Typically, when you think about a diamond, only one shape comes to mind—round. In reality, though, diamonds come in any number of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile and unique gemstone. The following is a guide to determining the different shapes diamonds often take.

Round

The classic circular shape has long been popular for solitaire diamond engagement rings. Round brilliant cut diamonds are favored for their ability to give off maximum sparkle.

Pear

A lovely cut for diamond earrings, the pear or teardrop shape features a pointed tip and rounded bottom. The largest cut diamond in the world, the Star of Africa, is a 530-carat pear shaped diamond set in the British royal scepter.

Princess

Though this square cut was only recently created in the 1960s, it fast became the second most popular shape for diamond jewelry after the round cut. Chevron-shaped facets give this cut a unique cross shape at its center.

Marquise

This elegant shape features a narrow width and pointed tips at the top and bottom, said to elongate the wearer’s finger. One of the largest diamonds ever found, the Excelsior, was cut into 10 smaller diamonds, many of which were cut in the marquise shape.

Oval

Known for its fiery sparkle, the oval cut is an oblong version of the round brilliant cut diamond and makes a good choice for someone who wants a less common shape.

Radiant

The radiant cut’s brilliant facets make this an ideal shape for someone who desires a rectangular diamond with the highly reflective quality of a round or princess cut. Radiant cut diamonds are also preferred because they can hide minor imperfections and inclusions in the stone.

Emerald

As its name implies, this shape was originally created for safely cutting the often fragile emerald gemstone. Long, large facets in a stepped arrangement make this shape less fiery, but it gives off more dramatic flashes of light as the stone is turned.

Heart

A romantic shape perfect for anniversaries or Valentine’s Day, this cut offers brilliant fire. Because there is no standard for this cut, heart shaped diamonds vary in their height to width ratio.

Cushion

An antique cut that is gaining popularity again, the cushion cut includes larger facets that give off bright chunks of light and an oval shape.

Asscher

Named after famed diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, this cut was once the patented design of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. This popular cut, which features a stepped square cut with cropped corners, is sometimes called a square emerald cut.

If you’re looking for a Dallas jeweler with expertise in all diamond shapes and cuts, call America’s Gold & Diamond Exchange at 972-235-4653 to speak with one of our diamond experts today.

Jewelry has a special meaning that often exceeds its monetary value. A gift of a diamond can represent many things to you, but permanence is what it usually means. As the hardest stone on earth, a diamond is meant to last forever. Settings are not as durable, and they can get bent as you work. America’s Gold and Diamond Exchange, an authority on gold, diamonds, gold/diamond exchange, and custom jewelry, can tighten the settings in your diamond rings.

Brighten the Luster

A jeweler has the expertise to clean your diamonds that have material buildup that is difficult to remove. Grease, hairspray, and household products can create a film that obscures the beauty of your diamonds. Caring for jewelry is a way to show how much you value it and appreciate owning it.

In between trips to your Dallas jeweler, you can do periodic cleaning as an interim measure. Make your diamond shine like new with a soft brush and a solution that contains these ingredients:

• one part ammonia
• six parts water

Safeguard Your Valuable Jewelry

Many people wear a favorite ring all the time, leaving the others in a jewelry box. You can make sure that your diamond rings are protected from incidental damage by putting them in a soft cloth pouch. As you put them away, check to see that all stones fit tightly in their settings.

You may want to consider obtaining insurance if you have a large investment in diamonds and gold or silver jewelry. Insurance policies are complex documents that require careful examination to find out what they cover and what they exclude.

Sell to a Reliable Buyer

The popular trend today to sell broken and unwanted gold for cash leads some owners to make a bad deal with unscrupulous dealers. America’s Gold and Diamond Exchange pays the highest amount for your gold, platinum, or silver jewelry. You get the best offer that is available anywhere, and it is presented with courtesy and respect. Call 972-235-4653 to make arrangements to sell scrap jewelry and buy something special for the holidays.