Many individuals have different preferences when it comes to diamonds—some favor maximum brilliance, while others desire a larger stone. Wanting a sizable gem is entirely valid as personal preferences vary.
With the multitude of diamond shapes available, it can be challenging to determine which shape appears the largest. The size of a diamond is significantly influenced by the quality of its cut, making it difficult to pinpoint the shape that looks the biggest. Nonetheless, there are several diamond shapes that tend to stand out in terms of their larger appearance.
In this article, we explore these larger diamond shapes, along with a discussion of smaller shapes that may not satisfy those seeking a bigger stone. Additionally, we provide tips on how to create the illusion of a larger diamond.
Without further delay, let’s delve into the details!
DESIGN YOUR OWN ENGAGEMENT RING: START WITH A SETTING OR START WITH A DIAMOND. IT’S REALLY UP TO YOU!
Don’t Confuse A Diamond’s Shape With A Diamond’s Cut
Although the terms “shape” and “cut” are often used interchangeably when referring to diamonds, they actually have distinct meanings.
The shape of a diamond pertains to its external figure or outline. Examples of diamond shapes include round brilliant, heart-shaped, pear-shaped, and cushion, which describe the overall appearance of the diamond.
On the other hand, the cut of a diamond refers to its symmetry, proportions, facets, and how it interacts with light. For instance, a heart-shaped diamond can have variations in its cut, such as being too deep or too shallow, resulting in differences in brilliance or dullness.
These aspects of cut do not alter the outline or shape of the diamond itself; it will still retain its heart shape.
When selecting a diamond shape, personal preference and individual style play a significant role. However, it is worth noting that a well-cut diamond tends to exhibit greater brilliance.
If your goal is to find a diamond that appears larger, continue reading for further insights!
What Diamond Shape Looks The Biggest?
Different diamond shapes can create the illusion of a larger size, even with the same carat weight. Let’s explore some of these diamond shapes that appear bigger:
Emerald-Cut Diamonds:
Originally designed for emeralds, the emerald-cut later became popular for diamonds. It features long, elongated facets and a step-like cut with shortened corners, resulting in an octahedral structure. The emerald-cut is both classic and sizable. However, it may not exhibit as much sparkle as brilliant-cut diamonds. For the best value, look for an emerald-cut diamond with VS2 clarity and H color. Shallow stones can also create the illusion of a larger size.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds:
Pear-shaped diamonds, also known as teardrop cuts, have a larger top surface and appear quite substantial for their weight. They have a unique and attention-grabbing style, and they tend to cost less than round brilliant cuts while appearing larger. Due to their pointy tips, they require careful handling, and finding a well-cut pear shape can be challenging. Look for minimal bowtie effects and aim for an H color and SI1 clarity grade for the best value.
Oval Diamonds:
Oval-shaped diamonds offer extraordinary brilliance and sparkle. Their large elongated table surface creates the perception of a larger size and can make your fingers appear slimmer. They are also popular for east-west ring settings and are usually more affordable than round brilliants. Keep in mind that oval diamonds tend to exhibit a bowtie effect, so look for one with minimal visibility. SI1 clarity is typically sufficient, and for color, consider an H grade to avoid excess color.
Marquise-Cut Diamonds:
Marquise-cut diamonds appear more prominent and elongated due to their pointy ends, creating a slender look for the finger. While not as popular as other shapes, they suit a modern style. Care should be taken to avoid chipping the pointy ends, making a halo ring setting a wise choice. Symmetry is crucial for marquise-cut diamonds, so closely examine the stone for symmetry. SI1 or SI2 clarity is recommended for an eye-clean stone within budget, and color grades such as H, I, or J can look great depending on the metal used in the ring setting.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds:
The round brilliant cut is a timeless and popular choice, known for its intense brilliance. While it may not appear as large as some other shapes, a well-cut round diamond still offers prominence. Round diamonds have the most intense sparkle, which contributes to their visual impact. They are also the most sought-after and expensive diamond shape. If carat weight is not crucial, consider choosing a stone just under a popular weight to save costs while maintaining a similar size appearance. For round brilliants, compromise on clarity and color is possible. SI1 clarity is recommended, and color choice depends on the metal of the ring setting.
