Cover Photo: Courtesy of Forevermark.
The engagement and wedding season is upon us: you could be either making plans to get down on one knee, or on the other side of the spectrum intending to drop not-so-subtle hints about the ring you'd want to have around your finger. Either way, you're going to need this comprehensive guide on the many types of diamond cuts and shapes, courtesy of DeGem and Forevermark.
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Forevermark.

We've heard it many ways: diamonds are a girl's best friends, shine bright like a diamond, and the most popular and true of it all, diamonds are forever. There is a certain pressure that comes with choosing rings, and understandably so, as it is a promise for forever along with your vows to your loved ones, so you'd want to make the correct yet perfect choice.

There are two things to take note of when choosing a suitable ring; one is the shape – which refers to the appearance of the stone – and the cut, which is responsible for the diamond's ability to reflect light. 

Let's sift through the list below to find out exactly what kind of ring shape would tickle your fancy and your fingers, and then discover the only two exceptional types of cuts that are carried by Forevermark.

1. Classic Round

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

A classic shape for a classic gal. Universally known as the archetype of diamond engagement rings, ensure that you opt for a Round Brilliant ring – known for producing optimally stunning light return and sparkle. This is also the most popular of all diamond rings around the world – perhaps because it emits the most fire and sparkle.

Associated words: timeless, classy, traditional

2. Classy Emerald

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

This long and elegant shape is perfect if you want to showcase your diamond's clarity and colour. Its form also serves to elongate the fingers, making it look slender. This particular shape also provides bright, sustained sparkles as opposed to an all-over one and provides the illusion that the diamond is bigger than it actually is.

Associated words: sophisticated, glamorous, art deco

3. Elegant Oval

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

Consider this one the classic round with a modern twist. It stands out and is unique enough without being too extravagant, and is similar to the round cuts in terms of fire and brilliance. 

Associated words: modern, bold, slenderising

4. Ideal Cushion

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

Typically square-shaped or rectangular with rounded corners, the Cushion is timeless and reminiscent of the yesteryears. This type of setting is aligned with the resurgence of vintage pieces, and can also be spotted on celebrities on the red carpet. 

Associated words: soft, classic, romantic

5. Regal Princess

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

Considered to be the second most popular shape after round and the above cushion, the princess shape is known for its feminine silhouette and more modern approach when it comes to style. Despite the name suggesting that it has been around for ages, the princess shape was created in the 1970s and continues to be popular in the engagement ring scene.

Associated words: dainty, contemporary, feminine

6. Romantic Heart

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

The absolute choice for passionate romantics. The ultimate symbol of true love – the heart. What could possibly be more meaningful, memorable and mnemonic as this?

Associated words: sweet, romantic, sentimental

7. Sophisticated Asscher

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

Not to be confused with the emerald or cushion, the Asscher diamond's telltale signs are its pointed culets and square-cut corners. Call it a 21st century update on the emerald shape, if you will, as when compared to the emerald shape, the Asscher has a higher crown, smaller table and larger step facets, resulting in more sparkle and brilliance. Perfect for the lady who wants suggestions of a vintage design with a modern quirk. 

Associated words: dramatic, elegant, modern vintage

8. Unique Marquise

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

The marquise design itself stands out from a crowd, not only because of the football-shaped diamond, but also because it is the largest of all shapes. It is elongated with pointy ends, which makes it the perfect companion to short fingers, and for those who aren't afraid of a little extra attention.

Associated words: elongated, flashy and attention-grabbing

9. Versatile Pear

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of DeGem.

Also known as the teardrop diamond, the pear is a cross between the round and marquise diamonds. Its rounded edge which tapers to a point can create a slenderising effect on the finger, and most would wear it with the end pointed towards the nail. 

Associated words: flirty, delicate, elegant

How Forevermark diamonds make the cut

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Forevermark.

Well, now that you're familiar with the many types of diamond shapes, it is also equally essential to note its cuts, as this will affect the brilliance of your ring. Only two types of cuts are eligible according to Forevermark standards – proof as to how stringent their standards of quality are. 

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Photo 1 of 2 Providing the greatest of sparkles, diamonds in this category have their lights enter and reflect internally from one mirror-like facet to another. It is then dispersed evenly, resulting in a perfectly balanced brilliant white light with intense flashes of fire. It shines bright and is eligible by Forevermark standards.
Photo 2 of 2 Despite its imperfect cut, light that enters this diamond is still reflected through its top or crown. Very high white light is then produced, and that is known as its brilliance. This, too, makes the cut for Forevermark.
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of Forevermark.
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of Forevermark.

Diamond Certification

The De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds, the IIDGR and the GIA are among the world’s leading diamond grading bodies.

Therefore, once you have purchased a diamond from Forevermark, you are assured that expert gemologists have assessed the quality of the diamond, its cut, clarity, polish and dimensions using world-class technologies in Belgium, UK or India.

On top of that, the diamonds have a laser-inscribed identification number which is unique to the piece, and will serve as a reminder that it had gone through strict and stringent industry guidelines, and is built with integrity. 

Diamond Registration

Forevermark also offers a diamond registration service, in which the brand offers its customers loyalty and comes with the assurance and verification that all diamonds purchased are indeed genuine.

Diamond Responsibility

Every single Forevermark diamond is natural, untreated and conflict free, verified by an independent third-party auditor and ethical supply chain specialist organisation called Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS). Through this, not only will you be gifting and/or receiving a beautiful diamond ring, but also revel in the knowledge that it is a mark of promise to fair trade, environmental protection and employee rights. Read more about it here.

Forevermark diamonds are available in DeGem in Malaysia.

Need a hand on how to select the right size and type for that engagement ring?
Let Forevermark be your guide.

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