Fancy diamond shapes refer to diamond cuts that are unique and non-traditional, including shapes like the Flanders Cut, Kite Cut, and Star Cut, among others.
Unique Fancy Diamond Shapes
If you are looking for a statement diamond that will create a unique engagement ring, earrings, pendant or other piece of diamond jewelry, then you may wish to consider one of the many unusual Fancy Diamond Shapes.
In short: Beyond the ten standard cuts, niche fancy shapes include the Old Mine (cushion ancestor, 1700s-1830s), Rose cut (flat-bottom, 16th century), Briolette (full-3D teardrop), Hexagonal, Kite, Shield, Bullet, and Asymmetric. They typically cost 20-50% less per carat than standard cuts at identical 4Cs because rough yield is higher. Most carry no GIA cut grade. Best in bezel or split-claw settings to fit unusual silhouettes.
Fancy Diamond Shapes are an excellent choice for those who like to set the trend, yet still value the timeless elegance of diamonds. Here at Reve Diamonds we offer a wide variety of Fancy Diamond Shapes, and we hope that this short guide will help you decide which, if any, of these diamond shapes will be the perfect choice for your treasured purchase.
FLANDERS CUT DIAMONDS
Flanders Cut diamonds are a relatively new diamond cut being created by a gemologist in 1983. It was polished for the very first time in 1987 by a small diamond polishing factory located in Antwerp hence its name which reflects this northern region of Belgium – Flanders. Flanders Cut diamonds have 61 stunning facets which mean that this cut takes one third more time to cut than, for example, the Round Brilliant Cut. Flanders Cut diamonds are renowned for their stunning brilliance and the facets need to be perfectly positioned to ensure that the diamond catches the light to maximize sparkle. The deep pavilion of Flanders Cut diamonds improve reflection of light within the diamond and the upper facets on the crown enhance the diamonds fire. Together these factors produce an absolutely diamond full of sparkle and fire.
BAGUETTE AND TAPERED BAGUETTE CUT DIAMONDS
Baguette Cut diamonds are a very popular choice as accent stones within engagement, eternity or wedding rings because they are usually a smaller cut of diamond. They are part of the Step Cut family, which also includes Asscher and Emerald cut diamonds. One of the defining features of the Step Cut family is clearly defined straight facets which means that they have a very different appearance to Round Cut diamonds, and they exhibit with less brilliance and sparkle. A Baguette Cut diamond is generally seen as an elongated, thin, rectangular shaped diamond generally having a length to width ratio of 5:1, but they can also be found as almost square in shape. Baguette Cuts have 14 facets, a far lower number than other diamond cuts and their are perfectly square. Tapered Baguette Cut diamonds are a hybrid of the Baguette Cut. They have more facets which gives them more sparkle and brilliance, and have long sides that angle inwards meaning that the diamond ‘tapers’ to become smaller at one end.
KITE CUT DIAMONDS
Kite Cut diamonds also known as Lozenge Cut diamonds are one of the oldest of the fancy cut diamond shapes. They emerged during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 30s as their geometric shape was well suited to the jewelry of this era. Kite Cut diamonds are now primarily seen as accent stones as they have an innate ability to complement and add elegance to a centerpiece diamond without stealing the limelight. Kite Cut diamonds have once again increased in popularity in recent years perhaps due to their contemporary shape being an elongated structure with four distinct lines – kite shape as it’s name suggests. They are a step cut with brilliant cut faceting and are available in a wide variety of length to width ratios meaning that some Kite Cut diamonds are long and slender whilst others are short and wide.
STAR CUT DIAMONDS
Star Cut diamonds were created by the combination of traditional Indian tools and modern technology. It took two years to research and develop this cut and it was pioneered by the Digico Group. Star Cut diamonds have an amazing 86 facets which maximize the fire and brilliance of these diamonds and generally these diamonds range from 0.05 to 2 carats.
HALF MOON CUT DIAMONDS
Half Moon Cut diamonds, also referred to as Demilune, exhibit the profile of half an oval or round diamond with one straight edge and one side curved – like an actual half crescent moon. Half Moon Cut diamonds are a very popular choice as side stones to accent diamonds in a ring setting and look particularly amazing alongside Cushion Cut diamonds. They were originally cut from broken round and oval diamonds which was a great use of diamonds that would otherwise of been discarded as waste. Today, Half Moon Cut diamonds are in such demand that diamond cutters actually cut them from whole rough diamonds and they are sold as matched pairs for side stones. Like many elongated diamond shapes, Half Moon Cut diamonds can exhibit the bow tie effect dark shadow if not cut correctly. However, when perfectly cut a Half Moon Cut will display sparkle and brilliance throughout the diamond.
