SK Answers: What ARE Baguette and Carré-Cut Diamonds?

Posted on March 25, 2018

R E C T I L I N E A R  C O N S T E L L A T I O N S

We've introduced you to the Ada Collection (learn about it here). By this point you may be wisely wondering, what even ARE baguette and carré-cut diamonds? Why are we so excited about them, and more importantly why are we bringing them into the SK Galaxy? Allow us to explain, and envision that this lesson is being presented to you on a rectilinear chalkboard. 

T H E  O T H E R  B A G U E T T E

 

 

The baguette diamond cut features an elongated diamond that is usually rectangular in shape, and belongs to the group of the so-called 'step cuts' (other step cuts include the emerald cut and the Asscher cut.). The cut is characterized by its square corners, which have rows of cuts made with parallel facets, arranged in a terrace-like fashion.
  
The term 'baguette' is a French word for a long, narrow loaf of bread (you already knew this, but it's not passé information). This shape, which first appeared in costume jewelry, grew in demand during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods.

 

Baguette-cut diamonds usually have fourteen facets. Like other step-cut styles, the baguette cut lacks the brilliance of round-cut diamonds. But it makes up for it in other ways, we assure you!
 
You see, a round brilliant cut diamond has fifty-eight facets, and baguettes have fourteen facets. As a result, they don’t have the sparkle of brilliant cuts. But! They make up for it. The diamonds used for these styles tend to be of a higher quality, and therefore have fewer flaws. Their geometric cuts display the clarity and natural beauty of the diamond.  
 
This sparkle (or 'scintillation,' in diamond terms) can often conceal inclusions and flaws; however the baguette cut is so clear to the eye that flaws in these diamonds are easily visible.

 

The lack of brilliance in diamonds with this cut also affects their color—if it is of a lower grade and the stone has some yellow tints, they will be much more visible than those in a round stone with the same color grade.

 

H E Y  C A R R É

 

 

 

 

'Carré' is the term for the archetypal square-shaped diamond, which has ninety degree corners and a large upper facet. It was developed to make use of the maximum amount of rough stone, and is often seen in antique jewelry that was created before the arrival of the modern princess cut. 

 

As with baguette-cut diamonds, the step-cut facets emphasize any flaws in the stone—so only gems of the very highest quality and clarity are suitable for this shape. While the sparkle is less lively than is it with a princess or round brilliant diamond, carré-cut diamonds have a refined elegance and add a level or interest—just as baguette cuts do.

 

A  D I F F E R E N T  C H A N N E L ?

 

 

 

 

So now you know! Ah, but what about this different setting we're using in the Ada Collection? It'd be square of us to not to tell you about it.

Channel-setting stones creates a clean and minimal look. It's a setting style that derives its name from the physical channels which are cut into the metal in order to house a row of diamonds. The edges of the diamonds sit securely in individual recesses that are cut into the internal walls of the channel, and then they're framed within a wall of metal. 

One of the biggest advantages of channel-setting stones is that the stones in them are very safe. Not only is its minimal look alluring, but it is arguably one of the most secure styles of settings. The metal completely encloses the edges of the diamonds, providing extra protection from any accidental knocks (life happens and we hope that you wear your SK jewelry frequently if not always.) This makes it an ideal setting style for baguettes and carré-cut stones, which have angular, fragile corners. 

We hope that you enjoyed this lesson on baguette and Carré—cut diamonds and channel setting. You were an excellent student. Learn more about the Ada Collection here, and more about Ada Lovelace here!

 

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