What Is a Cadillac Cut Diamond?
Cadillac diamonds are exactly what they sound like: Diamonds cut to resemble the shape of the Cadillac logo. This five-sided shield design features one elongated, flat side and three sharp-edged corners running opposite to create the effect. This shape is also sometimes referred to as the epaulette cut.
Epaulette cuts aren’t anything new, even if they’ve traded this old-fashioned name for a newer one. Its namesake, epaulettes, refers to the shoulder embellishments often found on military uniforms. As such, epaulette cuts are sharp, geometric, and modern.
The epaulette cut found popularity in the late 1900s. While it is not prized by all jewelry shoppers, it has gained fame with jewelry collectors and shoppers looking for something exceptionally interesting and contemporary.
Cut Vs. Shape
It’s important to note that the term “cut” is a bit incorrect in this instance. From a technical standpoint, diamond cuts refer to how a diamond’s facets are cut into the stone to reflect light and sparkle.
When someone refers to a Cadillac cut, they’re referring to its shape. The diamond shape differs from cut, and always refers to the stone’s outline. For example, you can have various diamond shapes — square, round, rectangular, etc. — that are technically different cuts.
What You Will Learn
Where Are You Most Likely to See Cadi Cut Diamonds Used?
You’ll unlikely see a Cadillac-shaped diamond taking the spotlight as the center stone of an engagement ring. Instead, this diamond shape is most often used for side stones, with the elongated part touching both sides of a longer stone, like an emerald diamond.
The overall effect creates a diamond ring that appears larger than it might otherwise. This is because attention is focused on the extra length provided, both in the center stone’s shape and in the way the Cadillac diamonds’ central points follow the direction of the ring band.
A Cadillac stone isn’t just reserved for rings, either. The style is also popular for earrings, where the stone might be used simply for studs.
Why You Might Opt for a Ring Featuring Cadillac Diamonds
Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or just a new piece of jewelry, there are many things you’ll want to consider before landing on a Cadillac diamond cut. And there are arguments to be made both for and against Cadillac diamonds.
Here are some of the pros:
- Cadillac cut diamonds add a modern and unique feel to a ring. They’re a distinctive, less commonplace style than many other cuts and shapes.
- Cadillac cuts offer a high level of brilliance, which means the diamond will appear as sparkly as possible. And that’s always a good thing!
- Cadillac side stones can make a smaller center stone look larger, leading to the appearance of an overall larger ring despite the more affordable carat size.
Here are some of the cons:
- While Cadillac side stones do create the illusion of a ring with a larger total weight, they are still extra diamonds, and adding them will increase the price tag.
- This style isn’t for everyone, and it’s not as traditional as some other potential ring styles, so that’s something to consider when choosing an engagement ring.
- When opting for side stones, the Cadillac cut pairs best with very specific center stones, so you’ll be more limited in terms of the cut and shape of the main diamond.
Alternatives to Cadillac Cut Diamonds
If you’re looking at rings that feature Cadillac cut stones, but they’re not exactly what you envisioned, you do have other options. Beyond Cadillac shapes, you can also choose similarly geometric side stones, such as:
- Trapezoid side stones: They feature fewer sides, points, and angles, with one elongated side and then two points running opposite (as compared to the three points with Cadillac stones)
- Baguette side stones: Long rectangular shapes that also give an illusion of length
- Bullet side stones: As the name suggests, they are shaped like bullets with a triangular point at the end of a narrow, elongated stone
- Trilliant cut side stones: Essentially just triangles with multiple points
As you consider which option is best for you, you’ll want to take into account all the fine details that will go into your ring, including band metal (whether you opt for platinum, gold, or silver), the setting style, and additional accents, such as a channel row of diamonds around the band.
Cadillac Diamond FAQs
What Is the Rarest Cut of Diamond?
While Cadillac diamonds are certainly not the most popular out of the bunch, there are rarer diamond cuts you may not see at every jewelry store. Royal Asscher cuts, for example, feature more than 60 facets and require a high skill level. The Ashoka cut requires particularly fine diamonds. The Jubilee cut, meanwhile, has nearly 90 facets and was created to recognize Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee celebration.
What Is the Cheapest Diamond Cut?
Some more affordable diamond cuts include marquise, and emerald cuts. These cuts can make a smaller diamond (by carat weight) look slightly larger. As such, they’re a good pick for anyone on a strict budget. Luckily, emerald cuts also pair very well with Cadillac side stones.
What Are the Most Expensive Diamond Cuts?
One of the more popular diamond cuts you’ll see at the jewelry store, round brilliant cuts also happen to be more expensive. They require a lot of skill to create and discard a lot of the overall rough diamond.
How Are Cadillac Diamonds Typically Used?
Cadillac diamonds are typically used as side stones to flank a similarly geometric center stone, such as an emerald cut. If you have something more unique or original in mind, you might consider working with a designer to craft a custom ring that utilizes the Cadillac cut. While this process can be more time-consuming and expensive, it does result in the most unique-to-you piece possible.
Do Cadillac Diamonds Require Any Special Care?
They won’t require any care beyond what is usually needed when caring for a diamond ring. You’ll just want to be careful with the Cadillac’s three-stone setting to avoid bumps or scratches that might occur due to the larger setting style.
Whatever Your Perfect Ring Shape, Protect It!
Whether you decide that Cadillac cut diamonds are for you or you like a different design for your ring, ensure you protect all your favorite jewelry with the right insurance coverage. Specialty jewelry insurance like BriteCo offers can protect all your finest pieces from life’s mishaps and mistakes, including mysterious disappearance, loss, damage, and theft.
Because from the moment you take it home, anything can happen. You could leave the ring on your dresser, come home from work, and realize it’s gone. You could accidentally ding or damage the ring while performing household chores. Or maybe you wore it on a trip and returned home without it.
Whatever the worst-case scenario, with BriteCo jewelry insurance, you can get your ring repaired or replaced with zero deductibles. Get your free jewelry insurance quote from BriteCo and protect your pieces today.
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