Glossary: Baguette Diamond
Baguette diamonds or baguette gemstones are cut into small rectangular or tapered shapes with stepped edges. Generally used as accents to larger stones, baguettes have a thin, elongated shape with either tapered or straight edges that angle inwards. Some of these cuts may be nearly square, but the vast majority are thin and long, with a typical ratio of 5:1.
Because they are usually smaller, baguette diamonds work well as accent stones for wedding and engagement rings, or layered around eternity rings.
Baguette diamonds belong to the step-cut diamond family, which includes Asscher and emerald-cut diamonds. The primary differences between baguettes and other diamond cuts are the clearly defined, straight and square edges, along with the total number of facets. Baguette cuts have just 14 facets, while traditional diamond cuts have more than 50. This gives baguette-cut diamonds less sparkle, brilliance and fire compared to round-cut diamonds.
History
The baguette diamond originated between 1920 and 1930 during the famous Art Nouveau and Art Déco periods. They didn’t really grow in popularity, however, until after the Art Déco period as tastes gravitated away from traditionally cut diamonds. At around this time, jewelers began using baguette cuts as focal pieces in various pieces, including rings, pendants, bracelets and more.
These days, baguette diamonds are found throughout virtually every jewelry store around the world, although they are used mainly to accent larger diamonds. It’s generally easier to find smaller baguettes to use as accents, but long baguettes can also make for elegant centerpieces in the right circumstances.
Baguette Diamond Pros and Cons
Since baguette diamonds have fewer facets than other types of step-cut diamonds, they give off less internal brilliance. Because of this, it’s important to use a diamond with near-flawless clarity. Other diamond cuts are more capable of hiding small flaws and inclusions because they have more facets to cover up imperfections. Baguettes are also more prone to dulling and chipping due to their shape.
When choosing baguette diamonds for side stones, it’s important to make sure they all look the same when placed side-by-side. It’s also important to make sure they will not clash with the center stone. While they make nice accent pieces, baguette-cut diamonds can also provide a lovely modern minimalistic appearance when used as a centerpiece; but this requires an expert designer, such as John Atencio.
Things to Consider
A baguette diamond’s color should match that of the center stone. Bear in mind that brilliant cuts will usually appear whiter than baguettes, so it’s best to choose baguette-cut diamonds with a higher color grade so there won’t be a noticeable difference. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be too bright or they may overshadow the centerpiece.
Since baguettes chip more easily than many other diamond shapes, it’s important to choose a setting that will hold the gems securely while providing some protection against damage. The best setting for a baguette-cut center diamond is generally a solitaire or solitaire pavé, which allows the diamond to be oriented east-west for a contemporary appearance or north-south for a classic look.
Choosing a Diamond Cut
Baguette diamonds are often appreciated by Art Deco enthusiasts and brides who want a minimalistic, modern look. They continue to be a popular choice for accent stones thanks to their subtle, yet elegant look. They also tend to be an affordable option for people shopping on a budget.
That said, when weighing the pros and cons of any diamond cut, it all comes down to personal preferences. What seems like a negative to some can be positive to someone else. This is why it's so important to talk to a knowledgeable jewelry expert who can provide guidance that will help you determine whether a specific cut is right for your situation.
Everyone’s diamond search is unique. At John Atencio, our attentive consultants can help you find the perfect cut, carat, style and setting. Paired with an artfully crafted John Atencio jewelry design, our brilliant diamonds provide a breathtaking expression of luxury and love, whatever the carat, whatever the cut.
Explore our diamond search or schedule an appointment at one of our many locations, where our expert team will provide a personalized approach to help you find the best diamond option for your jewelry.