Fancy Shapes - For the Adventurous!

Princess:

One of the favourite for square cuts. There are quite a few things to look out for in a princess cut. The basic would be:

Table

62%-68%(i prefer a larger table size, but it's really preference here.)

Depth

64%-75%

Symmetry

Excellent-VG

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1 as possible. 0.95-1.05

Chevrons:

The number of chevrons at the pavilion affects the performance of the princess cut diamond. Ideally, I would only pick 3-4 chevrons. 2 is too little.Drop me an email at Dawnandbrianmin@hotmail.com if you need help identifying the number of chevrons, but a general guideline would be:

Settings that goes great with Princess cuts:

When should you buy a princess cut: If you're looking into something more different, and still want something as brilliant as rounds, if you love 4 prongs and feel it's more suitable on a princess cut. Because you love princesses!

Asscher:

Asscher is square step cut diamond.

A step cut diamond has sloping, four-sided facets that are cut below the table and run parallel to the diamond's girdle.

Because of the way it is cut, it is not as brilliant as a princess cut. However, people do like it for it’s simplicity.

Generally, this cut will always appear smaller than most shapes.

Because of this, this cut is popular also amongst men.

Some general guidelines for this cut:

Minimum clarity: VS1 (Because of the way it is cut, inclusions are much more obvious as compare to rounds or princess cuts)

Minimum color: G (Same as the above, a step cut diamond does not mask its true color as well as a brilliant cut diamond)

Table

60%-65.5%

Depth

60%-65%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent-VG

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1

Settings that goes great with Asscher cuts:

When should you buy an Asscher: When you're a man! haha! When you love the facet pattern. If you like a strong looking ring with sidestones. If you love asscher settings! Theres many settings that asscher can go with which are so lovely. The contrast between brilliant sidestones and a centre step cut is great!

Heart!

Look out for the lobes on the diamond. Make sure it is symmetrically balanced.

A cleft that is not too deep and not too shallow. A sharp cleft is preferred.

One should look out for a bow tie effect across the centre width of the diamond. Such effect will allow light leakage.
Overall the shape of the heart is important still, some are fat, some are long, a shape like the above is hey okay!

Table

55%-60%

Depth

59%-63%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent-VG

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1

Settings that goes well with Heart:

When to buy a Heart shape? When you're truly a romantic!

Marquise!

A boat shaped brilliant cut diamond. This shape shows more color and inclusion than other brilliant cut. The marquise is great to elongate your fingers because of it's shape, it creates a really elegant overall outlook!:)

Minimum clarity: VS2

Minimum color: H

The bow tie effect is very prominent in a marquis shape diamond as well. It is visible to the naked eye.

Table

55%-60%

Depth

59%-63%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent - vg

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 2

Settings that goes well with Marquis:

When to buy a Marquise shape? When you have long slim fingers, and like something out of the ordinary

Oval

Both the Oval and Marquis cut diamonds are both great for slim-long finger as its appearance further elongates the finger. This creates a whole elegant out look :)

Do avoid shallow or deep parameter for this diamond as bow tie effect can be obvious.

Table

55%-60%

Depth

59%-63%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent - vg

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1.5

Settings that goes with Oval:

Pear

The pointed end of the Pear cut should be well protected by a nice prong as it can be easily chip off. Just like several others, Pear shapes are very prone to bowtie effects and is especially obvious with lower colors! go for a higher color one:)

Pears are also known as teardrops, i love pear shapes!

Table

55%-60%

Depth

59%-63%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent - vg

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1.6

Setting that goes with Pear(was trying to find one with pear sidestones as well, but couldn't... i've seen it somewhere before its so lovely) :

notice the bowtie here? that black portion running through the diamond?

When to buy a Pear shape? If you love teardrops, Pear shapes were commonly found on Tiaras of princesses, I feel it exhumes alot of "vintageness". Always acompany it with sidestones

Emerald:

A step cut diamond like the asscher cut. It is rectangular in shape. A strict parameter is needed to make purchases for this cut as a Emerald cut requires a good length to width ratio.An Aset scope is great to filter out good emerald cuts, find a jeweler that carries one!

Table

60%-65.5%

Depth

60%-65%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent - vg

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1.6

Settings that goes with Emerald:

When to buy a Emerald shape? If you love step cuts, emeralds look strong and sturdy. It show's off the independant woman:)


CUSHIONS! MY FAVORITE

I think alot of people are missing out, people call these pillow shapes as well. I think it's the classiest of all the shapes. Stand alone cushions don't do very well, but because of it's shape, the settings that go along with it are wonderfully scrumptious.

There are several cuts of modified cushions, i personally feel the modern cushioin cut is the best, ask your jeweler if it's an old cushion or modern cut! :)

Table

60%-65.5%

Depth

60%-65%

Symmetry / polish

Excellent - vg

Length to Width Ratio

As close to 1.6

Settings that goes well with Cushion:

When to buy a Cushion shape? If want a really lovely design, it's my all time favorite with almost anything! Halos, double prongs, paves, colored diamonds etc etc!


Okay Dawn, so this is a general guideline, is this possible to get?

It's rather hard to obtain fancies in Singapore, especially good ones since these are more popular in the states, still, it is possible, there are several jewelers in singapore that do try to bring in fancies, but not many. Sometimes you may have to compromise a lil. Fancy shapes are best seen in person and not using exact dimensions. However this general guideline will at least shorten your list for the in experienced to know what an ideal fancy should be. Sometimes you may find that "oh! the table on this one is a little bigger, it's 1% off" Certain situations it's quite acceptable. Drop me an email if you encounter something like this, and i'll try my best to help ya out.

Dawnandbrianmin@hotmail.com

Until my next post! cya!