With such a wide variety of shapes to choose from, deciding which one is perfect for you can get overwhelming.
Should you stick to the traditional and always-popular round shape or go for something a little different, like a pear shape or an emerald cut?
If you are still on the fence, you are in the right place!
Today, I will be helping you choose the best shape for your perfect ring, necklace or earrings.
Let's take a closer look at diamond and gemstone shapes to see which one is right for you!
Here is a general guide of available shapes.
The facet placement on diamonds and coloured gemstones is different, but the outline stays more or less the same.
Fancy Shapes
Any shape other than round, is called a "fancy shape".
Although round shape is still a classic and timeless choice, elongated shapes like ovals, cushions, pears and emerald cuts have definitely been in the spotlight in 2021 for both, diamond and gemstone engagement rings.
This trend is predicted to continue into 2022 for both, engagement rings and other jewellery.
Pro Tip: Fancy shapes are great alternatives if you are thinking outside the box and looking for something truly unique
For rings, try...
ovals, pears and elongated cushions to add a vintage feel to your engagement ring or right-hand ring, especially if paired with a diamond halo
emerald cut for geometric, Art Deco look
round shape for modern and classic looks, perfect for a solitaire (one stone ring)
Earrings
For stud earrings, I recommend round shape, with or without halo.
For drop earrings, elongated shapes like ovals and pear shapes are wonderful choices, along with cushions.
For necklaces or a pendants...
A round diamond solitaire necklace is a gorgeous staple piece for everyday wear.
As with earrings, elongated shapes like pears and ovals are a flattering choice for pendants and necklaces. Both are lovely choices for vintage-inspired and modern designs.
Should I only focus on shape?
If you have your heart set on a certain shape, remember that some shapes are more readily available depending on the type and size of the diamond / gemstone.
For example, diamonds are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes but when it comes to coloured gemstones, the shape choices can be more limited.
When it comes to coloured gemstones, colour is of great importance.
You might fall in love with the colour of the sapphire, emerald or ruby but that particular shade / colour might not always be available in other shapes.
I highly recommend keeping an open mind when it comes to shapes, especially with one-of-a-kind colours like the sapphire below.
Trust me, you don't want to miss out on a gorgeous, unique stone, just because it's not the shape you originally had your heart set on.
Diamonds vs. coloured gemstones
Have you ever noticed that some stones like sapphires, especially in larger sizes, seem to always be oval or elongated cushion shapes?
And so much of tourmaline and aquamarine is popular in emerald cut styles?
This is not a coincidence.
When the rough crystal is elongated, it makes sense to cut shapes such as oval and elongated cushion to save as much weight as possible.
The process of cutting rubies and sapphires into round shapes loses the most weight, which is why large round stones are very rare.
You will have a much wider choice of options available if you go for an oval or an elongated cushion.
Rare stones like Padparadscha sapphire (below) are only cut into oval or cushion shape, because the material is so rare and expensive.
This one-of-a-kind Anastasia ring featuring a 1.02 carat Padparadscha sapphire is available from our Ready-to-Wear collection.
To schedule a viewing contact us via: info@tsarinagems.com
Another example is morganite (below). It grows in large crystals, with some specimens from Brazil reportedly weighing up to 10kg.
Consequently, morganite is available in large variety of shapes and sizes making it perfect for large statement pieces such as cocktail rings as well as smaller jewellery items.
To learn more about how gemstones, their rarity and the choice of shapes are connected check out my previous Blog post: Let's Get in Shape
Still can't decide which shape is right for you?
Let's chat!
To discuss your options, schedule a complementary, 30 minute connection call with me.
Choose a time that works for you here
Visit Tsarina Gems Instagram page for more stunning jewellery ideas and styling tips
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