Betting on baguettes...
When it comes to selecting diamonds for your engagement or wedding ring, there are so many different shapes to choose from! However, for a chic, put-together look, baguette diamonds are a clear winner. They can be used as center, side, or accent stones, and they produce a softer gleam that offers a more polished, refined aesthetic that one can’t find with a brilliant-cut diamond.😊
Baguette diamonds come in a few varieties, but the addition of this particular shape to your jewelry can make any piece look sophisticated and bespoke. However, shopping for these gemstones can be a bit trickier than your traditional diamond buying process. Below, we’ll walk you through:
- Baguette diamond basics
- Rectangular baguettes vs. tapered baguettes
- Baguette vs. emerald-cut diamonds
- What to look for in a baguette-cut diamond
- Popular and unique settings for baguette diamonds
- Cleaning and proper care for baguette gems
Basics: What is a baguette diamond?
So what is a baguette diamond? And how can you identify one while shopping? Let’s take a look at the history behind this unique shape and discuss the most common traits of baguette diamonds.
A brief history of baguette diamonds
Before it was called a baguette diamond, this shape evolved from another silhouette called a “hogback”. The hogback diamond can be traced back to the mid-16th century, and it included an elongated table designed for jeweled letters and initials as well as diamond monograms.
In 1912, jewelry titan Cartier introduced the baguette cut we know and love today, and the shape was prized for its clean silhouette and geometric features. As such, it became a staple of the Art Deco period, remaining a prominent design through the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Overall, the term “baguette” was not used to describe this shape until the early 20th century. Many attribute the name to the elongated diamond’s resemblance to a French baguette. But, there is no evidence to back up this association, and the title may actually come from the word “bague” meaning “jewel”. Typically, the word can be loosely translated as “little jewel”, which is fitting for the popular side and accent stone.
Baguette diamonds: Traits and measurements
When it comes to identifying baguette diamonds, their long, thin frame is hard to miss. These rectangular stones boast a step cut with 14 facets, but you can sometimes find brilliant-cut baguettes with a mix of triangular, kite, and step cuts for extra sparkle.
Regarding their rectangular dimensions, the typical length-to-width ratio of the baguette diamond’s sides is 5:1.📐 However, there are some rare baguette stones that are almost square! Their long silhouette is perfect for side or accent stones on a ring, as they cover plenty of space on the band without outshining the center stone.
Rectangular baguette diamonds vs. Tapered baguette diamonds
Baguette diamonds come in two variations: rectangular and tapered. We’ve broken down the differences below:
- Rectangular baguette diamonds (AKA “straight” baguettes): This is the standard baguette diamond shape, where opposite sides of the diamond are parallel and all four corners are perfect 90° angles. This style is incredibly versatile, and it can be used as a side or accent stone as well as the center diamond in your jewelry piece. They look great in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
- Tapered baguette diamonds: A less common shape, tapered baguette diamonds include longer sides that actually tilt inward, creating a broader and shorter end on either side. The long sides are not parallel, but the shorter ends are. This shape is excellent for side or accent stones on rings, as the delicate slope of the diamond can have a thinning or elongating effect on wider fingers.😄
Baguette diamonds vs. Emerald-cut diamonds
Based on most descriptions, you may notice the baguette diamond seems incredibly similar to an emerald-cut stone. Are they the same? Not quite, there are a few noticeable differences between the two shapes.
The most noticeable difference between these two silhouettes is their corners. They’re both long and rectangular, but a baguette diamond has pointed corners whereas an emerald-cut stone has flat, cut corners without a point. Furthermore, the “tapered” style available in baguette diamonds is unique to the shape, and emerald-cut diamonds always have parallel opposite sides.
Both diamond silhouettes have step cuts that produce a “hall of mirrors” glow within their large tables, but they differ greatly in their number of facets. Emerald-cut diamonds have 50-58 facets for a gleaming appeal, which is a staggering amount when compared to the 14 facets of the baguette diamond.