TRAPEZOID CUT DIAMONDS
Trapezoid Cut diamonds resemble a triangle with an end removed. They are a four sided shaped with the top and bottom sides parallel, and the other sides slanting inwards. Trapezoid Cut diamonds were originally seen as a Step Cut, but recently Brilliant Cut Trapezoid diamonds have become more popular. This is due to the increased demand for Princess and Radiant cut diamonds alongside which Trapezoid diamonds look stunning as accent stones. Due to the larger surface area of Trapezoid Cut diamonds they add far more sparkle as a side stone than a Baguette Cut diamond does and due to having a short end, they are more popular than Trillion Cuts as they do not extend down between the fingers.
BULLET CUT AND TAPERED BULLET CUT DIAMONDS
Bullet Cut diamonds are quite a new cut within the diamond world. They are evocative of the Art Deco period and look stunning as side stones within pieces of vintage inspired jewelry, but are also versatile enough to sit well within more contemporary pieces. Bullet Cut diamonds are part of the Step Cut family, and as their name suggests they are shaped like a bullet with three sides having straight lines that form part of a square with the fourth side being pointed with a sharp edge. The Tapered Bullet Cut has cut corners on the three lines that are reminiscent of an Emerald Cut.
HEXAGONAL CUT DIAMONDS
Hexagonal Cut diamonds offer a vintage look with a modern twist. They are an unusual shape and a rarity in comparison to some of the more popular fancy diamond shapes. This is possibly because few Hexagonal diamonds are cut so making them more desirable. Hexagonal Cut diamonds, as their name suggests, have 6 sides and are step faceted like Asscher Cut diamonds which helps them to display an increased brilliance and fire. They can be cut symmetrically or with a greater length to width ratio depending on the desired shape. Table size can vary in Hexagonal Cut diamonds but the vast majority feature a stepped pavilion and pointed culet.
SHIELD CUT DIAMONDS
The shape of Shield Cut diamonds is very much like that of a warrior’s shield from where the name for them comes. Shield Cut diamonds are very unique and are one of the Step Cut family with the most similar cut being the Triangle Cut. They are of a triangular shape with a bowed top side and two bowed edges on the other sides. Shield Cut diamonds are most usually used as accent stones with the wide end next to the centerpiece diamond and the pointed end running down the shank of the engagement, wedding or eternity ring. This cut of diamond is very versatile and is also seen in other pieces of diamond jewelry such as drop earrings or pendants. Shield Cuts are becoming increasingly popular as not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but can be seen as representing the protection of a loved one with their shield shape.
CALF CUT DIAMONDS
Calf Cut diamonds are a modified Trapezoid shape that has an additional fifth side as opposed to the classic four-sided Trapezoid. This makes for a very distinctive, interesting and effective diamond particularly when used as an accent stone. The Calf Cut draws its name from its striking resemblance to the head of two calves. These diamonds are generally Brilliant Cut, but can also be found as Step Cut with six sides. Calf diamonds make a very versatile side stones due to the fact that they can be used with many different shapes of center diamonds.
FAQs
-What are fancy diamond shapes?
-What is a Flanders Cut diamond?
The Flanders Cut diamond is known for its 61 facets, which enhance its brilliance and fire, making it a stunning choice for jewellery.
-Why choose a Baguette Cut diamond?
Baguette Cut diamonds are popular as accent stones due to their elongated shape and defined straight facets, adding elegance to rings and other jewellery pieces.
-What makes Kite Cut diamonds unique?
Kite Cut diamonds have a geometric shape that dates back to the Art Deco period, making them a sophisticated choice for accent stones.
-How many facets does a Star Cut diamond have?
Star Cut diamonds have 86 facets, which maximizes their fire and brilliance, making them highly desirable.
-What are Half Moon Cut diamonds used for?
Half Moon Cut diamonds are often used as side stones in ring settings, particularly complementing Cushion Cut diamonds.
-What distinguishes a Trapezoid Cut diamond?
Trapezoid Cut diamonds have a four-sided shape with parallel top and bottom sides, often used as accent stones due to their sparkle and unique shape.
-What is special about Bullet Cut diamonds?
Bullet Cut diamonds are part of the Step Cut family, characterized by their three straight sides and pointed end, perfect for vintage and contemporary jewellery.
-Why are Hexagonal Cut diamonds rare?
Hexagonal Cut diamonds are rare due to their unique six-sided shape and step faceting, making them a vintage-inspired but modern choice.
-What is a Shield Cut diamond?
Shield Cut diamonds resemble a warrior's shield and are typically used as accent stones, adding a unique aesthetic to jewellery.
