Cushion Cut Diamonds, Features, Buy Cushion Cut Diamonds, Rings: 9/6/09

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Diamond Rings and Their Cuts

Diamond rings are certainly the most popular rings in the world. They are widely used for engagement, but are also very commonly used for anniversary gifts, graduation rings and congratulatory rings, as with the birth of a child. If you are in the market for diamond rings, then you probably have a lot of questions about cut, carat, clarity and quality. Here we will focus on the cut of diamond that you may prefer. Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, so the one you choose will have some personal significance. Although no two diamonds are identical, there are nine basic cuts that you can choose from.

The princess cut is the most popular today. This is a square cut diamond with added facets for fire and brilliance. Square diamonds are beautiful, but have lost out in the popularity contest with round brilliants in the past. That is why the princess cut has become so popular lately. The old style of square cut just didn't sparkle like the round cuts did. The princess cut brings you the sparkle of the round cut in a beautiful, sophisticated square shape.

The asscher cut diamond is a square diamond with the corners cut off. This helps eliminate chipping risks. The asscher doesn't have all of the facets of the princess cut, but does have a unique sparkle. Higher quality diamonds are generally used for the asscher cut because its design can show flaws more vividly than more brilliant cuts. The emerald cut is basically the same, but more of a rectangle shape. The emerald cut can also show flaws if the quality of the diamond is not high enough.

The cushion cut diamond is rectangular with the corners rounded. It has more facets than the emerald cut and can more effectively hide flaws. It has more sparkle and brilliance, but doesn't show the clarity that an emerald or asscher cut can. Similar to the cushion, asscher and emerald cut is the radiant cut. This is a marvelously faceted rectangular cut. The corners are cut off and the facets are triangular like the popular round brilliant.

An oval cut is very beautiful with its smooth lines and sparkling facets. This is a good alternative for people who love round brilliants but prefer something a little more unique. Another unique shape that really sparkles is the heart shaped diamond. The pear cut and marquise cut are also popular alternatives to the traditional round brilliant. All are beautiful and have lots of facets to sparkle. Pear cut diamonds are round on one end and come to a point on the other, like a teardrop. Marquise cut diamonds are oval with a point on two ends, giving them a unique yet feminine shape.

Whatever styles of diamond rings you are considering, you're sure to make an impression with any shape of diamond that you choose. Make shopping for diamond rings fun by educating yourself on what types of diamonds are out there before you shop. Buying diamond rings is an experience that you should feel good about. Once you've decided on the right one for that special someone in your life, you're sure to win her heart.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings, eternity rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit http://www.Maliere.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_A._Maher

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Diamond Cuts For The Diamond Engagement Ring

You're looking at engagement rings because the time has come and you have made the decision to ask her to marry her. Over the course of your relationship she has no doubt made passing, if not direct, comments about what she likes in or about the engagement ring she wants on her finger.

Diamonds come in a variety of different shapes that are called cuts. So, in general terms the cut of a diamond can also be considered the shape of a diamond. However, more importantly than that, the cut of the diamond actually refers to the length, width and depth of the diamond.

The cut of the diamond is one of the most important aspects to attributing a value to a diamond and can sometimes account for up to one third or more of the diamonds appraisal. Most commonly the reason for this is because certain cuts waste more of the raw diamond in the cutting process. Thus, the diamonds that waste more, cost more.

In addition to the shape, different cuts will affect in different ways how the light passes through the diamond. In this way, how a diamond is cut will also determine its brilliance and sparkle.

Ten Common Diamond Cuts

Round Cut Diamonds:
The round cut diamond shape is without a doubt the most common cut in most diamond engagement rings today. A round-brilliant cut diamond is also the most brilliant diamond because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. In addition, for centuries the round cut has been used by diamond cutters and is continually being refined to bring out more and more of a diamond fiery brilliance.

