Everything you need to know about Fancy Shape Engagement Rings
This week, we’re taking a glimpse into the wonderful glittering world of fancy shape engagement rings, from their inception right through to modern day styles and trends, and the celebrities that just can’t enough of them.
What are Fancy cut Diamonds?
When discussing
diamonds, a “fancy shape” is anything other than round shaped diamond. Rounds
diamonds are easier to cut, since all the facets in a tier are cut to the same
angle and depth. They are usually cut on automated machines. On the other hand,
fancy shapes must be cut by hand. Since this is extremely time consuming,
“fancies” are primarily found in larger sizes.
Fancy cut diamonds
can be split into three groups, the first are modified brilliant cuts such as;
the oval, pear, heart, marquise, and trilliant shapes.
The second group are
those with a step cut such as the Asscher cut engagement rings and emerald cut.
The last is the more recent mixed cut which refers to a combination of the previous two cuts.
Most popular Fancy Cut Shapes
Asscher Cut Engagement rings
Extremely stylish,
this shape brings an air of antique vintage. Striking and dramatic, the Asscher
incorporates the 1920s-1930s Art Deco design style. Essentially a square Emerald
Cut diamond, the Asscher too brings with it the cool elegance and mesmerizing
clarity for which the emerald cut is so appreciated.
Created in 1902 by
famous master cutter, Joseph Asscher, who was also the cutter of the famous
Cullinan Diamond, this shape has retained its charm. With the recent fashion
trend towards vintage and antique styles, this art deco piece maintains its
popularity in the diamond world.
Oval Shaped Engagement Rings
The Oval Diamond is
an elongated, brilliant cut, elliptical in shape and possessing a unique
elegance and old world sophistication
One of its great benefits is its lengthening effect, while still retaining the “round look, making fingers look slenderer and longer. Another benefit is that the diamond look (when viewed face up from above) is usually bigger per carat weight, than other shapes. For example, an oval one carat diamond will look larger than a one carat princess cut of similar quality.
Pear Shaped Engagement Rings
Envision a delicate
drop of water, a single tear falling. The beautiful fluidity of the Pear Shaped
diamond evokes delicate calm, with elegant sophistication.
Brilliant cut,
usually with 58 facets to bring out its fire, the pear shape is a variant of
the round brilliant cut and marquise shaped diamond, bringing the definitive
point along with the soft round edges.
The Pear exhibits
beautiful sparkle, but one should pay attention to the depth and proportions of
this stone to avoid dark, dull “bow tie” patches across the centre, where the
light does not properly travel.
Emerald cut Engagement Rings
The Emerald is a step cut diamond (like the Asscher Cut and
Baguette Cut), the facets run across from each other to form what looks like
steps, hence the name. Different to the brilliant cut, it has larger,
triangular, rectangular diamond cut facets in the pavilion. The bigger and open
table accentuates the Clarity of this shape, making this C a very important
consideration for Emerald cuts.
Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Due to the longevity
of the cushion cut (it’s been appreciated for over a century!) this stone has a
character which adapts and rejoices with the changes of time. Whether an
antique cushion, or a modified Cushion, it is a shape which talks to the heart!
The cushion diamond
is a square or rectangular shape with gently curved corners and a general
softening along the edges. They may be square-like or with longer sides,
similar to a rectangle.
The cushion diamond
usually has the same amount of facets as a round and oval shape (up to 58
facets) giving it significant fire and brilliance.
The rules for the
cushion cut are very loose, as it is a shape which has been adapted and evolved
over many years, allowing for different versions of the cut.
We hope you've enjoyed our run-through of our favourite fancy shape engagement ring. If you'd like to see any of the rings shown here, just get in touch to book an appointment at our boutique Hatton Garden jewellers.
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