Class is in session! When it comes to diamond engagement ring we have all heard about the 4 C’s. There is another important factor when it comes to fancy shape diamonds that sometimes is forgotten but is equally important. That is the length to width ratio that a diamond has. Surely we all remember proportions and ratio from the math we did in school. When it comes to shopping for diamond it is time to reintroduce this concept but obviously in a more fun way 🙂 In this post we will go over the basics on diamond ratios for the most popular shapes and you can follow along with the video here
What is a Length to Width Ratio?
The length to width ratio of a diamond is the millimeter length of the diamond divided by the millimeter width of the diamond. For example if you have an oval diamond that is 10mm length and 7mm in width, Take 10 divided 7 and you will get the number 1.4. The number 1.4 is your L:W ratio and this ratio indicates the overall shape the diamond will take on. In this post we will go over popular L:W ratio for fancy diamond shapes that are more elongated. The ratio for a square diamond is going to be around 1:1 so we are really focusing more on diamonds with higher ratios then that. To keep everything more realistic we are going to show ratios for elongated diamonds that are closest to the ratios we actually work with instead of going to extremes. Watch the video here showing each diamond set side by side and read along as well. Let the class commence!
Cushion Cut Diamond Ratio
Cushion cuts come in a variety of shapes. You can have a square cushion cut and this ratio will be around 1:1 or 1:1.05. When asking for a more elongated cushion the ratio will just be higher than 1:1:05 typically. Take for example these 2 carat cushion cuts side by side. The one on the left has a ratio of 1:1.07 resulting in a slightly elongated look. The one of the left has a ratio of 1:1.14 giving a more visible rectangular appearance to the cushion cut. There are cushions with a higher ratio than this of course and it will result in an even more elongated appearance similar to a radiant cut center. The cushion cut diamond ring shown in the image here has a ratio around 1.15 for a nice elongated effect
Radiant Cut Diamond Ratio
Radiant cut diamonds also come in a variety of shapes from perfect square to a very elongated look. The perfectly square radiant’s ratio will have a number around 1:1. For an elongated radiant cut you will usually look for a ratio at approximately 1.2:1 and above. On the left we have a 1.17 ratio radiant cut which gives a fuller look to your elongated radiant. The one on the right is a 1.33 ratio giving a very rectangular and elongated appearance to the diamond. The elongated diamond will take up more finger space on the hand. For reference, this radiant cut has a ratio of 1.33 similar to the diamond shown in the video.
Emerald Cut Diamond Ratio
Emerald cut diamonds have the same exact outline as radiant cuts featuring a square or elongated shape with a cut corners. Emerald cut diamonds feature step cut faceting creating a hall of mirrors effect where they shift light instead of reflect brilliance. Emeralds are understated but a truly classic and elegant shape. Square emeralds are also known as asscher cuts and they will have about a 1:1 ratio resulting in a symmetrical look. Even an emerald around 1:1.1 ratio still has a more square appearance due to the cut. In our sample video the 1.53 carat emerald on the left has a 1.34 ratio giving a fuller appearance. The emerald on the right weighing 1.50 carats has a 1.4 ratio creating a more elongated appearance. There are also emeralds with even longer ratios at 1.5 and 1.6 and these will have a very slim appearance
Oval Cut Diamond Ratio
Oval cut diamonds are a naturally elongated and graceful shape. If you have a shorter oval it will start to look like a round cut. We hear that people tend to say you should get an oval within the ratios of 1.3-1.5. However we find that this is simply to broad since the shapes will look dramatically different. For a shorter look, stay within the low 1.3 range. 1.34 and up is a very common oval shape. For something in between, 1.35-1.45 is very common and gives a classic appearance. Above a 1.45 will have a more slender appearance.
The 2.36 carat oval on the left has a ratio of 1.34. Notice how the oval on the right weighs 2.2 carats with a ratio of 1.4. Because the ratio is a big longer you can tell the length is longer while the width is more narrow.
Pear Shape Diamond Ratio
Pear shape diamonds, similar to oval cuts, are also a cut known for their graceful elongated look. Pear shape diamonds are making a huge comeback so have a good sense of their ratio is really helpful!
In our video, the pear shape diamond on the left weighs 1.5 carats and the ratio is 1.47. The pear shape on the right weighs the same and the ratio there is 1.57. Notice how different they look where one pear is slightly shorter and the other more elongated.
We hope you found this post informative and will hopefully help you narrow down your favorite ratio look when it comes to your diamond cut choice. There is no right or wrong diamond ratio it really comes down to the shape that appears most pleasing to your eye. Keep in mind that sometimes you might just like a diamond with a ratio that you did NOT think you would like! This is normal because at the end of the day you are going to pick the diamond shape you love and not necessarily select it based on its ratio. We also urge you to use this as a guide- you wouldn’t ask for let’s say an oval that ONLY has a 1.4 ratio. Ovals with 1.36-1.45 ratio’s will look really similar too! This is a tool to help you really get the shape you will always like for years to come.