Though very firm, the only disadvantage of this setting is that the diamond appears to be smaller because of the metal covering the edges. Diamonds are classified into seven main categories . Round brilliant is the most popular of all the polished shapes. Oval is an adaptation of the round brilliant and appears larger than a round stone of the same carat weight. Marquise is the name given to the diamond shape that is long and pointed at both ends, similar to the shape of a boat.
Heart shape is perhaps the most romantic ones of what are known as fancy shapes.
Emerald cut diamond is rectangular, with oblong facets on each side and across the corners. Square cut is also known as the princess cut. Diamond jewellery needs regular cleaning to stay at its brilliant best. A clean diamond not only reflects better, but actually looks bigger than one which has been dulled by skin oils, soaps, cosmetics and cooking grease. Do not jumble pieces in a drawer or a jewellery case in which case, on diamond can scratch and damage another diamond.