3 STONE RINGS	BLACK DIAMOND RINGS	BLUE DIAMOND RINGS
DIAMOND CLUSTER RINGS	DIAMOND TRILOGY RINGS	DIAMOND WEDDING RINGS
ENGAGEMENT RINGS	ETERNITY RINGS	PAVE RINGS

Although there are millions of diamond rings already on the market, many people choose to select a loose diamond from a diamond dealer and build their ring around the stone. Although it may sound complicated, choosing a loose diamond in this manner will give you the freedom to design a band and setting that you feel best compliments your style, taste, and lifestyle. Like those that are already mounted in rings, loose stones are sold only after they’ve been cut, polished, and evaluated – or graded – by industry professionals. One benefit of loose diamond shopping is the ease with which you may examine all faces of a stone and evaluate its shape.

Hundreds of years ago, all diamonds were cleaved by hand. During the last century, however, as engineering technology has advanced at a breakneck pace, diamond cutters have created a number of new fancy cut diamond shapes that must be marked and cut with exacting precision. The following list contains brief descriptions of the most common stone shapes used in diamond rings.

Round Brilliant – This is the most popular diamond shape today and makes up nearly three quarters of commercial diamond sales. Its cut creates 58 facets, evenly distributed to maximize brilliance and fire.

Oval – Rounded elliptical cut that is an especially popular choice for diamond rings. Its symmetry is thought to visually elongate wearer’s fingers and hands.

Marquise – Similar to oval cut but pointed at both ends, supposedly modeled to resemble a smile. Delicate corners make it an elegantly beautiful shape for solitaire and various triple stone settings.

Pear – Teardrop shaped combination of marquise and oval cut with one rounded and pointed end. Pear-cut diamonds are popular in earrings and pendants as well as diamond rings, and are perfect for wearers with hands and fingers of average size.

Heart shaped diamonds, which have recently grown in popularity, resemble pear-cut stones but are cleaved with a notch in their rounded ends, creating a delicate cleft; this intricate cut must be created by a highly skilled and experienced technician.

Trilliant – Triangular, or wedge-shaped cut, may have either rounded or sharp corners. This cut may be designed around a stone’s individual characteristics or cutter’s preferences and is often used in unusual settings.

Emerald – This enduring rectangular shape, sometimes called a step cut (after its side face profile) has been a popular ring cut for a long time. Beware, however, that color irregularities and inclusions may be especially pronounced, so careful inspection of clarity and cut are highly advisable.

Asscher – Square cut stone with flattened corners, developed by a specialty company in Amsterdam, especially popular in the 1920s. The Asscher company shut down during the Depression, but newer variations of the cut have recently reappeared on the market. Its art deco appeal is very fashionable and original Asscher cut diamond rings are in high demand.

Princess – Many faceted square (or, occasionally, rectangle) shape. Princess cut stones are relatively recent arrival in the diamond market but are also incredibly popular for solitaire engagement diamond rings.