift, or any other occasion that deserves to sparkle, make an appointment with a GIA-trained member of our team to begin your diamond search.