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| For starters, find out what shape she likes. Diamonds come in nine basic shapes. Click on each shape for detailed information. |
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| Princess |
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 The princess cut is a square cut with sharp edges. It is the best choice among fancy cut diamonds for overall brilliance and fire. The princess cut utilizes most of the shape of the original rough diamond and the weight loss from cutting is low. It can therefore be more appealing in price than a comparative round cut of the same weight. Princess-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how square or rectangular they are. To find the dimension of the princess you want, see the length to width ratio below.
For princess shape to appear more square look for a length to width ratio to be equal or less than 1:1.10. If you like the look of rectangular shape took for length to width ratios greater than 1.10: 1.
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Emerald
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 Emerald cuts have a sleek and elegant look. The emerald cut is rectangular with cut corners and it has a step cut. When choosing the emerald a higher quality is preferred because its cut makes inclusions more noticeable than with other cuts. Emerald can vary greatly in how rectangular they are. To choose the shape you want see the chart below.
The classic emerald cut has a length to width ratio of approximately 1.35:1. In recent years, the square emerald cut has also become increasingly popular.
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Marquise
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 The marquise cut is shaped like a boat and looks beautiful when set with round or pear shaped side stones. Women who want to create an illusion of longer, narrower fingers often choose the marquise. To find the dimension of marquise see the chart below for length to width ratios.
For a marquise-cut that is pleasing to the eye look for a length to width ratio between 1.75:2.25 For a rounder look choose a ration closer to 1:1.5.
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Oval
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 The oval diamond has the dazzling brilliance of a round diamond. Its oval shape gives the flattering illusion of length to the finger and hand and is popular among women with shorter fingers. It can also accentuate long slender fingers. To choose the dimension you want, see the length to width ratio below.
The preferred and average size of an oval diamond that is pleasing to the eye is 1.50.
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Asscher
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 This elegant and unique shape is nearly identical to the emerald cut, except that it is square. The asscher cut has a facet plan that draws the eye into the gemstone and gives it depth. All asscher cuts appear square and 1:1 ratio is preferred.
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Cushion
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 The cushion cut has a square shape with rounded corners and sides. It is an antique-style diamond that was most popular about a century ago and has recently come back into fashion. Its old world femininity has an elegant appeal.
Squarer looking cushion cut diamonds with a ratio of 1:1 are preferred and tend to be more pleasing to the eye than rectangular ones.
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Radiant
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 This is a square or rectangular shaped diamond that has clipped off corners like the emerald cut. It combines the elegance of the emerald cut diamond with the brilliance of the round diamond. The radiant cut diamond can vary in dimension. See the chart below to determine what the diamond will look like when viewed from above.
While a squarer radiant cut diamond with a ratio of less than 1.05:1 is most popular, some people prefer the rectangular look.
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Heart
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 The ultimate symbol of love, the romantic heart shape has the advantage of having a nearly round pavilion which accents its beautiful brilliance.
A length to width ratio of between .90 and 1.15 is usually preferred and most pleasing to the eye.
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Pear
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 This fancy teardrop shaped cut has a rounded end and a single point. It is extremely well suited for pendants and earrings. Many who like the look of round but want a fancy shape choose the pear shaped diamond. Longer pear shaped diamonds also have a slimming effect on fingers.
Most people prefer a length to width ratio between 1.50 to 1.75.
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