For thousands of years, diamonds have been admired for their strength and beauty. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the earliest ones were uncovered in India after being gathered from fresh rivers and streams. Over time and from every corner of the globe, even more diamonds were discovered. They began to transform, becoming symbols of status and cultural pieces of history. Today, this April birthstone is the centerpiece of engagement rings and is most widely known as a representation of eternal love.
Though diamonds have been cherished for centuries, it wasn’t until the 1300's that they took on a new luster. This is when diamond cutting was invented in Europe. Diamond cutting transformed how diamonds were worn, making these already shining stones all the more stunning. Throughout the years, diamond cutting technology has advanced, giving us the contemporary shapes we know and love. Let's take a look at some of these striking cuts and their history.
The Radiant Round Shape
Perhaps the most popular and timeless shape is the round diamond. This fully circular gemstone has been around for over a hundred years. In 1919, it was perfected by a Russian mathematician, Marcel Tolkowsky. The round figure maximizes the diamond's brilliance by reflecting light through 58 eye-catching facets.
The Outstanding Oval Shape
This oval-shaped diamond dates back to the 14th century. However, the cutting technique wasn’t successfully executed until the 1960s by Russian-born diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan. This stunning diamond shape shares many similarities with the round-shaped diamond, including its 58 light-reflecting facets. However, the elongated figure of this diamond can appear larger than a round-shaped diamond of the same carat weight.
The Alluring Asscher Shape
This sleek and clean diamond was named after artisan diamond cutter Joseph Asscher. In 1902, he created this brilliant cut by giving the diamond larger step facets and a higher crown accompanied by a smaller table. In the 1920s, this unique shape rose in popularity along with art deco design. With help of modern diamond cutting technology, today’s asscher boasts 74 beautiful facets that allow it to sparkle at any angle.
The Perfect Pear Shape
This asymmetrical pear-shaped diamond first rose to the scene in 1475 after Flemish diamond polisher Lodewyk van Bercken created a diamond-polishing wheel. This invention transformed the world of diamond cutting and allowed Bercken to fashion the dazzlingly unique pear diamond that we know and love today. This diamond includes 58 dazzling facets that will catch anyone’s eye.
The Magnificent Marquise Shape
Originating in France during the 18th century, the mesmerizing Marquise diamond shines bright with an intriguing history. King Louis XV of France commissioned his diamond cutter to design something that resembled the shape of his beloved mistress’s mouth, Jean Antoinette Poisson, the Marquise de Pompadour. “Marquise” refers to Madame de Pompadour’s title, which means above a countess but below a duchess. With 58 facets, this stunningly unique shape creates the illusion of portraying a larger carat size.
Discover Your Perfect Diamond at Beré
At Beré, we have a sparkling passion for diamonds and the history behind the gemstones. That’s why we love sharing pieces of history with you, so you can have a deeper understanding of the devotion that’s gone into these incredible miracles of nature for centuries. When you’re ready to discover the perfect diamond for you, our team is always here to help. We’ll show you all the different shapes in person until you find one that makes your eyes illuminate. After all, when you’re purchasing a diamond, we want to make sure you love it. Stop by our store at 5033 N. 12th Ave in Pensacola to discover a diamond that will be treasured forever.