What Is a Baguette Cut Diamond?
Baguette-cut diamonds are part of the step-cut family, sharing lineage with emerald and Asscher cuts. Characterized by 14 straight facets, this cut emphasizes clarity over brilliance, offering a sleek and refined appearance.
There are two primary shapes of baguette-cut diamonds:
- Straight Baguette: Features parallel edges, forming a perfect rectangle.
- Tapered Baguette: Edges angle inward on one end, creating a trapezoidal shape.
Due to their shape and facet structure, baguette-cut diamonds are commonly used as side or accent stones, typically in smaller carat weights.
History of Baguette Cut Diamonds
The baguette cut traces its origins to the 16th-century “hogback” cut, an elongated table cut used for monograms and jeweled letters. In 1912, Cartier reintroduced this style, which gained significant popularity during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. Celebrated for their minimalist, clean lines and geometric shapes, baguettes became a staple in intricate jewelry designs. Today, it continues to be favored for its vintage yet modern aesthetic.
The 4Cs of Baguette Cut Diamonds
Understanding the 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—is essential when evaluating baguettes:
Cut
As previously described, the baguette cut features 14 straight facets that highlight the diamond’s clarity.
Color
The shallow cuts of baguettes can reveal more body color compared to brilliant cuts. A G or H color rating is recommended for a colorless appearance, and it’s advisable to match the color of the baguette side stones with the center stone to ensure uniformity.
Clarity
With minimal facets, inclusions are more visible in baguette-cut diamonds. A VS2 clarity grade or higher is advisable for an eye-clean appearance.
Carat
Baguette-cut diamonds are rarely used as center stones and are typically found in smaller carat weights for side stones or wedding bands. They are often sold in sets to ensure uniformity in jewelry designs.
Which Center Stone Shapes Do Baguettes Pair Best With?
Since baguettes are step cuts, they are most often paired with other step-cut center stones. Most popularly, they are paired with emerald cuts or other elongated shapes for a nice balance.
Emerald Cut
4.15 carat Emerald Cut Lab Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Radiant Cut
Radiants are another great option for tapered baguettes if you are looking for something more brilliant.
3.65 carat Radiant Cut Lab Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Round Brilliant
If you’re looking for something more classic, a round center stone with tapered baguettes is another popular choice.
2 carat Round Lab Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Ready to Start Designing?
If you’re looking for a three-stone engagement ring with baguettes, you can look through our catalog or visit us in our showroom. You can also design your own three-stone engagement ring if you want something else!
Follow our Instagram and Pinterest for more three-stone inspiration.
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