Diamonds

For most of human history, diamonds were polished and cut by hand. But as technology evolved, so did the way we cut diamonds. The most striking change came in the 1950s, when computer assisted diamond cutting completely transformed the way diamonds are cut. Thanks to computer technology, today’s diamonds feature standardized shapes with highly precise faceting.

Technological advances have also affected which cuts are used today. Over time, different diamond shapes have come in and out of fashion as diamond cutters sought new ways to maximize beauty using the tools available to them. As a result, vintage and antique jewelry can feature a beautiful range of diamond cuts, each of which has its own style and way of reflecting light.

To help you discover all your stunning shape options, we’ve put together this guide to vintage, antique, and modern diamond shapes. We’ll begin by taking a closer look at some of the most notable antique and vintage shapes, then get into the top modern diamond shapes.

Created in the 14th century, the point cut is one of the oldest diamond cuts. This antique cut keeps a diamond very close to its original structure. When diamonds form under the earth’s crust, their carbon atoms typically create an octahedron, which looks like two pyramids connected back to back. When creating a point cut diamond, artisans sought to either enhance this desirable octahedron shape with polishing or create it in natural diamonds with other shapes.

The point cut diamond has a glassy look that is quite different from today’s diamonds. Before diamond cutters discovered they could create brilliance and fire by cutting diamonds in a specific way, they primarily focused on preserving carat weight and enhancing luster.

The table cut is the first major improvement on the point cut. In the 15th century, diamond cutters began slicing or grinding off the top of the rough diamond’s octahedron shape, creating the table cut. Today, the top of a diamond is still referred to as its table.

Any antique diamond with a table can be called a table cut diamond, but certain variations within this category earned their own names. There’s the mirror cut, a shallow table cut diamond with a highly reflective, large table facet. The first step cut diamonds, which feature long parallel facets, are also table cut diamonds. Another notable antique table cut is the French cut diamond, a squared diamond with a distinctive cross pattern.

Loved for its incredible sparkle, the round brilliant cut diamond is the most popular modern diamond shape. Year after year, round brilliant cut diamonds are the top diamond shape for diamond engagement rings, diamond studs, and all other diamond jewelry styles.

The round brilliant cut was created in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, a mathematician who came from a family of diamond cutters. Tolkowsky wanted to create the most brilliant diamond possible. He created a 58 facet round brilliant cut diamond design with precisely sized and placed facets, successfully bringing his vision of the most brilliant possible diamond to light.

The round brilliant cut diamond has been beloved since its debut. It has become the standard by which all other brilliant diamond shapes are judged. Most other diamond shapes now feature a modified version of the round brilliant cut. .

Cushion cut diamonds are a modern version of the old mine cut. Cushion cut diamonds have the same rounded, cushion-like shape, but feature a modern brilliant cut that creates significantly more sparkle.

The cushion cut tends to show off color well, so diamond cutters often choose it for colored diamonds. If you’re looking for a colorless cushion cut diamond, keep this shape’s color-enhancing properties in mind. For colorless cushion cut diamonds, consider choosing a diamond with a higher color grade to avoid having a noticeable yellow tinge.

Pear shaped diamonds have a rounded end and a pointed end, and feature a brilliant cut. While pear shaped diamonds were first created in the 1400s, this diamond shape was not popular when it was first introduced. At the time, creating this shape always caused high amounts of rough diamond loss, so few diamond cutters chose it.

Pear shaped diamonds first became popular in the 20th century. Their popularity was greatly helped by Elizabeth Taylor’s famous 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond ring. When her pear shaped diamond was on display at Cartier in New York, up to 6,000 people came to see the diamond each day.

A Guide to Vintage and Modern Diamond Shapes

Shop by Shape

Antique and Vintage Diamond Shapes

Point Cut

Table Cut

Broillete Cut

Rose Cut

Old European Cut

Transition Cut

Emerald Cut

Asscher Cut

Modern Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant Cut

Cushion Cut

Oval Cut

Princess Cut

Marquise Cut

Baguette Cut

Pear Shaped

Asscher Cut

Radiant Cut

Trillion Cut

Need Help Finding
the Right Diamond?

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A Guide to Vintage and Modern Diamond Shapes

Shop by Shape

Antique and Vintage Diamond Shapes

Point Cut

Table Cut

Broillete Cut

Rose Cut

Old European Cut

Transition Cut

Emerald Cut

Asscher Cut

Modern Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant Cut

Cushion Cut

Oval Cut

Princess Cut

Marquise Cut

Baguette Cut

Pear Shaped

Asscher Cut

Radiant Cut

Trillion Cut

Need Help Findingthe Right Diamond?

Need Help Finding
the Right Diamond?