What is a Carre Cut? What makes a Carre cut different?
Carre-cut diamonds are a variety of square diamond cuts featuring step facets in contrast to brilliant-cut styles such as the Princess cut.
An alternative shape to the Princess cut?
If you’ve never heard this term before, it might be due to the rarity of Carre cut diamonds. Most square diamonds take the form of Princess cuts.
In fact, the popular Princess-cut accounts for most square diamonds cut for jewellery. Comparatively, few square cuts are produced. Furthermore, there are far fewer choices for size, colour and clarity when it comes to choosing a Carre cut diamond.
Carre diamonds in jewellery designs.
Square step-cut diamonds feature many jewellery styles. This simple diamond cut lends itself to Antique and vintage-style jewellery.
Square diamond cut engagement ring styles.
One of our favourite Carre cut engagement rings is the Deco design. Named after the Art Deco Period, this Trilogy ring style features a vintage feel. They create this design with both Princess cut, and Carre cut diamonds.
The Deco ring design combines baguette-cut outer diamonds with an optional Carre or Princess cut centre diamond.
Fire vs brilliance? – characteristics of square step cut diamonds.
Similar to Emerald cut diamonds and Baguette cut diamonds, square diamonds exhibit greater fire and less brilliance. Step-cut diamonds break white light into colours of the spectrum. With less sparkle than brilliant cuts, step-faceted diamonds are subtle with less dazzle than other cuts.
The allure of step-cut diamonds.
Square diamonds easily reveal inclusions. Like the stone’s openness, internal features show themselves easily due to the window. Most square diamonds come from very high-clarity rough. Colour is more variable as a result.
Where to source the perfect diamond.
If you’re looking for a step cut diamond, don’t be too set on specifications. Keep an open mind. Likely, only a handful of diamonds in your chosen size will be available. Or less. We source Carre cuts for clients around the World, but it often takes a little time. Furthermore, not all square cut diamonds come with certification. Some larger diamonds include GIA certification, but many smaller sizes are sold uncertified. Alternatively, we can source certification locally where a client specifically requires a report.
Matching additional diamonds to Carre cuts
Carre-cut diamonds are best matched to other step-cut diamonds. For example, baguette-cut diamonds match beautifully—placed on either side of a square cut diamond. Alternatively, smaller square cut diamonds work equally well.
Getting further assistance
If you require additional help finding a Carre cut jewellery design, we source diamonds and create bespoke jewellery. This service is in addition to our regular website designs. Contact us for any additional help and guidance where needed. Our small team, based in our UK showroom in Ryde, remain friendly and available to help at all times.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