Princess Cut Diamonds:
The princess cut diamond is the most common non-round shaped diamond cut on the market today. This cut is considered a modern classic because of its very clean, square lines and dazzling brilliance. Amazingly, even with it's design being square it comes very near the round cut diamond in sparkle. Princess cut diamonds have only been on the market for around thirty years and are second only to the round cut diamond in popularity for diamond engagement rings.

Emerald Cut Diamonds:
Perhaps one the most common of the classic diamond cuts. It is cut in a stepped rectangular fashion and because of this offers a unique optical appearance that highlights the diamonds clarity. Because of this, larger inclusions are sometimes more visible to the unaided eye so diamonds that are cut in this shape typically have to have a higher clarity grade.

Asscher Cut Diamonds:
In 1902 the Asscher brothers of Holland designed this stunning variation of the emerald cut diamond. The difference between the asscher cut diamond from the emerald cut diamond is that the asscher is square rather than rectangular. This cut is not a traditionally chosen cut for diamond engagement rings, however, it's unique blocked corners make it a great choice in a setting that does not hide this feature.

Oval Cut Diamonds:
As the name says, the oval cut diamond is oval in shape and the most near to that of the round cut diamond. This particular cut features a flattering, longer outline that combines with the brilliance of a round cut diamond. Additionally, oval cut diamonds are popular engagement ring choices because their length can accent longer, more slender fingers.

Marquise Cut Diamonds:
With its regal, elongated design the marquise cut diamond maximizes the carat weight of the diamond and gives the appearance of a much larger looking diamond. Its appearance is similar to the oval cut with the major difference being the tapering points at both ends. Also similar to the oval cut diamond, the marquise cut also provides a flattering, elongating effect on fingers.

Pear Cut Diamonds:
A pear cut diamond is very feminine in style and often called the teardrop shape because of its single point on one end with the opposite end being rounded. The pear cut diamond helps to create a subtle, slimming effect on fingers.

Radiant Cut Diamonds:
With its square shape and trimmed corners the radiant cut diamond is a very versatile diamond that combines the classic emerald shape with the brilliance nearly matching a round cut diamond. It is quite similar to the princess cut but is usually slightly more in the shape of a rectangle and it has its corners blocked.

Cushion Cut Diamonds:
A very unique diamond shape that is makes for a very interesting alternative to the princess or oval cut diamonds. It has rounded corners and larger facets that help bring out its brilliance. The cushion diamond is a beautiful combination of round and square and makes quite a statement in solitaire engagement ring setting.

Heart Cut Diamonds:
Heart shaped diamonds are considered the ultimate and most romantic of all the diamond shapes. Not only because of it's shape but also because of the skill required by the diamond cutter to bring out the natural brilliance of the diamond and create the smooth shape of a heart. With it's tapered point and rounded lobes the heart diamond cut makes for an amazing looking engagement ring.

There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a diamond engagement ring and the cut is often considered one of the most important. Regardless of what diamond cut you choose for the engagement ring of your betrothed, if it's chosen from the heart her eyes will sparkle more than any diamond can.

If you'd like to learn more about diamonds, diamond engagement rings and get a few wedding tips you can visit us at: Diamond Engagement Rings. Don't forget to check out the latest engagement ring auctions when you stop by.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Ryan

Monday, September 7, 2009

Sick of the Same-Old, Same-Old? Not into the Round Diamond? Check Out Some Favorite Shapes

Ascher cut engagement rings are gorgeous...... and I'm not just saying this because Joel proposed to me with one, I promise.

The cut was first designed in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, a world-famous diamond cutter. Joseph Asscher is known for cutting the largest diamond in history, the Cullinan diamond. Original Asscher cut diamonds are extremely rare.

The ascher cut is very similar to the emerald cut but has a square shape versus a rectangular shape. The cropped corners and square cut are designed to draw your eyes deep within the diamond. Ascher stones are always set in a four prong setting to prevent them from chipping.

Ascher cut diamonds were most popular during the Art Deco period in the 1920s. While they are experencing a resurgance in popularity, they are still fairly uncommon.

Celebrities have jumped on the ascher cut bandwagon. Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson both have beautiful ascher rings.

