How are Trillion Cut Diamonds Different to Other Cuts?

The trillion cut diamond can be distinguished from other cuts as a triangle shape with rounded sides.

They were first created in the Netherlands by the Asscher brothers during the 18th century. The trillion cut, as it is known today, was first trademarked by the Henry Meyer Diamond Company of New York in the 1960s and was named the “trilliant” cut.

What is the difference of trillion cut diamonds to other cuts you may ask? While a trillion cut diamond is beautiful in itself and an eye-catching option, the trillion cut is not as well-known compared to other cuts such as the round and princess cuts.

How does the shape of a trillion cut diamond differ from other cuts?

1. Size

If you want a diamond cut that is large, pick a trillion cut diamond. A trillion cut diamond is usually larger compared to a standard round brilliant cut even though they have the same carat size. Trillion cuts are also shallow cuts but they look wide.

However, as the trillion cut is extremely shallow, at the surface level it can look big but the effect of the shallowness can make the diamond have less brilliance as it does not have the depth that makes the diamond reflect light to make it sparkle.

2. Setting

Unlike most diamond shapes, the trillion cut is more commonly used for side-stone diamonds than for center stones.  However, you can also find engagement rings that feature a trillion cut diamond as the center stone. The trillion cut is often found as accent diamonds or side-stone diamonds surrounding a center stone. However, there are still many people who fall for the unique design so you can also find the trillion cut as a center stone for engagement rings or wedding rings. They are also good options to be used for solitaire jewelry such as stud earrings or necklace pendants.

3. Cut quality

Unlike other diamond cuts, trillion cut diamonds do not have specific guidelines to determine an excellent cut quality.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) usually provides standards on what makes a diamond valuable from their cut quality however, due to the unique yet complex structure of the trillion cut they currently do not have a cut grading.

Here are general guidelines to help evaluate the cut quality of the trillion cut:

• Depth: 32-48%
• Table: 50-70%
• Length to width ratio: 1.00-1.10

In order to have the best quality trillion cut, you look for the symmetry and polished grade that is reported on its certification.

If it has a ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ grade, you should go for it.

4. Prongs

Due to the unique and unconventional shape of the trillion cut diamond, you may need to have a special set of prongs to hold this stone.

The trillion cut requires v-shape prongs so that it can securely wrap the tips so that it stays safe and secured.

How to Tell the Difference between Trillion and Other Cuts

The trillion diamond has a triangular cut and shape with three equal sides. It has a flat table just like the round brilliant cut. This cut is particularly known to have great brilliance, fire, and a unique yet modern look.

Due to its cut, the trillion diamond does a great job of hiding inclusions and color. When the trillion cut diamond is cut to a high standard of quality, this cut will be a wonder to behold either as an accent or center stone.

The way they are cut and shaped can differ if they are intended to be used as either an accent or center stone.

For example, if the trillion cut diamond is meant to be used as a center stone in a ring, it can be cut to have 50 facets. A trillion diamond that is a center stone can have a light curve or convex shape so that the overall size is maximized.

For this particular cut, go for the diamond that is certified as having an H color and a clarity grade of SI or above.

As for the trillion diamond cut price, the price can vary based on its 4C’s (color, clarity, carat weight, and cut quality). If you want a trillion diamond that is large, you can expect to pay more as it has more carat weight.

Since the trillion cut can vary based on how it is set, the price can change based on what type of setting you wanted, the number of diamonds, and how much carat weight there is.

What do I need to know before Buying a Trillion Cut Diamonds

Pros

1. The beauty of trillion cut diamonds is that they are quite rare. It is not every day that you see a trillion cut as part of a wedding or engagement ring as the center stone. There are select jewelry stores that have trillion cut diamonds in stock.

Trillion cut diamonds are usually part of a ring as accent stones so if you go to a jewelry store that does custom pieces or wholesale diamonds, trillion cuts used as accent stones are available.

2. When the trillion cut has adequate depth and is not cut too shallow it can have a flash of excellent brilliance.

3. The trillion cut can appear larger than other cuts that have the same carat weight such as the round brilliant cut or princess cut diamond so you can have a larger diamond ring and make the most from its carat size.

4. Due to its unique shape and cut, you can proudly wear the trillion cut as a center stone for an engagement or wedding ring with pride knowing that you are wearing a center stone that is rare and not conventional.

Cons

1. The trillion cut is more vulnerable to chipping because of its points. A good protective setting should be used for these stones.

2. Due to its shape, the trillion cut requires v prongs for it to be secured. If not, the stone can be prone to chipping.

3. If you have a trillion cut that is shallow, it needs extra maintenance and cleaning as dust can easily settle and can diminish its sparkle.

4. This stone is more difficult to set compared to other diamond cuts so it needs expert hands for it to be carefully set due to its edges in a specialized setting.

Interest in a trillion cut diamond? Give us a call at Shira Diamonds today!

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