Education Blogs
Diamond Education: Understanding Diamond Shapes with The Diamond Parlor
At The Diamond Parlor, we believe that true luxury begins with knowledge. Choosing the right diamond is about more than size or price, it’s about understanding what makes each shape unique, how it interacts with light, and how it reflects your story.
Our goal is to provide every client with the transparency and education needed to make an informed and confident choice. Whether you are selecting an engagement ring or designing a one-of-a-kind custom piece, this guide will walk you through the most popular diamond shapes offered at The Diamond Parlor.
Round Brilliant Diamonds
The round brilliant diamond is the most iconic and recognized shape in the world. Its perfect symmetry and mathematically designed proportions create unmatched sparkle and fire.
The history of the round diamond goes back centuries, but it was in 1919 that mathematician Marcel Tolkowsky defined the “ideal cut” proportions, the blueprint for maximizing brilliance and light return.
Earlier versions like the Old Mine Cut and Old European Cut featured higher crowns and smaller tables, creating a softer, candlelit glow. The modern round brilliant, with 58 facets, reflects light in a precise and balanced way, making it the most brilliant cut available.
At The Diamond Parlor, we carefully select round brilliants that meet the highest standards for cut, symmetry, and polish. Because a diamond’s beauty comes from its ability to handle light, we emphasize cut quality over carat weight, ensuring your diamond sparkles from every angle.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The cushion cut diamond has timeless appeal, combining old-world romance with modern brilliance. Originally known as the Candlelight Diamond or Pillow Cut, it gained fame in the 19th century for its soft, rounded corners and pillow-like shape.
Today, cushion diamonds come in two main styles: the Cushion Brilliant and the Cushion Modified Brilliant. The latter is sometimes referred to as a “crushed ice” cut because of its sparkling internal reflections.
At The Diamond Parlor, we help you understand how variations in table size, depth, and pavilion facets affect brilliance and fire. For example, a smaller table and deeper pavilion will enhance white light reflection, while modified cuts produce more scattered sparkle.
Cushion cuts are perfect for those who appreciate vintage charm and distinctive character. Their romantic shape pairs beautifully with halo or solitaire settings, adding depth and texture to the design.
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamonds offer a modern twist on the round brilliant. Introduced in 1957 by master cutter Lazare Kaplan, this shape elongates the finger and provides excellent brilliance.
Ovals are admired for their larger visual spread, a one-carat oval appears roughly 10% larger than a one-carat round diamond. The key to selecting the perfect oval is finding the right length-to-width ratio, typically between 1.50 and 1.60, which gives an elegant, balanced look.
One factor to be aware of is the bow-tie effect, a subtle dark shadow across the center that occurs when light doesn’t reflect evenly. At The Diamond Parlor, we teach clients how to identify ovals with minimal bow-tie and optimal brilliance through hands-on comparison and expert guidance.
Our experts also evaluate polish and symmetry carefully, as these finishing factors significantly influence sparkle and light play.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
The emerald cut is the definition of understated sophistication. Characterized by its long, elegant facets and rectangular shape with beveled corners, this cut emphasizes clarity and luster rather than brilliance.
Its origins date back to ancient Egypt, where emeralds were first mined and shaped to highlight their deep color. Today, the emerald cut diamond carries that same regal energy, with broad flashes of light and a “hall of mirrors” effect created by its step-cut pattern.
An emerald cut typically features 58 facets and a three-step crown with a four-step pavilion. Because the broad, open table reveals the diamond’s interior, clarity and symmetry are essential.
At The Diamond Parlor, we focus on helping clients identify the right balance of proportions, usually a depth between 60% and 70% and a length-to-width ratio between 1.35 and 1.6. The result is a diamond that appears luminous and balanced, perfect for those who prefer refined elegance over intense sparkle.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
Pear shaped diamonds combine the brilliance of a round cut with the sophistication of a marquise, forming a beautiful teardrop silhouette. This modified brilliant cut elongates the hand and has become a favorite for those seeking both classic and modern appeal.
The ideal pear diamond should have excellent symmetry, with the point aligning perfectly with the apex of the rounded end. A balanced length-to-width ratio of 1.5 to 1.55 is typically considered ideal for engagement rings.
Like ovals, pear cuts can exhibit a bow-tie effect, which can vary in visibility. Our experts at The Diamond Parlor will guide you through visual inspection, as no lab report can accurately describe a bow-tie’s intensity.
Because the pointed tip of a pear cut is more vulnerable to damage, every ring we design includes a secure prong to protect that area without compromising beauty.
The Diamond Parlor Difference
Every client who visits The Diamond Parlor receives more than just a diamond, they receive an education. We take pride in helping our clients understand every aspect of their purchase, from how to read a grading certificate to how light interacts within the stone.
We emphasize transparency and education because we believe knowledge builds trust. By understanding how each shape performs, what affects value, and how design enhances beauty, our clients make confident decisions and get unmatched value for their investment.
Whether you fall in love with the brilliance of a round, the softness of a cushion, the elegance of an emerald, or the modernity of an oval or pear, our team will guide you through every step with honesty and expertise.
Your Story, Set in Stone
At The Diamond Parlor, we know that every diamond tells a story. Ours is one of transparency, craftsmanship, and genuine care for our clients.
If you are searching for the perfect engagement ring in Nashville, visit The Diamond Parlor for a private consultation. Experience what it means to be educated, not sold, and discover why Nashville trusts us as their Diamond Concierge.
The Diamond Parlor
Your Story, Set in Stone
Custom engagement rings, wholesale diamonds, and concierge jewelry service in Green Hills, Nashville.