Trend: Glittering combinations of diamond cuts

November 28, 2018

By Jodie Smith

7 min read

One of the most insistent trends in fine jewellery over 2018 has been creations which incorporate a mixture of diamond cuts: classic. The traditional look which can be achieved through uniformity and repetition has been abandoned for an altogether more daring, dynamic and even divergent expression of luxury.

This fashion for combining diamond cuts can be interpreted as a reinvention of conventional designs, upturning what is expected in high jewellery and instead, surprising and enticing us – as both jewellery admirers and wearers. 

Chopard 'Queen of Kalahari' necklace with pear and brilliant cut diamonds

Chopard 'Queen of Kalahari' necklace with pear and brilliant cut diamonds

When the diamantaires at De Beers, Graff and Harry Winston create their masterpieces featuring an amalgam of stone cuts, then you know that this trend has firmly taken hold. An abundance of varying diamond shapes in a single creation produces a sense of texture and even volume, it suggests a vivacious opulence; as though the diamonds cannot be contained by simple designs.

Messika diamond choker from 'Flappers' collection with asscher, step and brilliant cut diamonds

Messika diamond choker from 'Flappers' collection with asscher, step and brilliant cut diamonds

The jewellery which showcases copious amounts of diamonds glittering in different ways are some of the most lavish in haute joaillerie, so the examples in this gallery are fittingly some breath-taking. Everyone has a personal preference in diamond cuts – whether it’s a classic brilliant, a romantic marquise, a chic step cut, an unconventional fancy cut or a pretty pear – combining these contrasting shapes results in incomparable sparkle and drama!

Dior

Dior

'Salon d'Apollon' brooch from the 'Dior à Versailles' collection with brilliant cut, step cut and pear cut diamonds in 18k white and pink gold and scorched silver

Chaumet

Chaumet

'Eclat Floral' ring from the 'Joséphine Aigrette' collection with 3.08ct cushion cut, and 0.40ct brilliant cut and pear cut diamonds in platinum

Cartier

Cartier

'Creative Wedding Band' ring with baguette cut and brilliant cut diamonds

Harry Winston

Harry Winston

'My Precious Time' pocket watch with 380 brilliant cut diamonds totalling 2.40ct, 90 baguette cut diamonds totalling 7.71ct, 39 marquise cut diamonds totalling 3.17ct, and 1 cushion cut diamond 1.02ct in 18k white gold

Chanel

Chanel

'Coromandel' bracelet from the 'Précieux Envol' collection with emerald cut and brilliant cut diamonds in 18k white gold

Bucherer

Bucherer

Fine jewellery bracelet with pear cut and brilliant cut diamonds totalling 7.5ct in 18k white gold

Boucheron

Boucheron

'Fougäre' ring with 2.02ct pear cut, tapered Carré cut and brilliant cut diamonds in white gold

Dior

Dior

‘Dentelle Guipure’ earrings from the 'Dior Dior Dior' collection in Carré cut, brilliant cut and pear cut diamonds in 18k white gold

Tiffany&Co.

Tiffany&Co.

'Blue Book 2018 collection' necklace with over 92ct uniquely cut diamonds in platinum

De Beers

De Beers

De Beers 'Cupid' ring from the 'Diamond Legends' collection with 1.65ct and 1.11ct pear cut diamonds, and accenting princess and marquise cut diamonds

Boodles

Boodles

'Pas de Deux' earrings with 3.15ct ASHOKA® cut and kite cut diamonds in platinum

Stenzhorn

Stenzhorn

'Storm' necklace from the 'Iced Zeit' collection in baguette cut, brilliant cut and pear cut diamonds

Graff

Graff

'Swirl'ring with 10.29ct brilliant cut and tapered baguette cut diamonds

Tasaki

Tasaki

'Lueur du Jour' earrings from 'Ritz Paris' collection with pear cut, brilliant cut and marquise cut diamonds totalling 5.27ct in platinum

