Baguettes are wonderful accompaniments to help showcase a centre stone. Our tapered Baguettes in a three-stone setting are an excellent jewellery choice to add to the overall brilliance and appeal of a ring without distracting from the centre diamond.
A baguette diamond is a thin, elongated, rectangular shaped diamond. Baguettes can be almost square in shape, but are more commonly long and thin. They usually have a length to length ratio of around 5:1.
Baguette diamonds can have straight edges in a perfect rectangle or tapered edges that angle inward. These are called “straight” or “tapered” baguettes. The corners are perfectly square, which is the biggest difference between similar cuts like the Baguette and Emerald Cut.
Baguettes have 14 facets, which is much less than traditional diamond cuts, which usually have more than 50. They are usually small and therefore are often used as side stones for engagement rings, eternity rings, or wedding bands.
Baguettes are part of the Step Cut family, which also includes Emerald and Asscher Cuts. One of the distinguishing features of Step Cut diamonds is their flat, clearly defined facets. This gives diamonds like Baguettes a very different appearance from Round Cut diamonds, with less sparkle and brilliance.
Baguette and Emerald Cut Diamonds
The difference between Baguette and Emerald Cut diamonds is the number of facets and a slight difference in shape. Baguette cuts have 14 facets while Emerald cuts have 58 facets.
While both cuts can have a similar long, rectangular shape, Baguette cuts have square corners while Emerald Cuts have diagonal corners. Baguettes are longer and narrower than Emerald Cuts.
Typically Baguette Cuts will be sold in lower Carat weights than Emerald Cuts because they are not used as often as center stones like Emeralds or Asscher Cuts.
Baguette Engagement Ring Settings
Baguette diamonds make wonderful choices for side stones in a three-stone setting. The perfect stone and setting will highlight the center stone and produce a beautiful engagement ring.
Most baguette diamond rings are set horizontally, with a baguette on each side drawing attention to a center stone.
Three Stone Baguette Ring
Tapered Baguette diamonds are a beautiful way to add extra sparkle to a ring without taking away from the centre stone. One of the most popular styles is a three stone setting with Tapered Baguettes alongside the Emerald Cut. Rings like these feature perfectly matched Step Cut diamonds in the Emerald and Baguette Cuts that complement each other beautifully.
Baguette diamonds are generally less expensive than other diamond cuts. The price per carat for a baguette diamond is likely to be lower than, for example, a round brilliant or emerald cut, because lower quality cuts are used.
Baguettes are graded in 4 Cs, just like any diamond, so prices can vary depending on the type of stone.
It is possible to obtain high quality baguette diamonds, in which case the price per carat will be similar to the more common cuts due to the increasing scarcity of high quality baguettes. However, baguette diamonds almost always have a lower carat weight, so individually they are not as expensive as other diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Baguette Diamonds Break Easily?
Baguette diamonds are more delicate and chip more easily than other diamond cuts. They are often long and flat, exposing more surface area. This makes it easier for the diamond to crack, break or become loose if impacted or struck. The square corners also make them vulnerable to damage.
For this reason, baguettes are usually placed in metal in channel settings, where they can be better protected.
Advantages of Baguette Diamonds
They have their own role as accent diamonds and pair beautifully with almost any cut. Baguettes offer a less expensive way to add volume to a ring rather than covering it with high-quality brilliant-cut diamonds.
It is also worth noting that you can find brilliant cut Baguette diamonds that hold their own against the more popular diamond cuts.
What to Look for in Baguette Diamonds?
There are a few things to look for in a baguette diamond. When setting it as a side stone, the most important thing is that the color matches the center stone.
Brilliant cuts will appear whiter than a Baguette of the same color grade. If you are placing a Baguette next to a brilliant cut, choose a slightly higher color grade to ensure there is no noticeable difference, but not so high that it overshadows the center stone.
A Baguette does not need to be perfect in terms of clarity, but it is important to ensure that the eyes are clear. Due to the large surface area, it will be easier to spot any flaws or inclusions.
How the baguette is set is important. Settings that are exposed to more light allow more light to pass through the diamond. Setting should be done well in case the baguettes break or become dislodged. This will ensure your jewelry lasts longer.