The scope on unique diamond shapes is expansive. While traditional diamond shapes are universally adored for their classic looks, there is a whole host of unusual shapes to suit the style of those wanting something entirely unique.
Generally, these stone shapes are used as accent side stones to flank classic shapes, however, anything is possible with custom, and these shapes can be used as a striking centrepiece.
Baguette diamonds are the perfect way to add a geometric opulence to your ring design.
The word “baguette” is a French word for a long, narrow loaf of bread. In terms of diamonds, these rectangular step-cuts typically have 14 facets and large, open tables.
People often note the similarity between emerald and baguette diamonds.
The difference is that while an emerald cut diamond has cut corners, baguettes have unbevelled, angled corners, resulting in a rectangular shape.
Dating back to the the 16th century, known then as an ‘elongated table cut’, baguette cut diamonds saw a resurgence during the Art Deco period, with their long, streamlined facets.
Those who wish to set themselves apart are drawn to the unique clean lines and elegance of baguette cut diamonds.
A tapered baguette has a more trapezoidal shape, with the sides tapering to make one end shorter in length than the other.
Typically baguette cut diamonds are used as accent or side stones–their thin linear shape serves as the perfect frame to any centre stone shape.
Half moon diamonds are cut straight on one side and curved on the other side; they are essentially an oval diamond cut in half.
Originally the shape was developed as a step-cut in the 1920s but evolved into a brilliant cut through market conditions. These shapes generally come in standardised ratios, but can also be found in elongated shapes for a more striking appearance.
They are usually always sold as pairs to be set either side of a centre gemstone.
A trapezoid has four sides, the top and bottom sides are parallel while the two remaining sides slant upwards and inwards.
Like half-moon diamonds, they are usually always sold as pairs to flank either side of a centre gemstone. Typically, trapezoids are step-cut but are also available in brilliant-cuts depending on the faceting of the centre gemstone they are paired with.
A trilliant cut, sometimes called a trillion or trillian, is a triangular gemstone cut.
Always a brilliant cut, it has either slightly curved (trillions) or straight (trilliants) sides. Developed in the first half of the 20th century by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam, this cut is used as either centrepiece or flanked on either side of a centre stone as side accent gemstones.
Carre cut diamonds are square step-cuts with angled corners.
As with most step-cuts, high clarity diamond rough is used when cutting these stones as the step-cut faceting is very unforgiving with clarity characteristics. Traditionally used in antique jewellery, these cuts add beautiful lustre to any design.
A French cut diamond is most similar to a modern day princess cut diamond in shape.
Easily recognisable by the pattern the crown facets on the table of the diamond makes with each other, these square or rectangular gemstones complement the geometric designs of the Art Deco period and give a more typically-vintage inspired cut, with more subtle light return.
Dating back to the 1400s, French-cut diamonds became fashionable with French royalty and aristocracy in the 1600s and are an excellent choice for those inspired by aesthetics of eras gone by.
The name comes from the shape of a bullet where three sides have straight lines forming a part of a square with the fourth pointed side having a sharp edge.
Typically step-cut, these diamonds can also be brilliant-cut and are usually sold as pairs to flank either side of a centre gemstone.