There are many popular diamond cuts to choose from, including princess, round radiant, oval and emerald to name a few. But if you’re looking for something more unique or like the qualities of two different cuts, a mixed cut diamond might be just for you. Whether in necklaces, bracelets, rings or earrings, mixed cut diamonds are a great way to showcase two different cuts in a single diamond. Read on to learn everything you need to know about mixed cut diamonds.
What is a Mixed Cut Diamond?
A diamond’s cut (one of the 4Cs used in grading diamonds, along with color, clarity and carat weight) plays a starring role in the stone's overall appearance. Most diamond cuts fall into one of the following categories: brilliant cut, step cut or mixed cut.
Brilliant cut: Brilliant cut diamonds, such as round, princess and oval, feature numerous triangle- and kite-shaped facets that radiate outward from the stone’s center. The carefully placed facets result in diamonds with exceptional sparkle.
Step cut: Step cuts, such as emerald, Asscher and baguette, have square or rectangular facets parallel to one another. With flat tops and clean, sophisticated lines, step cut diamonds tend to have slightly less sparkle than brilliant cuts. Instead, step cuts create a "hall of mirrors" effect, resulting in flashes of light rather than a constant shimmer.
Mixed cut: * A mixed cut diamond, sometimes called a hybrid cut, combines elements of both brilliant and step cuts. These diamonds are typically elongated (like an emerald cut) with brilliant cut facets added for extra sparkle.
*NOTE: There is some confusion about the definition of mixed cut diamonds. A mixed cut is a single diamond combining aspects of two different cut styles. It does not refer to jewelry with multiple diamonds of different cuts.
When did jewelers start creating mixed cut diamonds? Read on to learn about their innovative origin.
A Brief History of Mixed Cut Diamonds
Diamond cutting began in the 14th century, with early forms focusing on simple shapes. Facet cutting emerged in the 17th century, gradually evolving toward more complex designs. By the 20th century, jewelers perfected the round brilliant cut, with its precisely angled facets and exceptional brilliance.
Advancements in diamond-cutting technology, like laser cutting, in the late 20th century enabled the creation of mixed cut diamonds. These innovative cuts aimed to achieve a balance of brilliance, sparkle and unique design. The desire to explore new aesthetic possibilities and offer consumers more diverse options fueled the experimentation with mixed cut diamonds.
Common Shapes and Combinations for Mixed Cut Diamonds
Mixed cut diamonds often blend facets that enhance both brilliance and clarity, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking for a custom, eye-catching look. Here are five popular mixed cut diamonds to consider:
Cushion cut
The cushion cut is a classic shape that often combines brilliant facets on the crown with step-cut facets on the pavilion. This creates a beautiful balance between the diamond’s sparkle and depth, making the cushion cut popular for those seeking a vintage yet modern appearance. The rounded corners and larger facets accentuate the diamond's brilliance, providing a softer, more romantic look.
Princess cut
Some variations of the princess cut are considered mixed cuts. The crown may feature brilliant facets, while the pavilion uses step facets. In other cases, the pavilion may combine both brilliant and step facets to enhance its sparkle and depth.
Radiant cut
The radiant cut combines the elegance of a step cut at the pavilion with the sparkle of a brilliant cut at the crown. It can feature either a square or rectangular shape, blending the clarity of a step cut with the brilliance of a round cut.
Asscher cut
Though technically created from a step cut, Asscher cut diamonds are often referred to as modified step cuts. These square emerald cuts with beveled (slightly blunted) corners often feature brilliant facets on the pavilion, adding more brilliance and a dynamic appearance than traditional step cuts.
Emerald cut
Like the Asscher cut, the emerald cut is typically created from a step cut. However, some modern versions incorporate brilliant facets to add extra sparkle.
Examples of Mixed Cut Diamond Jewelry
While elaborately cut diamond rings might come to mind first, mixed cut diamonds are used in a variety of jewelry pieces. Here are a few examples:
Mixed cut necklaces
Mixed cut diamonds can be incorporated into necklaces in various ways. These could range from a cushion cut diamond tennis necklace to a radiant cut diamond pendant hanging from a chain.
Mixed cut bracelets
Consider a mixed cut tennis bracelet, where the blending of facet types adds shimmer and depth for a striking accessory. If you’re looking for something more subtle (and probably more affordable!), consider a chain bracelet with a single, delicate mixed cut diamond charm pendant.
Mixed cut rings
Many different gorgeous ring styles can be achieved with mixed cut diamonds. A single princess cut stone can blend classic elegance with contemporary design. In contrast, a mixed Asscher cut diamond flanked with smaller trapezoid or baguette cut stones can provide a romantic, vintage charm with extra sparkle.
Mixed cut earrings
There are too many mixed cut jewelry options to mention, especially when it comes to earrings. Some possibilities include pear-shaped mixed cut diamonds that create a mesmerizing play of light along with the sophistication and elegance of their elongated shape. If you’re looking for a more traditional shape, consider a pair of cushion-modified halo earrings featuring a central cushion-modified diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds.
Tips for Choosing a Perfect Mixed Cut Diamond
Deciding which mixed cut diamond to purchase is exciting! There are so many combinations of step and brilliant cuts to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing which cuts to combine for your mixed cut diamond:
Cut quality matters
Although mixed cuts are meant to add sparkle to diamonds, the quality of the cut is still important—just like with any diamond. A well-carved mixed cut diamond will maximize light performance, producing optimal brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Poorly created mixed cut diamonds may not effectively reflect and refract light, leading to a dull or lifeless appearance and diminishing the stone's overall beauty.
Consider shape and style
Mixed cut diamonds can vary greatly in shape, from round and cushion to princess and elongated. Consider how the diamond’s shape will look on your finger and choose a mixed cut diamond shape that complements your finger and style!
Consider the setting
There are many things to consider when deciding on a ring setting. Do you prefer the simplicity of solitaire settings, or are you drawn to the sparkle of halo settings? Will your ring’s band be simple and smooth, or will you include embellishments such as milgrain or a twisted or patterned band? If patterns or multiple diamonds will be incorporated into your setting, consider how their shapes, sparkle and added dimension will complement a mixed cut center stone.
Be certain to get certifications
When purchasing a mixed cut diamond, ensure it comes with proper certification from a reputable gem lab to guarantee its quality and authenticity.
Insure Your Mixed Cut Jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
If you’ve invested in a mixed cut diamond, you should consider insuring your precious jewelry pieces with Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers loss, damage, and disappearance. You can check your rate online by clicking the button below.
