Diamonds: Our 9 Favourite Cuts, Explained

Choosing your diamond can be a complicated process at times; with many cuts to select from and so many things to consider (not to mention the long-term investment), it is easy to feel lost. With this in mind, we have decided to create a series of mini-guides - a diamond resource if you will - to help navigate anything from the four c's, which metal or carat gold to pair with your stone, or what shape to select to best suit your hands. Here, we start with our nine favourite cuts, and why we love them.  

1. Marquise

The marquise cut diamond is a rare and beautiful stone, featuring a dramatic elongated cut with tips at both ends. Created in the 18th century for King Louis XV to resemble the lips of his great love, the marquise diamond has a rich history that makes the stone so special and unique. Perfect for those searching for a non-traditional piece, this rare shaped diamond has become a classic crowd favourite here at Natasha Schweitzer, and is one of our most loved cuts.

Why we love marquise diamonds:

 Our very own Founder and Creative Director Natasha wears a stunning marquise diamond in her engagement ring, so naturally, marquise cut diamonds are very popular with our clients, especially for those with a creative flare and love of rich history. Marquise diamonds are the perfect choice for those searching for a dramatic diamond that elongates the length of the wearers fingers and hands while appearing larger than their carat weight.  

Above: Natasha Schweitzer jewellery

2. Pear

The pear diamond cut is a timeless classic that merges a vintage feel with modern minimalism. Cut in the shape of a teardrop, the stone evokes emotion and romance like no other diamond. First created by Lodewyk van Bracken in the early 1400’s, the rounded base and tipped point creates a unique look that is matched with spectacular brilliant sparkle. 

Why we love pear diamonds:

Pear diamonds have an incredible sparkle, and are the perfect combination of a classic cut with an old-world and romantic feel. Pear diamonds are one of our most popular diamond cuts at Natasha Schweitzer, and have become a classic signature in many of our designs due to their unique shape. 

3. Oval

Oval cut diamonds have been around for centuries, but were modernised to create the current shape we now know and love by Russian diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan in the late 50’s. Oval diamonds are considered a fancy cut, with an elongated body that is timeless and devastatingly elegant. At Natasha Schweitzer, we always search for oval diamonds with a high sparkle and elongated length. 

Why we love oval diamonds:

Oval diamonds are a timeless classic that will never date, and will always look larger than their actual carat weight due to their length.  Oval diamonds are our most popular diamond cut, and are perfect for those wanting to elongate their fingers and hands. 

Above: Natasha Schweitzer jewellery

4. Round Brilliant

The round brilliant cut diamond is famous for being the most iconic diamond shape in the world. With 58 facets to brag about, round brilliants are cut to perfection, creating an unmatched sparkle and perfect appearance. The modern round brilliant was developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919, by using very specific proportions to achieve maximum brilliance and light dispersion. 

Why we love round brilliant diamonds:

Round brilliants are simply that, brilliant! No other cut can compete with the sparkle of the perfectly symmetrical rounded shape. The simplistic and traditional style makes the round brilliant a classic that will forever capture our hearts and never go out of fashion. 

5. Emerald

The Emerald cut diamond is one of the oldest diamond cuts, tracing back to the 1500s. Unlike most other brilliant cuts, an emerald shape is actually a step cut, with rectangular facets that appear like a hallway of mirrors. The elongated body of an emerald cut diamond makes a perfect choice for those searching for a stone that looks larger than the actual carat weight and elongates the length of the wearers fingers. 

Why we love emerald cut diamonds:

With clean lines and simplistic symmetry, the emerald cut diamond is the perfect stone for the modern minimalist, and a perfect choice for those searching for an Art Deco piece. 

6. Asscher

The Asscher cut diamond is a unique step cut diamond that resembles a squared version of an emerald cut, with 72 facets. Asscher cut diamonds are a rare and beautiful cut, that feature a geometric octagon shape that gives an Art Deco feel. Asscher cut diamonds were first created in 1902 by Joseph Asscher.  

Why we love Asscher cut diamonds:

Asscher cut diamonds are surprisingly striking, and create a mesmerising optical illusion like a hall of mirrors, also seen in emerald cuts. Asscher cut diamonds look spectacular in both simple and intricate settings, and while the shape is considered vintage, the asscher cuts can look incredibly modern. 

 Above: Natasha Schweitzer rings

7. Radiant

The Radiant cut diamond has a perfect combination of an emerald cut shape with brilliant sparkle. First created in the 70’s by Henry Grossbard, the radiant cut was created to add sparkle into a rectangular shape. The radiant cut diamond is a softer version of a princess cut, with edged corners and often featuring an elongated body that lengthens the wearers fingers.  

Why we love Radiant cut diamonds:

 Radiant cut diamonds are perfect for those who love the elongated geometric shape of an emerald cut, but still want a brilliant sparkle. Elongated radiant cut diamonds almost always appear larger than their actual carat weight, and are perfect for those searching for a geometrical design with added sparkle.

Above: Natasha Schweitzer rings and sustainable workshop

8. Cushion

The Cushion cut diamond is a beautiful and elegant diamond that is named in resemblance to a pillow. Cushion cut diamonds can come in square or rectangular shapes, with rounded corners that soften the overall look of the diamond. Cushion cuts have a long history that dates back to the 19th century, originally referred to as an old mine cut named after the Brazilian diamond mines. Cushion diamonds generally less brilliance due to their larger facets, but more modern modified brilliant cuts can have just as many if not more facets than a round brilliant.  

Why we love Cushion cut diamonds:

Cushion cut diamonds are elegant and classic, the perfect choice if you are searching for a diamond similar to a round brilliant but with a more vintage feel. The curved corners are soft and inviting, making the stone a beautiful cut to wear.   

 Above: Natasha Schweitzer rings

9. Princess

The Princess cut diamond is that of royalty, featuring a simple square shape with a brilliant cut. The princess cut diamond has a classic feel, with a strong shape and sharp corners. The origins of a princess cut are a little confusing, but most would agree that the cut was developed by diamond cutter Arpad Nagy in 1961. 

Why we love Princess cut diamonds:

The angular and simple shape of a princess cut paired with the sparkling brilliance is the perfect fit for those looking for a simple geometric stone with timeless elegance.