Trillion Cut Diamonds: Enthralling Things About Triangular Cut Diamond Shaped

Trillion cut diamonds are also referred to as the Treille, Trillian, or the Trilliant cut by the people in the diamond industry. This is a cut that is synonymous with its name fashions three sides of equal length, much similar to an equivalent triangle in theory. It has a flat table on its surface. 

The trillion cut is a rather contemporary shape introduced somewhere in the 1960s. This cut is also often scrutinized as an adventurous and provocative shape that catches the eye of every person rendering it as a statement piece. Hence this is also why you would not find this cut on the more classical jewelry pieces.

Unlike the more common diamond cuts such as the round, cushion, princess, pear, oval, etc. The trillion-cut diamond is hardly ever found as the centerpiece of most rings and jewelry, rather it is more commonly used as side stones for most rings. Nonetheless, you can still find some engagement rings which feature a trillion-cut diamond as their center stone. However rare it may seem it is not entirely uncommon.

History of the Trillion Cut

We do not have to travel too far in the past in order to discover the origin of this cut, in fact, compared to the rest of the cuts of this family the trillion cut is fairly new. 

In the year 1962, the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam were the first to come up with this cut, although it is a popular belief that the trillion cuts were developed in the 1970s whereas in reality the cut was first trademarked by the renowned Henry Meyer Diamond Company of New York in the year 1962. However, since the patent has long been expired, the term trillion cut is now applied to any brilliant diamond cut that is triangular in shape.

It also holds true that even long before the Asscher brothers, historians and archaeologists have found evidence of other triangular-shaped brilliant diamonds. Yet Amsterdam is the place credited as the actual origin of the trillion cuts in the 18th century. Regardless of its actual point of origin, it is indisputable that the modern-day trillion cut that is in use officially began its journey only in 1962, in New York.

The term trillion cut is also applicable to step cuts and cabochon stones. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades all non-branded triangular-shaped diamonds as ‘triangular brilliant’ or ‘triangular modified brilliant’

The Basics of the Trillion Cut Diamonds

The Trillion cut diamond is triangular in shape with three equal sides, similar to the round cut diamonds they also have a flat table. They are well known for their splendid brilliance as well as an eye-catching fire with an entirely modern appearance. This cut got the term trilliant due to its shape while the term itself is a combination of the words triangle and brilliant.

Much similar to other brilliant diamonds this cut does well to hide any color and inclusions if the diamond is of a lower color grade or of a lower clarity grade. The Trillion cut can appear absolutely stunning when it is cut according to a higher standard making it suitable for any ring as a center stone or even as a side stone. Since the trillion cuts can differ in their shape depending on their purpose of use, either as a center stone or as an accent stone.

Also read: Three Stone Engagement Ring: Reveal Your Endless Love

Trillion cuts as center stone:

The trillion cuts although less commonly are still used as centerpieces in rings and other jewelry. One of the main reasons for it is its splendid brilliance and fire which just enhances the entire appearance of the jewelry. 

If the trillion cut is to be used on the center diamond then it is required to have at least 50 facets, moreover, they are cut in such a way that they have a light curve or a convex shape so that it can appear larger in size compared to its original carat weight. 

Trillion cuts as sides stones

The trillion cut is used as side stones not only in rings but also in other jewelry as well. It is due to its triangular shape that it makes for a brilliant side stone allowing it to brilliantly complement the main and center stones of the ring or any other jewelry. 

A trillion-cut diamond that is cut for the purpose of a side stone generally speaking has only 31 facets along with straight edges. It also will not be having any convex edges. The trillion cuts can be used in a three-stone engagement ring or any other similar setting. 

Since the origin of this cut, it has seen many modifications over the course of time. Several variations of this cut also exist, and they mostly have different facet counts. It is due to these numerous variations that it has become necessary for one to pay close attention to the cut of the diamonds while purchasing them and comparing diamonds with similar cuts.

How is the trillion-shaped cut?

It is unquestionably an ardent task to achieve a trillion-shape cut compared to other brilliant diamond cuts. This cut requires a lot of precision and it is trickier than others as it is very easy to chip a trillion-cut diamond during cutting the stone or while it is being polished, in fact, one has to be cautious even while placing the stone on the jewelry stand.

Every single diamond that is being cut according to the trillion cuts must be done carefully only after an individual has an exact idea as to how it is going to be placed on the jewelry since the cut differs for center stones and accent stones.