Typically, baguette diamonds are longer and narrower than emerald-cut stones, and their lack of facets means they show inclusions more easily. As such, baguette diamonds are usually side or accent stones, whereas emerald-cut diamonds often act as center stones in more settings. However, emerald-cut diamonds can also be side or accent stones, but diamond cutters rarely cut baguette diamonds large enough to qualify as center stones.
What to look for when buying baguette diamonds?
When shopping for a baguette diamond, you won’t follow the typical rules for diamond quality. With fewer facets and less brilliance to hide issues, step-cut baguette stones can be finicky. Here are our suggestions for how to find the best baguette diamond for your budget:
Cut
Baguette diamonds are fancy shapes that are often sold in small carat weights as side stones, and so most baguettes will not have a diamond report or listed overall cut grade. 🕵🏻♂️Instead, baguette accent stones may have an average total carat weight, color range, and clarity range or just a minimum carat weight, color range, and clarity range.
For standalone baguette diamonds in solitaire settings, look for Very Good or Excellent symmetry. All facets must be symmetrical and parallel/perpendicular, as a minor imperfection in the stone’s stepped cut can be visible to the naked eye. If you opt for a smaller stone, you may be able to select one with Good symmetry, as these issues are less apparent in a tiny gem.
If you are buying more than one baguette diamond to create a set—such as two side stones or a suite of accent diamonds—make sure they are all roughly the same size before purchasing. These sets should match in length and width as well as taper if they are tapered baguettes.
Color
Because they have large tables and shallow facets, baguette shapes do not mask body color well. The color of your baguette diamonds should match your center stone to avoid any discoloration. A D to H range colored baguette diamond is ideal, but whatever color matches your center diamond will work best.
Pro Tip
If you choose a brilliant-cut center stone, try finding baguette diamonds that are a color grade or two higher than your middle stone, as brilliant cuts sparkle brighter than step cuts.
Clarity
Similar to their color, step-cut baguette diamonds can be easily marred by an inclusion in the wrong spot. Even minute issues like crystals and feathers become big problems under their clear, minimal facets.
A VS2 clarity grade is best for avoiding major issues, but you can find issue-free stones in lower grades if you’re willing to do some research. Make sure your stone is eye-clean by inspecting it with a jeweler’s loupe, as the gem’s large table facet can easily reflect any imperfections.
Overall, pay close attention to color and clarity as a whole for an eye-clean stone. Large inclusions can also change the color of your entire diamond, so be sure to avoid any issues that affect color or sparkle for a harmonious appeal.
What are the popular settings for baguette diamonds?
There are so many ways to create a stunning baguette diamond ring setting, but here are a few popular styles that accentuate the refined beauty of this unique shape (plus a few bonus looks at the end of this section!):🥳
Side-Stone Baguette Diamond Rings
Whether you prefer standard or tapered baguette diamonds, these gemstones make amazing side stones for any center diamond shape. You can even combine both baguette styles for a more unique look.
Classic: Tapered baguette side stones
A timeless aesthetic, tapered baguette side stones can be added alongside a diamond or gemstone of any shape for understated flair. These tapered baguettes provide a romantic glow that highlights your center stone rather than outshines it. Their pinched shape also makes broader fingers appear thinner, which is perfect for wearers with larger hands. If you like the tapered side stone look but want more sparkle, try a pave band for extra brilliance.
Creative: Tapered baguette clusters
If you’re looking for more sparkle and glamour, cluster your tapered baguette diamonds to create a fuller, eye-catching design. Tapered baguettes can be stacked on top of one another to produce the illusion of larger side stones, and this style offers a more seamless look for center diamonds with longer silhouettes.
Modern: Vertical baguette side stones
For a contemporary take on baguette diamonds, place these gems vertically on either side of your center stone. The vertical placement provides a narrower, minimalist perspective that flatters the elongated silhouette of emerald, oval, and cushion-cut diamonds as well as classic round gems.
