Fancy shaped diamonds refer to any diamond that is not round or brilliant cut. These diamonds come in a variety of shapes, including pear, oval, emerald, heart, marquise, princess, radiant, and cushion. Each shape is unique and has its own unique characteristics, making them popular choices for engagement rings and other types of jewelry.

In this blog post, we will explore what fancy shaped diamonds are, the most popular shapes, and how to choose the right shape for your jewelry.

What are Fancy Shaped Diamonds?

Fancy shaped diamonds are any diamond that is not round. While round diamonds are the most popular and classic diamond shape, fancy shaped diamonds are unique and often sought after for their individuality. These diamonds come in a range of shapes, including pear, oval, emerald, heart, marquise, princess, radiant, and cushion.

Each fancy shape has its own set of characteristics, such as the number of facets, the depth of the pavilion, and the angle of the crown. These characteristics influence how the diamond reflects light and give each shape its unique brilliance.

The Most Popular Fancy Diamond Shapes

There are several popular fancy diamond shapes, each with its own unique qualities.

1. Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Pear-shaped diamonds are shaped like a teardrop and are elongated and pointed on one end. These diamonds have 58 facets and are known for their sparkle and brilliance. Pear-shaped diamonds are often used in engagement rings and pendants.

2. Oval-Shaped Diamonds

Oval-shaped diamonds are similar to round diamonds in their brilliance and sparkle but are elongated in shape. These diamonds have 56 to 58 facets and are known for their elongating effect on fingers. They are also used in engagement rings, pendants, and earrings.

3. Emerald-Cut Diamonds

Emerald-cut diamonds are rectangular in shape and have step-cut facets. These diamonds have fewer facets than other fancy shapes, but their long lines give them a classic and elegant look. They are often used in engagement rings and earrings.

4. Heart-Shaped Diamonds

Heart-shaped diamonds are a symbol of love and are perfect for engagement rings. These diamonds have 59 facets and come in a range of sizes. They require precise cutting to ensure symmetry and a beautiful heart shape.

5. Marquise-Shaped Diamonds

Marquise-shaped diamonds are elongated with pointed ends and have 56 facets. These diamonds have a unique shape that makes them stand out and often appear larger than their carat weight suggests. They are often used in engagement rings and pendants.

6. Princess-Cut Diamonds

Princess-cut diamonds are a square or rectangular shapes with pointed corners. These diamonds have 76 facets, making them one of the most brilliant of the fancy shapes. They are often used in engagement rings and earrings.

7. Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Radiant-cut diamonds are a square or rectangular shapes with trimmed corners. These diamonds have 70 facets and are known for their fire and brilliance. They are often used in engagement rings and earrings.

8. Cushion-Cut Diamonds

Cushion-cut diamonds have rounded corners and are square or rectangular in shape. These diamonds have 58 facets and are known for their vintage and romantic look. They are often used in engagement rings and earrings.

Are Fancy Diamond Shapes a good choice compared to Classic Shapes?

Whether a fancy diamond shape is a good choice or not ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a fancy shaped diamond over a traditional round brilliant cut.

Advantages of fancy shaped diamonds:

Unique and distinctive appearance: Fancy shaped diamonds come in a variety of shapes, including pear, oval, emerald, marquise, and heart, which can add a unique and distinctive touch to a piece of jewelry.

Larger appearance: A fancy shaped diamond typically has a larger surface area than a round diamond of the same carat weight, making it appear larger and potentially more impressive.

Cost savings: Fancy shaped diamonds are generally less expensive per carat than round diamonds, so opting for a fancy shape may allow for a larger diamond without breaking the budget.

Disadvantages of fancy shaped diamonds:

Lower brilliance and fire: Compared to round diamonds, fancy shaped diamonds often have less brilliance and fire due to the way light is reflected and refracted within the stone.

Less standardized: Fancy shaped diamonds have less standardized proportions and grading standards, making it more difficult to compare and evaluate their quality and value.

Prone to chips and damage: Some fancy shaped diamonds, such as marquise or pear shapes, have pointed tips that are more prone to chipping or damage than the smooth edges of a round diamond.

Ultimately, the decision between a fancy-shaped diamond and a traditional round brilliant cut comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic. It's important to work with a reputable jeweler and ensure that the diamond is graded and certified by a trusted laboratory to ensure quality and value.