Also, another thing the diamond cutter must be mindful of is that the cut should not add shallowness to the diamond because trillion cuts are normally shallower compared to other cuts hence it is paramount that they are not made too shallow, or else they would lose their brilliance and fire.

It was only due to these necessary precautions that this cut was not commonly attempted until the 20th century. Due to limited technology in the formative years, only diamonds with highly specific parameters could have effectively been cut into a brilliant trilliant cut diamond. It was only after the discovery and implementation of more sophisticated tools and machinery in the diamond cutting industry that people began to popularize this cut as the window for mistakes significantly reduced due to the laser drill.

How to Buy the Right Trillion Cut Diamond?

Similar to other cuts and characteristics when buying a diamond, purchasing a trillion cut can prove to be tricky if you do not know what you should be looking out for. 

If you are purchasing trillion cut diamonds for the purpose of accentuating your engagement ring then there is no reason for you to delve too much into the 4c’s of the diamond namely cut, carat, color, and clarity. You can just ensure that the center diamond and the side diamonds have similar color and clarity grades so that they can complement each other perfectly.

One of the most prominent and sought-after designs concerning trillion cut diamond rings is a three-stone ring with trillion diamond accents.  The modernity of the ring complements any woman with a more contemporary style while giving you room for selecting any cut and style for your center stone.

When purchasing a trillion-cut diamond, the most crucial factor is its depth as it greatly affects the fire and brilliance of the diamond. The greater the depth of the diamond the lesser its brilliance would go. And lastly, it is highly recommended that the trillion cut diamond be set in V-prongs since their unique shape can make it difficult to set them in other settings.

Some of the highly recommended tips while purchasing trillion cuts are:

• To check the depth of the diamond: This fact cannot be stressed enough. Since the cut is quite shallow on its own it is important that it is not cut too deep. The shallowness creates the illusion of a larger diamond since its weight is distributed horizontally rather than vertically. However, an overly shallow cut could adversely affect the brilliance and fire giving it a less than average appearance despite the illusion of a larger than its actual size. Hence it is best to go for a moderate cut.
• To choose a clear diamond: Since a trillion cut with the right depth offers such great brilliance and fire that it does an excellent job of hiding any blemishes or inclusions on the stone. Hence all you need to do it to go for a clarity grade that appears seamless to the naked eye. There is no reason for you to spend extra dollars over a higher or a flawless clarity grade. You just need to go for a diamond that is eye clean, i.e., it does not have any visible inclusions and blemishes. 
• To choose a colorless diamond compared to its setting: Similar to the diamond’s clarity there is absolutely no need for you to select a diamond with a higher color grade such as a colorless grade of D, E, or F. In fact, it would be better to choose a diamond that would appear colorless to the naked eye in its setting.

Pros and Cons of Trillion Cut Diamond

Pros:

• The brilliance and fire offered by the trillion-cut diamond are unmatched when its cut is not too shallow. 

• This cut increases the size of the diamond in appearance compared to its actual carat size. Hence you can make the most of the diamond’s carat size. This trait can be attributed to its long sides. 

• The trillion cut does a splendid job of concealing any blemishes and inclusions on the surface of the diamond hence you can save a few dollars on the clarity grade of the diamond.

• It provides a great alternative to the traditional cuts and these are being seen as center stones as well.

Cons:

• The trillion cuts can be easily chipped during its manufacturing and setting process, hence only a good protective setting is most recommended, thereby limiting your setting choices. 
• It requires more unique settings that can easily accommodate the triangular shape.
• The trillion cut simply does not work with some prongs hence V-prongs are considered as the most suitable for trillion cuts as they wrap up the tips of the stone entirely preventing it from chipping. 
• Since this cut is more shallow compared to other cuts it requires more regular cleaning and maintenance comparatively because the appearance of the diamond can greatly diminish even if it has a little amount of dirt on it. 

Also read: The Incomparable Beauty of Black Diamond Jewelry

Conclusion Thoughts

The trillion cut is one of the most unique, brilliant cuts that are sure to receive more attention in the contemporary market compared to its formative years. It is only due to the unmatched popularity of other prominent cuts such as princess cuts, emerald cuts, cushion, and pear cuts that the trillion cuts are almost always rendered as accents.  However, if a design of your choice could complement the trillion cuts then it would be the most recommended one out of the lot. Trillion cut engagement rings are less common and are sought after by more contemporary couples who wish to select a more unique design for their engagement.