Messika

Messika

'The Bright Falcon' necklace in 487 marquise cuts and 1 emerald cut diamond totalling 98.59ct

Boghossian

Boghossian

'Les Merveilles' ring with oval and brilliant cut diamonds

Anna Hu

Anna Hu

'Papillon' ring with trillion cut yellow diamond, accenting pear cut and brilliant cut colourless and yellow diamonds in titanium

Harry Winston: ‘Winston Candy’ – transforming candy to carats

continue reading

Watches and Wonders 2025: Eight of the Most Artful Dials 

From lovers kissing on a bridge to precious animals painted in enamel or gems, this year’s watch launches included timepieces with extraordinary dials that blur the line between watchmaking and wearable art.

by Rachael Taylor

Birthday Wishes: Embracing the Power of Being Different 

Today, I want to share my thoughts on embracing your inner self and channelling all that power into your biggest passions…

by Katerina Perez

Flip the Script: Meet the Jewellers Creating Luxury Customised Watches

Jewellery designers are increasingly turning their artistic talents to the world of horology, customising luxury watches with unique embellishments that carry their personal style signatures. From reimagined Rolexes to gemstone-studded bezels, discover how jewellers are making their mark on the world of timepieces

by Rachael Taylor

Iconic Revival: Boucheron Reinvents the Serpent Bohème Jewellery

That nostalgic feeling of seeing past creations—sometimes forgotten, sometimes iconic—sparking a rush of inspiration to reimagine and breathe new life into what once was. That's exactly what Boucheron has achieved with its latest revival: the Serpent Bohème Vintage collection

by Hirshi Sujanti

Art Deco Innovation: Exploring the Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting

The Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco ingenuity. As the world celebrates the centenary of Art Deco in 2025, we are taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most technically ambitious innovations to emerge from this golden era of jewellery design

by Claire Roberts

Emerald Odyssey: Chopard Unveils its Insofu High Jewellery Collection

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a new collection unveiling. But what truly excites me isn't just the sparkle and glamour – it's when a brand takes a bold and unexpected approach. This is exactly what Chopard has done with its latest Insofu High Jewellery collection, which all started with the extraordinary 6,225-carat 'Insofu' rough emerald. Let's take a closer look at the creations that have emerged from this incredible mineral specimen

by Hirshi Sujanti

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Best Jewellery Watches 

From diamond-drenched serpents to enamelled blooms and secret talismans, these new jewellery watches unveiled in Geneva embody the artistry, emotion and extravagance of high jewellery watchmaking for women

by Rachael Taylor

Refined Character: The Ancient-Meets-Modern Allure of Dionysios Fine Jewels

The Dionysios signature is all about warm, soulful jewellery that’s characterful without being overtly historical or too starkly modern. Let’s take a closer look at some of the brand’s highlights…

by Katerina Perez

Blinded by the Light: The April Birthstone Through the Lens of Diamond Pavé

Let's consider pieces that showcase this method of craftsmanship in all its sparkling glory…

by Katerina Perez

Love Language: Introducing the Expressive Creations of Zome Jewellery

For designers like Meghna Biswas, the woman behind Zome Jewellery in the United Arab Emirates, the process of transforming coloured gemstones and precious metals into beautiful creations is an ever-evolving love language

by Katerina Perez

Diamond Garden: Creating Digital Delights with AI Artist Anastasia Rogozhina

Take a look and consider the incredible feats that artificial intelligence can achieve in empowering creativity and broadening our minds

by Katerina Perez

100 Years of Art Deco: Top 10 Pieces of Art Deco Jewellery Sold at Auction

From the legendary Van Cleef & Arpels Jarretière bracelet worn by Marlene Dietrich to a striking aigrette that was once part of the Al Thani collection, all the pieces below are infused with the fearless originality of the Jazz Age

by Claire Roberts

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Century of Splendour:Louis Vuitton Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds Chapter II

Creative Director Francesca Amfitheatrof offers her unique interpretation of a pivotal period in France’s history, marked by the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and the rise of industrialism

by Sarah Jordan

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.