Once you start shopping for diamond jewelry, you might run into what’s called “lab grown diamonds.” As their name suggests, these gemstones are grown in a laboratory setting instead of being sourced from the earth like natural diamonds are. But, that doesn’t mean they aren’t real! In fact, lab grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds since they contain the same chemical compounds.
And since lab grown diamonds are the same in composition as natural diamonds, that means they come with the same cuts, too. However, a diamond’s cut is not the same as a diamond’s shape. These two characteristics are different but both play a role in the overall design of a diamond.
If you’re trying to elevate your jewelry box with new heirloom pieces, we’ve created this guide for you. Here’s your ultimate guide to lab grown diamond cuts so you can find the piece of your dreams.
What is a Diamond Cut vs. a Diamond Shape?
As we mentioned, a diamond’s cut is not the same as a diamond’s shape. A diamond cut refers to the various facets along the gemstone’s surface. These facets or “cuts” are what gives the diamond its brilliance or flash when it reflects light.
A diamond’s shape is the outline of the gemstone. This is what gives the jewelry its distinct look to portray shapes like an oval, square, or more.
The Most Popular Diamond Cut: The Round Brilliant
The round brilliant cut is the most popular style of diamond jewelry on the market. That’s because it features exquisite brilliance with 58 symmetrical facets on the round surface. This symmetry means a round brilliant diamond has excellent proportions to maximize flash of light.
If you want a diamond piece that’s the epitome of brilliance, flare, and sparkle, then a round diamond ring or set of earrings would be perfect for your collection.
Exploring the Fancy Shapes: A Deep Dive
A round cut isn’t the only option available for stunning diamond jewelry. There are several other cuts available to accentuate your styles depending on your preference.
The Oval Cut: Elegant & Elongating
The oval cut is another traditional style of diamond jewelry. If you like the round brilliant cut but want a gemstone that’s more elongated, then this is the perfect choice. Having the elongated shape can make your fingers appear longer and slimmer for a truly elegant look.
The Cushion Cut: Vintage Charm with Modern Sparkle
The cushion cut looks similar to a square but has rounded corners for a “cushion” design. These rounded corners make the diamond look softer but still contains a vintage-like characteristic.
These diamonds may have chunky facets or a “crushed ice” design for extra sparkle and brilliance.
The Princess Cut: Sharp, Modern, and Brilliant
The princess cut is the more traditional version of the cushion cut. Princess cut diamonds have the sharper edges and more than 50 chevron-shaped facets to reflect light. This style tends to be the second most popular in diamond jewelry after the round brilliant cut because of its ability to reflect light so well.
The Emerald Cut: The Hall of Mirrors Effect
Unlike most diamond cuts that focus on sparkle and brilliance, the emerald cut focuses on clarity. This diamond cut does not contain an abundance of facets. Instead, the facets on emerald cut diamonds are steep to give it more of a clearer look. This is a wonderful option if you want jewelry that feels modern and unique.
The Asscher Cut: The Art Deco Masterpiece
Asscher cut diamonds combine the best features of the cushion, princess, and emerald cuts into one piece. It contains more facets than the emerald cut, but still has the same “hall of mirrors” look that the emerald cut has. In terms of the shape, asscher cut diamonds typically sport a square silhouette but with clipped corners.
The Pear Cut: A Unique, Teardrop Silhouette
The pear or “teardrop” cut is seeing a rise in popularity for the unique shape that has a vintage feel. These diamonds are in the shape of a teardrop with at least 58 facets, so there’s plenty of sparkle and brilliance. Like the oval cut, this style can make your fingers appear elongated, which can make the diamond appear bigger, too.
The Marquise Cut: Maximizing Carat Size
The marquise cut combines the elongated shape of the oval cut and the pointed ends of the pear cut in one diamond. This cut has an interesting background since it gets its name from Marquise de Pompadour, who happened to be the mistress of King Louis XV. Marquise cut diamonds are usually made with 58 facets as well.
The Radiant Cut: The Best of Both Worlds
Featuring 70 facets, the radiant cut is a rounder diamond with clipped corners and the silhouette of an emerald. This cut can give the diamond a bigger illusion for how it elongates the finger.
But what’s really impressive are the facets that give the radiant cut a new level of sparkle and flash.
Diamond Cut Comparison Chart: Sparkle, Price & Style at a Glance
|
Diamond Cut |
Sparkle/Brilliance |
Price |
Style |
|
Round Brilliant |
Highest brilliance; 58 facets reflect maximum light |
Most expensive due to popularity and precision cutting |
Classic, timeless, and extremely sparkly |
|
Oval |
High brilliance; similar to round |
Slightly less expensive than round |
Elegant and elongating; makes fingers appear longer and slimmer |
|
Cushion |
“Crushed ice” sparkle; soft brilliance |
More affordable |
Vintage charm with rounded edges; romantic and soft |
|
Princess |
Brilliant light return with chevron facets |
Popular and great brilliance for the value |
Sharp, geometric, and modern |
|
Emerald |
Focus on clarity, not sparkle |
Affordability depends on clarity quality |
Sleek and sophisticated “hall of mirrors” effect; minimalistic style |
|
Asscher |
Balanced sparkle and clarity |
Similar to emerald cut |
Art Deco elegance with clipped corners; vintage and refined |
|
Pear (Teardrop) |
Bright and unique; 58 facets enhance |
Ranges from affordable to high |
Distinctive and romantic; elongates |
|
|
sparkle |
|
the finger; vintage yet bold |
|
Marquise |
Good brilliance; 58 facets maximize size |
More affordable |
Regal, elongating shape; creates illusion of a larger diamond |
|
Radiant |
Exceptional sparkle; 70 facets |
High but slightly less than round |
Combines brilliance and structure; luxurious and modern. |
How to Choose the Right Lab Diamond Cut for You
The best way to find the right cut of a lab grown diamond is to consider your style preferences and try on different cuts. You may think you have a style in mind that’s your favorite, but actually prefer a different one once you see how they look on your finger. For instance, you may think you want an oval cut for how it elongates the finger but find out you prefer the small visual of a cushion cut.
Also consider what matters more to you in terms of brilliance or clarity. If you’d rather have a diamond that’s simple, clearer, and less flashy, then you’d likely love an emerald cut. If you want the flashiest, most brilliant cut, then a round or radiant cut will be better options.
Start browsing our collection of luxurious diamond jewelry today to find a style that suits your taste.