Beyond the 4Cs
Throughout history, diamonds have dazzled and amazed. At De Beers Forevermark, we individually select diamonds against additional rigid criteria to ensure that only the most beautiful diamonds can become De Beers Forevermark.
In order to select your perfect diamond engagement ring, it can be helpful to understand the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut: two properties which are often confused.
The diamond shape refers to the outline shape of the diamond as you look at it from the top down. Round, Oval, Princess, Emerald, Cushion, Heart, Marquise, Asscher, Pear, Trapeze and Baguette are all shapes, and are often referred to as ‘fancy shapes’. When selecting the perfect shape for your diamond engagement ring several factors can guide you: The ring style you covet, your partner’s finger shape, or simply the design that captures your heart.
The cut of a diamond is one of the 4Cs of diamond quality, along with Clarity, Color and Carat. It does not refer to the diamond’s shape, but rather its proportions, symmetry and how well it has been cut and polished. In turn, these affect how much light the diamond emits, which will determine the degree to which it sparkles. These different types of light reflection are referred to as brilliance, fire (flashes of color), and scintillation (how light reflects with movement). Only diamonds with a cut grade of Very Good or Excellent are eligible for Forevermark.
Featured ring: Pear Diamond Cut Engagement Ring
Diamond shapes
Round shape
This is the classic diamond shape for a diamond engagement ring. Round Brilliant is the name given to a diamond that is cut in such a way that light return, and therefore sparkle, are maximized.
Cushion shape
The Cushion is square or rectangular with rounded corners. Timeless, and exquisitely proportioned, it works well in most setting types. Due to its larger facets it lends itself particularly well to vintage-style engagement rings.
Princess shape
Princess shape diamonds have a square silhouette and a shallow crown. They offer optimum sparkle and are a popular choice for engagement ring settings that have a contemporary appearance.
Emerald shape
These diamonds are cut into long and elegant rectangles and, more unusually, squares. Not only do they make fingers look slender, their graceful shape and shallow crown accentuate the diamond’s colour and clarity.
Asscher shape
Also square in shape, Asscher diamonds are distinguished by their pointed culets and square cut corners. In contrast to the similar step cut square Emerald shape, an Asscher diamond’s steep facets enhance its brilliance.
Marquise shape
This is a pointed oval shaped diamond whose unusual shape makes it a very desirable option in contemporary engagement rings. Its refined curves and elongated shape are also supremely flattering.
Heart shape
When you promise your heart to your one true love, what could be a more iconic symbol of that romantic gesture than a Heart shape diamond?
Oval shape
Because they can enjoy a variety of proportions, these versatile oblong diamonds flatter most finger shapes and are an elegant choice for many ring styles. Oval diamonds are a superb choice for a customer who likes the look of a classic round diamond, but wants something more contemporary.
Pear shape
A striking blend of the Round and Marquise shape, Pear shape diamonds have a bewitching teardrop form. These diamonds are an outstanding choice to maximise brilliance and make for a more unusual diamond engagement ring.
Radiant shape
This cuboid diamond combines the shape of an Emerald cut, with the sparkle of a Round Brilliant diamond. The triangular and kite shaped facets give the diamond intriguing depth and further enhance its natural beauty.
Diamond cut scale
Excellent
Diamonds in this category have the greatest sparkle. As light enters these diamonds it is reflected internally, from one mirror-like facet to another, and dispersed evenly. This perfectly balances the brilliant white light with intense flashes of fire (dispersion), giving the diamond its shine.
Very Good
While the cut is not perfect, the majority of the light entering the diamond is still reflected through the top, or crown. This produces a level of very high white light often referred to as brilliance.
Good
Though it still reflects most of the light, a Good cut diamond appears slightly darker with a lack of contrast. Diamonds of this grade are not as brilliant as those of Excellent and Very Good grades, and so they are not eligible for the Forevermark inscription.
Fair
A Fair cut diamond, with facets cut only a few degrees out of alignment, can result in light leakage. This is where light exits through the bottom of the diamond instead of from the top, as is desired. This makes the diamonds slightly duller and therefore not eligible for the Forevermark inscription.
Diamond engagement ring checklist
Download our handy printable checklist to ensure you have everything you need before you visit your jewelers.
More diamond engagement ring tips
From color and clarity to metal types and settings, read about all you need to know to find your perfect diamond engagement ring.
Forever Guides
Sometimes a little help along the way is needed. From choosing the right ring size, to the perfect diamond engagement ring, or just simply how to care for your diamond; be inspired.