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Cushion cut diamonds were the most popular stone in the past. This is why you will find many at antique stores and estate sales. You could say they were the round diamonds of the past.

The cushion cut diamond was fashioned so that its brilliance would be reflected by candle light versus diamonds nowadays which are cut to be flattering under electric light. Cushion cut diamonds are a combination of an old mine cut (antique cut with deep facets)and an oval cut. They are also referred to as pillow cut diamonds cuz they kind of have the shape of.....guess what... a pillow.

The rounded edges and large facets of the cushion cut increase the diamond's depth so that it appears you can look deep into it. The facets highlight the diamond's clarity, something to consider when looking to make a purchase. However, compared to other cuts, the cushion does not reflect as much light as others, hence it as not as sparkly.

Cushion cuts come in a variety of shapes and there are less industry standards as compared with other cuts. For a square shape, look for a length-witdth ratio of around 1. For a rectangular shape look for a length-width ratio greater than 1.15.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Shields

Diamond Education and Guide: Cushion Shape Diamond

The cushion cut diamond was one of the most popular cuts of diamonds ever. For more than 70 years from 1830 to the turn of the century this was the diamonds cut. Sometimes referred to as a “pillow cut”, the cushion cut has an open culet, the bottom of the diamond, and a rectangular to square shape with rounded corners and a facet plan to give the diamond depth. The cushion cut diamond was cut for candle light. This is quite different from today’s diamonds which are cut for brighter denser electric light. The beauty of a cushion cut is the depth of the diamond. The facets allow the eye to travel into the diamond. It’s a calmer more soothing cut than a modern cut and at a romantic candlelight dinner, the cushion is at its best.

For the most pleasing effect, choose a Cushion Shape diamond in length to width ratio range between 1.1 and 1.2. The radiance that comes from the Cushion Shape diamond is dependent on the cut of the stone, as well as the color and clarity.

Larger facets of a Cushion Shape diamond means that the clarity is highlighted, which makes it specially important that you choose a diamond that has been graded as having a good clarity. Otherwise, your diamond will not be able to reflect well and it will appear dull and opaque.

The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter. When it is published, May I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio., contact and copyright information that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an e-mail of notification along with a complimentary copy of publication.

Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for The Jewelry Hut.

http://www.thejewelryhut.com/html/diamond.html - the best source for fine Diamond, gemstone, and Pearl Jewelry on the Web

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Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

An engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that remains close to the heart. Engagement rings represent faith, love and commitment in a relationship. They are unique, creating an impact on the person it is gifted to. There are a variety of engagement rings available in the market with different stones, cuts and shapes. Amongst all, diamonds are considered the most appropriate, especially when they are purchased for women. The diamond engagement rings are extremely popular and they are available in exclusive designs. The cushion cut is traditional and is also known as a "pillow cut." Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are referred to as antique estate engagement rings.

Most of the latest varieties are designed with electric light highlighting, whereas cushion cut diamond rings are done, keeping candlelight in mind. These rings have larger facets and rounded corners as compared to other. This increases their sparkle in candlelight. The facet plan and rounded corners of cushion cut diamond engagement rings give a certain depth to the diamonds, which in turn enhances the real beauty of these rings. The surface area of these rings allows a person to see through the diamond. Cushion cut diamond rings are more soothing in comparison to the modern varieties and look gorgeous at romantic candlelight dinners. Most of these rings are mainly found in the antique and estate markets, but due to their increasing popularity, they are being offered by selected companies too.

Though cushion cut diamond engagement rings are not as brilliant as the contemporary rings, they still have the ability to stand out in a host of other brilliant pieces, due to their magnificent and classic appeal. The rings are known to epitomize the emotion and love being conveyed by the person. They symbolize perfection and are truly a girl's best friend.

Diamond Engagement Rings provides detailed information on Diamond Engagement Rings, Platinum Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings, Antique Diamond Engagement Rings and more. Diamond Engagement Rings is affiliated with Diamond Wedding Rings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Romando