Scissor cut diamonds are one of the rarer stone cuts in our wide selection, and have sometimes been referred to as the cross-cut diamond. However, the origin of the scissor cut diamond can be traced back to the 16th Century. Scissor cut diamonds have evolved from old step cut diamonds, and have a very unique and beautiful style.
Scissor cut diamonds can be recognised by their unique facets. On a scissor cut diamond, the side facets are composed of four triangular facets instead of rectangular. The facets are said to look like the ‘criss-cross’ blade of scissors, which is where the cut gets its name. The scissor cut diamond is a more reflective version of the step cut, because it has different facets. If you change the facets of a diamond, it will reflect light in a different way, making it more reflective. However, the scissor cut diamond shape is more often used on semi-precious stone.
The scissor cut diamond shape is more often used on aquamarine, as it is the best cut to display the stunning inner quality of the semi-precious stone. The scissor cut diamond shape gives aquamarine more sparkle, and allows it to display its stunning natural shine. However, the scissor cut diamond shape can also be used on topaz, kunzite, ceylon and tourmaline.
While it is not unheard of to see scissor cut diamonds, they are more likely to be seen on semi-precious stone. The scissor cut diamond shape displays the natural vibrant colours of stone like aquamarine in a stunningly beautiful way, making the colours shine deeper and bolder.
Although we can find scissor cut diamonds in Victorian engagement rings and earlier jewellery collections, they seem to have been most popular during the 1920s. During the 1920s, society wanted a change from the traditional aesthetics of the Edwardian and Victorian eras. Instead they wanted bright, modern, geometric designs in everything from jewellery to interior design. The scissor cut diamond uses a lot of geometric shapes and is incredibly bright, so scissor cut diamond jewellery was very popular throughout the era. Its beauty and prestige is undeniable, even today.
Scissor cut diamond jewellery has a very long and rich history. If any of these expertly chosen pieces catches your eye, please visit our Showroom at the heart of Hatton Garden, or be in touch with us here online.
Our team of jewellery experts are on hand to answer your questions online or in-store.