What's the Most Contemporary Diamond Cut & Ring Setting?

If you’re looking for a sleek, modern diamond ring, make sure to pay close attention to the diamond’s cut, shape, and setting. Excellent craftsmanship in the fashioning of a diamond means a more exact cut. The more exact the cut, the more entrancing the diamond is to the eye. If a diamond is cut poorly, it will be noticeably less luminous. Contemporary diamonds are known for their life and sparkle, which makes the diamond cut in rings so important. A diamond’s shape can also have an impact on it’s style; certain diamond cuts are old-fashioned, while others have a more fresh and contemporary feel. Let’s review some of the more stylish and modern diamond cuts.

Princess Cut

The princess cut originated in the United States in 1980, making it one of the newer cut styles to be introduced by jewelers. Unlike most rectangular diamonds, princess-cut diamonds have crisp, 90-degree corners, giving these gems a clean and chic contemporary look. Princess cut diamonds also reflect light superbly, which has made them the second most popular shape. While some princess cut diamonds may be more rectangular, perfectly square princess cut diamonds are the most valuable of the variations on this style of cut. These diamonds look great in any modern setting, but you’ll want to make sure to choose a setting type that will protect those sharp, elegant corners.

Round Brilliant Cut

The round brilliant cut is the first modern diamond cut. First developed in 1919, today’s round cut design has evolved considerably from older versions, which are noticeably more dull. The round brilliant cut has numerous facets and angles that boast impeccable light refraction properties. Hailed for its unsurpassed fire and brilliance, this is by far the most popular cut today in the world of diamonds. Round cuts have been researched by gemologists more than any other variation and they are more valuable than any other cut. These diamonds also have the added benefit of working well in virtually all ring settings; this means that, while the round brilliant may bring modern sparkle to a ring, you’ll need a truly unique contemporary setting to make this diamond stand out.

Radiant Cut

Known for its angular corners and straight lines around its edges, radiant cut diamonds have have a unique look combining the brilliance of a round cut and the elegance of an emerald cut. Like the princess cut, they are either square, near-square, or rectangular. Radiant cut diamonds have 70 facets, and a highly distinctive sparkle. Radiant cut diamonds have often been compared to crushed ice in appearance. Having first come to prominence around 20 years ago, the radiant cut is an extremely modern and forward-looking style for diamond rings. And as the name suggests, radiant diamonds give off a coruscant glow that is hard to forget!

Oval Cut

Created by Lazar Kaplan in the late 1950’s, oval cut diamonds have as many facets as their round cut cousins but with a more elongated shape. This makes them appear larger than round cut diamonds of equal weight, while the equal number of facets mean they give off just as much sparkle to captivate the eye. Their elongated shape also makes their wearer’s fingers appear longer and more slender, making oval cut diamond rings extremely flattering on the hand. Oval cut diamonds are a sophisticated, modern twist on the more traditional round cut. The timeless, elegant shape of the oval cut diamond adds a touch of class to any piece of jewelry.

Diamond Ring Settings

Once you decide on the diamond cut style you want on your ring, you will be choosing the setting next. If you’re still looking for a modern stand-out, choose one of the most contemporary settings:

A bar channel setting means individual metal bars divide each diamond from the others on the ring. A groove enables the diamond to stay secure.

A bezel setting holds the diamond with a continuous groove that is cut out in the spot where the diamond’s girdle is inserted.

A channel setting refers to diamonds which are placed girdle to girdle in a groove. The groove is secured by hammering down its walls.

Now that you know about diamond cut ring settings, you’re ready to buy a stylish and contemporary ring with this new information on hand to help you make the right choice. Good luck, and congratulations!