Pairing vertical baguette diamonds with a step-cut stone produces a modern “hall of mirrors” glow, like in the baguette and emerald cut diamond ring above. In contrast, mixing baguettes with a brilliant-cut diamond—such as round, cushion, or oval—gives wearers a varying display of sparkle.
Channel-Set Baguette Diamond Rings
For more protection and less stress, you can’t beat a channel-set baguette diamond ring. The channel setting hides the edges of your diamonds in a deep groove of precious metal, preventing snagging and damage.
Channel-set baguette engagement rings
If you prefer a bit more sparkle, surround your center stone in baguette diamonds lined up end to end. Channel-set baguette diamonds offer a seamless continuity that can extend all the way around your engagement ring. The channel setting provides enhanced protection for these delicate diamonds, as their corners and narrow sides will be safely tucked away within the metal edges of the band.
Channel-set baguette diamond wedding bands
You can even pair your channel-set engagement ring with a matching wedding band for a complete suite. A channel-set baguette wedding band is classy and elegant, and it looks great with a wide range of engagement ring styles. You can even place the stones vertically or horizontally for completely different looks!
This style is popular in necklaces too, like this baguette diamond pendant that carries the same seamless appeal and could make for a beautiful, cohesive jewelry set. Furthermore, adding a baguette diamond chain produces a more modern, “iced out” look that’s perfect for anyone interested in hip-hop culture.🎼
Baguette Diamond Eternity Bands
This ring style isn’t confined to a life as an engagement ring or wedding band, and you can wear a baguette diamond eternity band as a fashion piece, anniversary stack, and more. An eternity design means the gemstones extend around the entire band, encircling your finger in glowing baguette diamonds.
Mix and match gemstones in this ring setting for a splash of color in your jewelry! Or, add another diamond shape, such as in this baguette and round diamond band, to create an intriguing, textured look.
Solitaire Baguette Diamond Rings
Solitaire settings are great for both baguette diamond engagement rings and fashion pieces, and the size of your diamond can change the overall style of the ring.
Engagement/Bridal: Solitaire baguette diamond engagement rings
Simple and modern, a solitaire baguette diamond ring is perfect for the chic bride-to-be! The step cut of the baguette stone adds just a hint of sparkle to an otherwise pure band, and this setting can include prongs, bezels, or any other style of head in between. Try a rose gold setting for a sweet yet sophisticated pop of sunny color in your engagement ring. Or, pair your ring with a baguette diamond necklace for a casual, refined look.
Fashion: Minimalist solitaire baguette bands
Baguette solitaires are also excellent fashion pieces, and a mini baguette diamond is a perfect centerpiece for an otherwise simple ring. Mini baguettes are low profile and gleam instead of sparkle, which means they can mix and match with pretty much any jewelry item or outfit. You can even rotate the baguette diamond into a north-south orientation for a more architectural aesthetic.
If you really want to amp up your look, pair this stylish baguette diamond bracelet with your fashion ring to call attention to the sleek, semi-bezel setting.
BONUS #1: Unique setting styles for baguettes
For those wearers who prefer to stand out among the crowd, we’ve curated a few bonus looks that may speak to your soul. Here are some truly stunning variations for baguette diamond settings that are sure to garner attention anywhere you go:🤹♀️
Ballerina style baguette diamond rings
A ballerina-style baguette diamond ring is powerful, feminine, and an icon that commands the attention of everyone in its vicinity. This Art Deco style got its name from a ballerina’s tutu, which carries the same broad, flowing shape.🩰 The halo of baguettes protects the center stone while acting as a luminous frame for its sparkle. Additionally, the center stone can be any shape, with longer diamond silhouettes requiring even more dramatic halos.
Alternating tapered baguette diamond band
Some wearers prefer a simple engagement ring with a lavish wedding band, and this alternating tapered baguette wedding ring is one-of-a-kind. The luxe row of tapered diamonds has a chaotic structure, intensifying that hall of mirrors effect thanks to the step cut of each stone. If you’re not looking for a wedding band, this ring can also be worn as a fashion piece for sophisticated, contemporary glam.