Remember, personal preference and style should ultimately guide your diamond shape choice.
What Diamond Shape Looks The Smallest?
When searching for a diamond shape that appears larger, it’s best to avoid certain cuts that have a significant portion of their carat weight concentrated in the base, resulting in a smaller face-up surface area. Here are some examples of diamond shapes to avoid:
Cushion-Cut Diamonds:
Cushion-cut diamonds have a luxurious appeal and offer a casual yet modern look. However, most of the carat weight in cushion cuts is deep-set, which means you would need to spend more to achieve a similar size appearance as other shapes like oval or emerald.
Princess-Cut Diamonds:
The princess cut is a classic diamond shape but may not be the ideal choice if you’re seeking a more prominent-looking stone. Princess cuts are bottom-heavy and lack a large face-up surface area, despite offering similar brilliance to round diamonds.
Asscher Cut Diamonds:
Although Asscher-cut diamonds belong to the step-cut family, like emerald cuts, they don’t appear as large as their counterparts. If you’re looking for a diamond shape that appears more prominent, it’s best to avoid the Asscher cut.
By avoiding these bottom-heavy diamond cuts, you can focus on shapes that create the illusion of a larger size and maximize the face-up surface area.
How To Make Your Diamond Ring Look Bigger?
If you’re concerned about your diamond ring not appearing big enough, there are several ways to enhance its prominence. Let’s discuss these methods one by one:
- Get the Best Cut:
The cut of a diamond determines how well it reflects light. Look for a diamond with an excellent or very good cut grade from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A well-cut diamond will not only be beautiful and brilliant but also appear larger. - Choose Slender Prongs:
Opt for a ring setting with discreet and slender prongs. This design allows more of the diamond’s surface area to be visible, making it look more prominent. - Opt for Fewer Prongs:
Consider a ring setting with fewer prongs. For example, instead of the typical four or six prongs for round brilliant diamonds, choose a setting with fewer prongs. This helps draw attention to the diamond, making it appear larger. - Choose a Thin Band:
A thin and delicate band can create the illusion of a larger diamond. Look for a ring with a narrower band that tapers towards the center, known as a pinched shank. This design emphasizes the centerpiece of the ring. - Choose a Bright White Metal Band:
Select a ring setting made of bright white metal, such as platinum or white gold. The white metal acts as a mirror, reflecting the diamond’s colorlessness and enhancing its brilliance and shine, making it appear larger. - Look for the Right Setting:
Choose your ring setting strategically. Halo settings, where the center stone is surrounded by a halo of smaller stones, can maximize the appearance of your diamond without increasing the cost. Cluster settings that feature a grouping of stones can also provide a larger look at a more affordable price point. Three-stone ring settings can be a good choice, but keep the side stones smaller to avoid competing with the center stone. - Be Flexible with Color and Clarity:
If size is your priority, consider selecting a larger carat diamond with lower color and clarity grades. Lower-grade diamonds can still look fantastic, and you can allocate more of your budget toward achieving a bigger gem. - Get Your Diamond Ring Cleaned Regularly:
Regularly clean your diamond ring to maintain its sparkle and brilliance. A clean and sparkly diamond appears more magnificent. Have your diamond professionally cleaned every six months and clean it at home whenever you notice dirt and grime buildup.
By following these tips, you can enhance the appearance of your diamond ring and make it look more prominent and impressive.
Summary
While the size of a diamond doesn’t determine our worth, we understand the desire for a larger diamond. Rest assured, we’re here to assist you!
To address the question of which diamond shape looks the biggest, there are several shapes that give the illusion of a larger size. The cut quality plays a significant role in this:
Shapes like emerald, pear, and oval tend to appear more prominent compared to others.
Furthermore, if you want to enhance the perceived size of your diamond ring, you can follow the recommendations discussed in this article. Choosing a thinner band with fewer prongs, for instance, can work wonders in terms of the gem’s appearance.
