Diamond Guides

An oval cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round brilliant diamond with a longer, more distinctive shape. Its elongated outline can make the diamond appear larger from above while creating a finger-lengthening effect, which is one reason oval diamonds have become a popular choice for engagement rings. But choosing an oval diamond is a … Read more

A portrait cut diamond is one of the most unusual diamond cuts you can find. Instead of being designed for maximum brilliance, it emphasizes transparency, a remarkably thin profile, and a smooth, almost glass-like appearance. At first glance, a portrait cut can look surprisingly simple. It may have a broad, flat surface with little visible … Read more

A Portuguese cut diamond is one of the most unusual faceting styles you can encounter when shopping for a diamond. Instead of relying on the familiar facet arrangement of a modern round brilliant, this style uses multiple rows of smaller facets to create a distinctive, intricate pattern of light. The result is a diamond with … Read more

A single cut diamond is a small, simply faceted diamond best known for its subtle sparkle and traditional appearance. Unlike a modern round brilliant, which typically has 57 or 58 facets, a traditional single cut uses a much simpler faceting pattern with about 17 or 18 facets. You may also see single cut diamonds called … Read more

A Dutch Marquise diamond is a distinctive elongated diamond shape that combines the length of a marquise with a more geometric appearance. Instead of the smoothly curved sides associated with a traditional marquise, Dutch Marquise designs are generally characterized by straighter, more angular lines and a fuller, structured silhouette. It is an uncommon choice for … Read more

A baguette cut diamond is a slim, elongated rectangular diamond with straight, step-cut facets and typically sharp, square corners. Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds, which are designed to maximize sparkle, baguettes have a more understated appearance with long, clean flashes of reflected light. They are most commonly used as accent or side stones rather than as the … Read more

An eight cut diamond is a small, simple diamond cut with a long history in jewelry. Also called a single cut, it uses a much simpler facet arrangement than a modern full-cut round brilliant diamond. Eight cut diamonds are especially associated with small accent stones, antique and vintage jewelry, and settings where many tiny diamonds … Read more

Emerald cut diamonds have a look that is difficult to confuse with other diamond shapes. Their long, clean facets create broad flashes of light instead of the rapid sparkle associated with round brilliant diamonds. That difference is part of their appeal, but it also changes how you should shop for one. The large, open facets … Read more

Buying a diamond can feel complicated when every stone seems to come with a long list of grades, measurements, and technical terms. The 5 Cs of diamonds give you a simpler way to understand what you are actually paying for. The traditional 4Cs are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. A fifth C, certification, is … Read more

An Old Mine Cut diamond is one of the earliest brilliant-style diamond cuts and one of the most distinctive choices for a vintage or antique-inspired engagement ring. Unlike modern diamonds, which are cut according to highly precise proportions, Old Mine Cut diamonds were shaped by hand. Their soft, cushion-like outlines, high crowns, small tables, large … Read more