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The Different Shapes of Diamonds

Tuesday, March 19th

The Different Shapes of Diamonds

When you're thinking about buying a diamond for a ring or other piece of jewelry, you need to consider a variety of factors. Otherwise, how can you make an informed decision about your purchase? You might be familiar with the different kinds of cuts for diamonds and how the brilliance of the diamond directly affects its value. However, you also need to think about the different shape options you have.

Common Diamond Shapes

Let's start with the most common, shall we?

The Round Brilliant is the most popular diamond shape. It's a classic and reflects more light than any other shape. It's truly beautiful and stands out. Honestly, you can never go wrong with this shape. Another popular choice is the Princess shape. It possesses a ton of fire and brilliance but its table is square, so it stands out from its setting a bit more.

Next up is the Emerald. This shape harkens back to times gone by. We're talking about the classic Hollywood movie stars here. It is largely flat and really allows you to see the clarity of the diamond. Similar in style is the Asscher shape diamond, with a stylish rectangular shape that acts much more as a prism. This shape creates a "Hall of Mirrors" effect that is really quite attractive.

Another option is the Pear shaped diamond. It's also known as the teardrop and looks very stylish. It's timeless and feminine and is certain to stand out in any piece of jewelry. Next up is the Radiant shape, which has high brilliance and is shaped like a square or rectangle. It combines features of the Emerald, Round, and Princess cuts for a standout look.

Less Common Diamond Shapes

Continuing on, there is the Oval, which is, as you might have guessed, oval-shaped and looks like a cross between the Pear and the Round. It's quite brilliant yet looks different than the standard Round. The Cushion diamond is a square with rounded edges. It's like a Princess but softer. You won't see this diamond shape as often as the others we've mentioned so far but it catches light in such a unique way that it creates a rainbow effect.

The Heart shaped diamond isn't for everyone but it can mean the world to its recipient. It's a rather romantic choice. There's also the Marquise, which was designed for Marchioness Madame de Pompadour by King Louis XV. It's elongated and brilliant. Finally, there's the Trillion, which is a shape usually utilized in accent stones. However, it's so unique looking that it'd make an excellent solitaire setting.

Now that you know the different shapes that diamonds can come in, you will be more prepared to make a smart decision for your next jewelry purchase. Whether you're buying a special gift for a loved one, going engagement ring shopping, or picking up something lovely for yourself, knowing the different diamond shapes can help you to make an informed decision. Plus, you'll impress the jewelry shop attendants with your knowledge!

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Jewelry Store FAQ

You can get any jewelry you'd normally buy at a brick-and-mortar store. From watches and bracelets to custom-designed engagement rings, there's no limit to the selection you'll find when shopping online for your next piece of jewelry.
Why not? You've got the convenience of shopping anytime and from anywhere, the world's best inventory, and prices that rival what you'd get locally. Because many online jewelry stores don't have a retail presence, they save money on overhead and pass those savings along to the customer.
Some stores include free shipping - either on all orders or when you spend a minimum amount of money. Your package will likely be insured by the jeweler, so it should arrive just as safely as your other deliveries. (Just watch out for porch pirates!)
You'll usually be covered by a return policy ranging from 30-60 days. Many jewelers include a prepaid return label with your jewelry. Or, if you're buying online from a jeweler that has a location near you, you may be able to return it in-person for added peace of mind.
The sky is the limit. Whether you want an inexpensive pendant or a $20,000 diamond, you'll find it online.
Sometimes. Only a few specifically state that they'll cover lost gemstones within the first year, for example. You might want to consider a separate insurance policy if you're buying a more expensive piece of jewelry.
Yes, depending on the store you select. You'll usually see those options in a link at the bottom of the site, or on the individual product pages for each piece of jewelry you're considering (often near the price details).
Unfortunately, not all online jewelers are created equal. Some do a flawless job of delivering everything they promise and more - but others have left hundreds (if not thousands) of unhappy customers in their wake. But, it's easy to spot the jewelry stores that deserve your business: just look for an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and plenty of positive reviews from shoppers, and you'll know it's a trustworthy option for your jewelry purchase.

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  • Blue Nile
  • James Allen
  • Reeds Jewelers
  • Zales
  • JTV
  • Ross-Simons
  • Silpada
  • Helzberg Diamonds
  • Super Jeweler
  • Welry
  • Kay
  • Jared
  • Diamonds USA
  • Szul
  • Jeulia
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