The massive variety of diamond cuts on the market doesn’t make it any easier to search for that perfect diamond inlay or accent. Yet, each cut brings to a ring qualities all its own—charm, history, and aesthetic value representative of its wearer.
One such cut is the Carré cut diamond, an elegant and distinctive cut.
In this article, we’ll further explore why Carré cut diamonds might be a good personal choice (or for that of a loved one). We’ll touch on their origin, and aesthetic characteristics, and look at how they compare to similar cuts—like the Asscher and Princess.🕵🏻♂️
Carré cut basics: Carré cut diamonds' personality
The Carré cut diamond, derived from the French word for "square," is a diamond cut that offers a more understated elegance with a symmetrical and geometric design.
This cut boasts:
- straight sides with precise right angles, giving it a distinctly square shape, hence the name.
- a large, flat table that showcases the stone's depth and clarity. This allows the observer to see deep into the diamond.
One of the defining characteristics of Carré cut diamonds is that they are a type of step cut.✅
Unlike ‘brilliant cuts’ designed to maximize the diamond's sparkle, step cuts showcase the diamond's clarity and color.
The facets in a Carré cut are arranged in steps, giving the stone a beautiful hall-of-mirrors effect where light is reflected from one facet to another. This brings about higher chances to spot inclusions—anything that is “included” or trapped within the diamond.
Regarding color, Carré cut diamonds generally showcase color more than other cuts. This means that a diamond with a lower color grade will appear more tinted in a Carré cut, so it's often recommended to opt for higher color grades when choosing this cut.
The Carré cut diamond possesses an Art Deco style, and its aesthetic harks back to decorum of the 1920s and 1930s—the era when this cut was most popular.
Carré offers a more subtle, understated look compared to brilliant cuts' flash and sparkle.
The straight, clean lines and orderly progression of its facets provide a quiet, understated beauty, making it a great choice for those who tend to lean toward vintage or classic styles.
Whether you're looking for a standalone Carré cut diamond ring, or a Carré cut diamond band (such as a Carré cut diamond eternity band), this cut offers a choice that combines vintage appeal with modern edge.
Carré cut vs. Other diamond cuts
To truly appreciate the charm of the Carré cut diamond, comparing it to similar diamond cuts might help give us a little more clarity—hint, hint.
Carré Cut vs. Asscher Cut
Starting with the Asscher cut, one can note the similarities between the two.
The Asscher cut, like the Carré cut, is a step cut, meaning it also emphasizes the diamond's clarity and color rather than its brilliance. And the facet patterns of the two cuts both form an X shape across the center of the stone.
The primary difference between them lies in their shape; the Asscher cut has cropped corners, giving it an octagonal shape when viewed from above, compared to the Carré cut's square shape.⚖️
Furthermore, the Asscher cut often has more facets (usually 58) than the Carré cut, which can add more depth and sparkle. While both cuts offer a vintage charm, the Carré cut is more understated and geometric, while the Asscher cut offers more sparkle and complexity.
Carré Cut vs. Princess Cut
The princess cut is one of the most popular diamond cuts—well known for its brilliant sparkle.
Like the Carré, the princess cut is square when viewed from above, but that's where the similarities end.
The princess cut is brilliant, which means its facets are cut for maximum sparkle, not to enhance the diamond's clarity and color, like with Carré cuts.
Another notable difference is the princess’ stereoscopic French or bezel-style corners. In contrast, the Carré cut's corners look plain.
Princess-cut diamonds usually have more facets, often around 50 to 58, adding to their brilliance. The Carré cut offers an elegant, understated look, while the princess cut delivers a more dramatic, sparkling appearance.
Carré Cut vs. Baguette Cut
The baguette cut is another type of step-cut diamond, known for its elongated, rectangular shape.
Like the Carré cut, baguette cuts are known for their clarity and color.
However, the most noticeable difference between the two is their shape. The Carré cut is distinctly square, while the baguette cut is rectangular, often used as a side stone due to its slim and elongated form.
The Carré cut has many more facets than the baguette cut, which only has around 14. This results in less sparkle, but again, greater emphasis on the diamond's clarity.
While both cuts have a classic, understated look, the Carré cut offers a more symmetrical, geometric aesthetic, whereas the baguette cut is linear and sleek.
Pros and cons of Carré cut diamonds
Every diamond cut will have inherent flaws, and the Carré cut is no exception.
Pros:
- Unique Aesthetic: 💃🏻The Carré cut's geometric symmetry and vintage appeal make it an excellent choice for those seeking something unique and distinct from common round or princess cut diamonds.
- Emphasizes Clarity: As a step cut, the Carré cut emphasizes the diamond's clarity, showcasing inclusions or imperfections less than brilliant cuts would.
- Size Illusion: Carré cut diamonds, due to their square shape and the way they are cut, can appear larger than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight.
Cons:
- Less Brilliance: As a step cut, the Carré cut diamond has less brilliance and fire compared to brilliant cut diamonds like the round or princess cuts.
- Color Perception: This cut can show color more easily due to its open facets and step-cut style.
- Clarity Requirements: Given this cut emphasizes clarity, higher-grade diamonds (VS2 or higher) are recommended for the best visual appeal.
- Vulnerable Corners: The square corners of the Carré cut are more prone to chipping than rounded or cut corners, requiring a protective setting.
Setting Carré cut diamonds
Carré cut diamonds, while not as prevalent in the current market, can bring a unique accent to your jewelry—particularly engagement rings and wedding bands.
Carré cut diamond engagement rings
Carré cut diamonds are a beautiful choice for engagement rings, offering a distinct, vintage look.
Whether it's a solitaire setting (where the Carré cut diamond takes center stage) or a halo setting (where smaller diamonds encircle the main stone), this cut can bring the charm.
It's crucial to ensure a secure setting, such as a bezel or V-prong setting, to protect the stone's delicate corners.
Carré cut bands
Similarly, Carré cut diamonds make a great choice for wedding and eternity bands.
The square shapes align perfectly, creating a continuous band of diamonds, offering a unique and modern alternative to traditional round diamonds in an eternity band. Here, too, it's recommended to opt for a secure setting method to protect the diamonds.
Whether you're looking at a Carré cut diamond ring or a Carré cut diamond band, this diamond cut offers a distinctive option for those enveloped in the past—vintage aesthetics and affordability.🌹🌹
Always consider secure settings like bezel, halo, or V-prong to protect the delicate corners of these beautiful stones.
Are Carré cut diamonds a good choice for you?
Choosing the right diamond cut is always a personal decision, and the Carré cut offers an option worthy of your consideration. Carré cuts combine vintage appeal with geometric symmetry, exuding distinguished elegance. It is far more distinctive than common diamond cuts.
If you appreciate emphasis on clarity and are drawn to a square design, the Carré cut diamond could be an excellent choice for you or your loved one. We would suggest keeping in mind that this cut requires a high-clarity diamond to shine and a secure setting to protect its corners.
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