The erratic allure of this ring would also look great with these baguette diamond earrings, which feature a cluster pattern that complements the linear nature of the band.
Vintage style hexagon baguette halo rings
It’s easy to pay homage to the baguette diamond’s Art Deco roots by choosing a vintage setting. This Monique Lhuillier vintage-inspired hexagon baguette diamond ring brings to mind the geometric brilliance of Art Deco style, and the baguette diamond halo brings a hint of understated beauty to the otherwise brilliant-cut diamonds.
Vintage settings come in all shapes and sizes, and you can even find cocktail pieces that can work as engagement rings for those with a flair for the dramatic.
BONUS #2: A sparkling variety—brilliant baguette diamonds
As previously mentioned, you can forego the gleaming step cut of typical baguette diamonds and opt for a brilliant-cut stone instead. A brilliant-cut baguette diamond technically has a “mixed cut” which includes kite, triangular, and step-cut facets to produce a sparklier stone. These diamonds offer more scintillation and fire, and they can better conceal any imperfections or color issues.
You can see the brilliant effects of the mixed cut in this tapered baguette diamond engagement ring. The diamonds glisten and reflect the sparkle of the brilliant-cut center stone, creating a fiery shine that makes for a cohesive aesthetic. Pair this engagement ring with a simple wedding band to make sure your brilliant-cut baguette diamonds are the focal point of your wedding suite.
How to care for baguette diamond jewelry?
How can you keep your baguette diamond jewelry looking like new? Here are some suggestions for at-home care that can keep your ring, necklace, etc. safe and beautiful!
Setting and storage
Baguette diamonds have large tables and pointed corners that can crack and chip easily, so it’s important to keep these delicate diamonds safe. Bezel settings are the best way to protect all of your diamond’s fragile sides and corners, but any style with strong, large prongs can do the trick.
When your piece isn’t being worn proudly, make sure you store it in a safe place. A lined jewelry box or microfiber pouch can prevent scratches on the surfaces of baguette diamonds. ⚠️During wear, also be careful to avoid snagging a baguette diamond ring on fabrics or hitting the diamonds against any hard surfaces.
You can also test your prongs at home to ensure no damage has occurred over time. Simply use the dull end of a toothbrush to push on the table and sides of your diamond gently. If you see any new movement, you may have a loose prong and should visit a jeweler as soon as possible!
Cleaning and maintenance
A clean diamond is a sparkly diamond, so keep your baguette stones free from dirt and debris to enhance their glow. Luckily, you can easily clean baguette diamonds just like any other shape!
To clean your baguette diamond jewelry, simply pour a mixture of warm water and dish liquid into a container. Then, place your item in the solution and let it sit for roughly 30 minutes.
Once your time is up, remove your item and gently scrub all surfaces, nooks, and crannies with a soft toothbrush. Because a baguette diamond has such a large, mirror-like table, it’s helpful to get underneath the stone if you can. This will reduce any discoloration or splotches from debris.
Finally, rinse your piece in warm water and give it a last wipe, and buff with a dry, lint-free cloth. In addition to home cleanings, make sure you take your baguette diamond piece in for routine professional cleanings and inspections to make sure your diamonds aren’t coming loose.
Baguette diamonds: Simple, clean aesthetic with luxe implications
If you’re looking for a touch of class for your engagement or wedding ring, you can’t go wrong with baguette diamonds. Understated yet powerful, baguette diamonds look amazing in all settings, and you can pair them with pretty much any other diamond shape for a seamless appeal.
Baguette diamonds are also budget-friendly, which comes in handy when trying to create your dream custom ring while staying within budget. If you enjoy modern, professional accessories that can brighten up any outfit without overpowering your entire look, we recommend giving baguette diamonds a try for your next jewelry purchase.
Are baguette diamonds not your style? Would you prefer something with more pop and brilliance? Take a look at our pavé diamond guide to see if these small-but-sparkly diamonds are more your speed!
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