Which Diamond Shape Is Right For You?
Boston Diamond Company's guide to choosing the perfect diamond for your engagement ring.
If this is your first time shopping for engagement rings, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed with so many options. From different diamond shapes and carat weights to ratios and proportions, there is so much to learn. At Boston Diamond Company, we walk you through every step of the process, making your experience with us as seamless as possible. Whether it's your first time trying on rings...or your fifth, we hope that when you walk into our showroom we will be your last.
When it comes to finding the perfect diamond, we know how personal this decision can be. This will be the stone that you look at and wear every single day for the rest of your life. You want to make sure it represents who you are now...and also who you will be 20 years later. Understanding your overall lifestyle, personality, aesthetic and goals will ultimately help you choose the right diamond for your ring.
Diamond Shape vs. Diamond Cut...What's the Difference?
If you are new to the world of diamonds, you may not know that there is a difference between a diamond's shape and a diamond's cut. The diamond shape refers to the overall silhouette of the stone; pear shape, oval shape, round shape, etc. The diamond cut refers to the actual precision of the diamonds faceting and proportions, resulting in how brilliant the stone is.
The Diamond Cut
There are three different categories of diamond cuts; Step Cut, Brilliant Cut and Mixed Cut. Step Cuts feature linear facets that focus more on the diamonds clarity and highlights the color rather than it's sparkle. Brilliant Cuts feature facets that focus on the diamonds high brilliance and sparkle. Mixed Cuts focus on both the diamonds clarity, color and also brilliance and sparkle to get the best of both worlds.
The Diamond Shape
There are three different categories of diamond shapes; Rounded Shape, Square Shape and Fancy Shape. Rounded Shaped diamonds refer to diamonds that have round edges and curves such as round diamonds and oval diamonds. Square Shape diamonds refer to diamonds that have straight edges and corners such as emerald and princess diamonds. Fancy Shape diamonds refer to all other diamonds with a more unique shape such as pear and marquise diamonds.
White Diamonds vs. Fancy Colored Diamonds
When most people picture an engagement ring, they imagine a traditional white diamond at its center. White diamonds are timeless and pair beautifully with any metal color and setting style. They are most known for their versatility and and brilliance. However, diamonds also come in an extraordinary range of natural hues, known as fancy color diamonds. These hues can range from yellow, pink, blue and more. Fancy colors tend to stand out as more unique and personal; perfect for someone who wants a ring that truly stands apart.
When choosing between the two, it is important to think about whether you are drawn towards timeless tradition or something more unexpected. Some clients even combine both a fancy color diamond in the center of the ring complemented by two white diamonds on either side. With all of this being said, it is especially important to ask yourself: Will you still love this in 10 years?
Important Factors to Consider
Now that you understand the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut, there are many other factors to consider when choosing the perfect diamond.
Lifestyle
It is important to think about how your lifestyle fits with your ring. If you are sporty, active, or hands-on throughout the day, you may want to consider a more durable diamond shape, like rounded. If you are someone who always applies lotion on your hands, paints, cooks or bakes, you may want to consider a brilliant cut diamond that is designed to sparkle even when a little dust or residue settles on the surface.
Finger and Hand Proportions
There are certain stones that can elongate your fingers, create balance, or add visual presence depending on your natural proportions. For shorter fingers it's important to consider stones that lengthen the look of the hand. For instance, ovals, marquise and elongated cushion cuts are especially flattering. The elongated silhouettes draw your eye upward, making fingers appear longer. For longer fingers, wider shapes can bring balance and create a harmonious proportion by adding width. For instance, round cut, square cushion cut or asscher cut diamonds would work best.
It's important to remember that the shape of your diamond can change drastically once it's on your hand. However, the best way to know what looks and feels right for you is to try these shapes on your hand before coming to any decision.
Setting Styles
The setting is the stage that showcases your diamond. The right setting style can either highlight a stone's natural beauty or completely transform its look. At Boston Diamond Company, every setting is custom made to your exact preferences. That means that your diamond isn't just placed in any setting, it is made to your diamonds exact measurements to ensure the perfect fit. We design the entire ring around you and how you want it to look and feel, while adding our knowledge of security and quality.
Solitaire Settings
A solitaire allows the diamond to be the star of the show. The key to a solitaire is to never overpower the center stone, it only complements and enhances it's natural brilliance and shape.
Diamond Halo Settings
Diamond Halo Settings are perfect if want to add some extra sparkle to your diamond. A halo of smaller diamonds around the center stone can allow the diamond to feel larger and shine even brighter. This type of setting gives the diamond more presence without increasing carat size. A halo of smaller diamonds placed beneath the center stone is referred to as a hidden halo. From the top view, your diamond takes center stage, and from the side view is where the hidden halo comes into view and gives off that extra sparkle.
Unique and Bold Settings
There is always a way to make bold and unique settings appear timeless and classic, something that will be cherished forever and always in style. The right design elevates your diamond, adding personality and distinction without overshadowing its natural beauty. Because every ring we create is custom, we are able to bring your one of a kind ideas to life while ensuring the end result is true to you and makes your perfect diamond shine the brightest.
Some clients come to us knowing they want a classic, traditional solitaire. Others come to us with a dream of a vintage inspired design or a traditional style with a twist. No matter where you start, our team will guide you through each option that complements both your perfect diamond and your lifestyle.
How to Find Your Perfect Diamond
With so many different jewelers in the industry, it can be hard to know who to trust when finding your perfect diamond. At Boston Diamond Company, we understand that. This is why we make sure your appointment with us is as comfortable, personalized and guided as possible while also taking the time to get to know you as more than just a customer.
Choosing the right diamond is about more than just trends, it's about finding the one that feels perfect for you. Whether you’re drawn to a timeless round brilliant, a bold marquise solitaire, or a unique custom design with hidden details, the most important thing is that your ring reflects your story and style.
The best way to choose your perfect diamond is to see them in person. What sets our appointment process apart from the rest is our curated, hand-chosen selection of only the highest quality diamonds. We give you the opportunity to view these diamonds side by side with different setting styles while offering guidance and expert advice along the way. Your perfect diamond is only one click away! Click here to schedule your private consultation in our Newbury Street showroom.