About Round and Modified Brilliant Cut Diamonds

It's important to note that the diamond shape refers to the overall geometry or form of the diamond, such as round or square, and should not be confused with the diamond cut, which pertains to its facets and proportions. Also, diamond dimensions are different from carat weight, which measures weight, not size. With that cleared up, let's delve into the world of diamond shapes!

Modified brilliant cut diamond is a variation of a brilliant cut diamond. In the last 20 years, modified brilliant cutting on the pavilion have become very popular. There is no Cut grading on Modified Brilliant Cuts on diamond certifications but symmetry and polish grades of excellent – fair are given.

When it comes to engagement rings, there are six popular diamond shapes, each with its unique appeal. Let's explore each diamond shape.

Buying a diamond engagement ring means choosing from various diamond shapes: round, square, marquise, and more. Shape refers to how a diamond appears when viewed from the front (round, square, oval, etc.). But cut, specifically how it is cut, is how the facets are arranged. For instance, the brilliant diamond cut is round with 57 or 58 facets designed to maximize sparkle.

Round diamonds can be reshaped in several different ways. The most common are oval, marquise, and pear shapes. A modified brilliant cut is a brilliant cut diamond that has been altered from the traditional round shape. All diamond shapes other than round are called fancy shapes.

Brilliant cut diamonds are designed to maximize sparkle, with round brilliants being the only shape to receive an official 'cut grade'. A rectangular modified brilliant cut diamond combines the fire of a brilliant cut with an elongated shape, offering a unique blend of brilliance and modern aesthetics. These diamonds feature smaller, angled facets similar to round brilliants, but in a rectangular form. In contrast, step cut diamonds, such as emerald cuts, have larger, parallel facets that emphasize the stone's clarity and produce subtle flashes of light rather than intense sparkle.

The round brilliant diamond is the most sparkly when graded triple Excellent (GIA) or Ideal (IGI). The diamond will have the optimal cut, symmetry, and polish. Multiple lines of symmetry and 58 facets work together to reflect light within and out of the diamond, making the round brilliant the sparkliest diamond shape. Typically, round brilliant diamonds are the most expensive diamond cuts, due to three factors; their unmatched brilliance, popularity, and the amount of diamond waste generated during cutting Round brilliants are the most popular shapes.

Due to their higher sparkle, brilliant cut diamonds can appear larger than step cut diamonds. The spread of the table makes some brilliant cut shapes appear larger than others; marquise, oval, and pear diamonds appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.

It is more difficult to find some diamond shapes than others. The demand for asscher diamonds and radiant diamonds is much lower than for other diamond shapes, making them rarer than most diamond cuts. They are followed closely by marquise and hearts.

Due to many of the reasons already stated, the round brilliant diamond continues to be the most popular diamond shape in the United States. Followed by oval diamonds, pear diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, and cushion cut diamonds.