In the world of dazzling diamonds, there are endless cuts and shapes to choose from. You’re probably familiar with the most common diamond cuts, like round, princess, cushion and emerald. But have you heard of a lozenge cut? It’s unlikely. In fact, at first glance, you may have thought you stumbled upon a blog about cough drops! Lozenge cut diamonds do exist; however, not many people know about them or purchase a ring with this cut. These sleek, kite-shaped beauties are truly in a league of their own, adding sophisticated elegance to any jewelry collection. Read on to learn more about the lesser-known lozenge cut diamond, including why you should consider it for an engagement ring and get tips for building your own.
What is a lozenge cut diamond?
A lozenge cut diamond features four sides of equal length with pointed corners that come together to form a stretched-out rhombus—a quadrilateral shape you may recognize from geometry class or as the suit of diamonds in a deck of playing cards. Its name is derived from “losenge,” a 14th-century Old French word meaning “diamond-shaped rhombus.” Aside from its signature angular silhouette, a lozenge cut diamond is known for its large, trapezoidal step-cut facets, which run parallel to the sides of the stone, creating a replicating hall-of-mirrors effect as it reflects light. Ooh-la-la!
The lozenge shape surged in popularity during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s when glitz, glamour and larger-than-life designs were all the rage. Today, elongated-shaped center stones are re-emerging as a coveted style, especially for engagement rings.
Why choose a lozenge-shaped diamond engagement ring?
If you want to purchase a truly unique engagement ring, look no further than a lozenge diamond. Its edgy yet elegant shape offers an eye-catching alternative to more traditional round and square cuts, making it the perfect choice for anyone who appreciates unconventional beauty and dares to be different. A lozenge cut diamond offers a rare combination of vintage and modern vibes, giving it a timeless appeal that caters to a variety of design possibilities (more on this ahead). When shopping for a high-quality lozenge cut engagement ring, consider these four factors (known as the 4Cs of diamonds):
Cut
To optimize its visual appeal and light performance, a lozenge cut diamond should display good symmetrical balance (precise alignment of all four sides and corresponding angles). However, remember that lozenge cut diamonds have fewer facets than brilliant cuts, so they won’t sparkle as brightly. Instead, your lozenge diamond ring will display a soft glow with intermittent flashes of light that dance across its surface (not a bad trade-off!) To ensure your lozenge diamond is cut to the highest standards, look for one with a cut grade of “Very Good” or “Excellent.”
Color
If you prefer the look of a traditional “crystal clear” diamond, choose a lozenge cut engagement ring with a color grade in the colorless (D-F) to near-colorless range (G-J; these may have a slight yellow or brown tint but would be barely visible to the naked eye). If you’re on a tight budget or want something with more vintage charm, consider a lozenge diamond in a fancy color like champagne, brown or salt and pepper.
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the number of inclusions and blemishes or internal and external flaws in a diamond. Unfortunately, flaws tend to get magnified in a lozenge cut diamond because its large facets and open table (top surface area) allow for a deeper, more transparent view into the stone. To avoid getting stuck with a cloudy-looking lozenge diamond, opt for one that has a high clarity grade with an eye-clean appearance, such as VVS1 or VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) or VS1 or VS2 (Very Slightly Included).
Carat
Thanks to their elongated shape, lozenge diamonds can take up a lot of real estate on the finger, making it appear larger than other diamond cuts of equal or greater carat weight. A good carat size for a lozenge engagement ring typically falls in the 0.5 to 2-carat range. Because lozenge cuts are not as high in demand as other cuts, they are generally more affordable. However, pricing largely depends on the combination of the 4Cs of the diamond, rather than just one of them.
How to create the ideal lozenge cut diamond ring
If you’re leaning toward getting a lozenge cut diamond for your engagement ring, consider having it custom-made so you’ll have something that’s truly one of a kind. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you work with a reputable jeweler to create the lozenge engagement ring of your dreams:
Embrace creativity and individuality
The lozenge cut is one of the rarest and most unique cuts in the jewelry world, lending itself to endless design configurations. Get your creative juices flowing and enjoy the process of crafting a ring that reflects your personality and style.
For instance, to create an engagement ring with maximum visual impact, consider a three-stone design featuring a lozenge cut diamond in the center flanked by two uniquely shaped diamonds on either side (a baguette, marquise, pear, trapezoid or trillion cuts are all good choices).
For extra dazzle, consider additional small diamonds set halfway or all around the band. Want a touch more band detailing? Explore adding a textured pattern like hammering or a vintage-inspired design element like milgrain or filigree scrollwork. Elevate your love story further with a meaningful engraving on the ring that only your sweetheart can see.
Prioritize proportions
A lozenge cut diamond can be an architectural marvel, but only if its geometric design is well-balanced. The best length-to-width ratio will depend on your personal style and finger size, but optimal proportions for an elongated lozenge diamond ring typically range between 2:1 (the length of the diamond is twice its width) and 2.5:1 (the length is 2.5 times the width).
Select a setting that complements lozenge shape
A lozenge shape is well-suited to a variety of engagement ring setting styles.
A simple solitaire setting
A simple solitaire setting lets your lozenge diamond take center stage, showing off its sculptural precision for a look that is quite refined. For a contemporary twist, consider either a V-prong setting (which adds dramatic flair and is good for protecting pointed corners) or a floating solitaire, which creates the illusion of the diamond being suspended in mid-air.
A vintage setting
If you desire a vintage look with embellished sparkle, consider a halo setting featuring small pavé diamonds surrounding the center lozenge diamond.
A modern setting
If you’re drawn to a more modern aesthetic, you may like a bezel setting, which looks like a metal picture frame holding the center diamond in place (designed to keep it more secure, too). And if you’re really feeling bold, opt for an east-west configuration, where the lozenge diamond lays horizontally across your finger.
Insure your diamond ring with Jewelers Mutual
No matter the diamond cut you choose, make sure it’s insured with a jewelry insurance policy. Jewelers Mutual wants to ensure you can wear your engagement ring knowing your jewelry is well-protected, which is why situations like loss, damage, theft and disappearance are all covered. Check your rate from Jewelers Mutual by clicking the button below!
