DO YOU KNOW YOUR SQUARE CUT DIAMONDS?

It’s hip to be square…

Square diamonds have always been a popular shape of stone, even though most square diamonds are not truly square…

Most are a little longer on one side (as in 5.00 mm x 5.23 mm), which actually makes them rectangular.

But still, people call them square. Anything with edges or corners (even cut corners like an Octagon).

So, let’s see how square you are.

Below are a variety of square diamonds (many duplicate styles), can you name all of them?

Give it a try, grab a pen and paper and jot down what you think these diamond shapes could be:

It’s not as easy as you’d think.

Some of them are, but others probably have left you guessing.

Ready for the answers?

Here are the cutting styles of all these diamonds:

Fooled you with the cushion cut…

The cushion cut is not a square diamond, but at first glance, people think it is. This is because the corners are tipped and many times it gives the stone a square appearance.

No matter, there are 2 main styles of cutting square diamonds: step cut, and modified brilliant cut.

Step cut diamonds:

Step cut diamonds are basically cut like steps; a pyramid. Usually with fewer facets that reflect more light off the facets (versus bouncing the light around inside the stone). Smooth, clean, elegant, and timeless (like the emerald cut, asscher cut, and baguette cut).

But, since step cut diamonds have less facets, they also lack brilliance and sparkle. This causes the inclusions inside the stone to become more noticeable (the biggest downfall to step cut stones). It’s usually advised to purchase a VS clarity or higher, just so you won’t see any glaring flaws.

Modified brilliant cut diamonds:

When people hear brilliant cut they think of round diamonds (the brilliant cut diamond). But brilliant cut is a cutting style that represents the facets, like the starburst effects on the bottom of the stone. It makes the stones sparkle. This cut is given to newer cuts like the princess cut and the radiant cut diamond. And, their brilliance hides inclusions better (which has made these square stones even more popular).

So that’s your square cut diamonds

Feel better?

Now, if you want to save money (square cuts are generally cheaper than rounds, and shopping online with James Allen will save you even more money), then get them all here:

• Princess Cut Diamonds
• Radiant Cut Diamonds
• Emerald Cut Diamonds
• Asscher Cut Diamonds

Cheers! :)