A Guide to Baguette Diamonds

Diamonds come in a vast array of shapes and sizes, each with their own characteristics and properties. Different gemstone cuts are also suited to various purposes and personalities. One popular and versatile cut is the baguette, and it’s a gorgeous choice for everything from earrings to engagement rings.

What Are Baguette Diamonds?

A baguette diamond is a rectangular stone with square corners and minimal, step-cut faceting. Much like the French bread that shares its name, the baguette cut is elongated and simple, serving as a classic staple of fine jewelry.

The standard shape is a straight baguette with parallel edges, but they can also be cut into a shapely tapered baguette diamond. The low number of facets spotlights the color and clarity of the stone while still offering that diamond sparkle.

What Is the Difference Between a Baguette and an Emerald Cut Diamond?

The standard baguette cut and emerald cut are very similar, but the key difference between them lies at the corners of the stone. The corners on a baguette diamond are perfectly square, while the corners on an emerald cut diamond are cut off, leaving an angled corner. Emerald cut diamonds also have more facets (baguette diamonds only have 14 facets) and tend to be a bit wider and more rounded in overall appearance.

Another common difference between them is the way they are usually set in jewelry. Emerald cut stones are often used as singular centerpieces, while baguette diamonds are ideal for arranging in multiples or as accents for a sparkling, extravagant effect.

Engagement Ring Settings for Baguette Diamonds

When choosing an engagement ring, the possibilities are almost endless. The following are a few types of settings that are a perfect match for the sophisticated beauty of the baguette.

Eternity

An eternity band uses a series of diamonds all the way around the band to symbolize the never-ending nature of eternal love. Baguettes can be placed side-by-side or end-to-end around the ring, either inset in a channel or held by prongs. The result is a long, elegant line of elongated diamonds encircling the finger.

Ballerina

Arguably one of the most glamorous arrangements for a diamond engagement ring, the ballerina setting places a series of baguette diamonds around a center stone like a radiant halo. The short edges of the baguettes face the center, allowing their length to stick out like flower petals (or a ballerina’s tutu).

Three Stone

Because baguette diamonds are so ideal for accents, they are perfect for use in a three-stone arrangement. No matter what type of central stone is used or what cut it may have, flanking it with two baguettes creates a beautifully balanced design. A baguette diamond can also serve as the center stone, enhanced by two smaller baguettes on either side.

Channel Set

Instead of using prongs to elevate stones above the band, a channel setting involves setting the gems into a groove in the band itself. A channel set baguette engagement ring is a practical choice for someone who prefers a low-profile ring but still wants to have that eye-catching glimmer. The structure also helps protect the stones from bumps and scrapes.

Is a Baguette Diamond Expensive?

Baguettes are actually often less expensive than other diamond shapes, in part because of their simple, minimalist style. They also often tend to be smaller and of lower material quality than other cuts, further reducing their cost. Baguette diamonds are a very affordable cut, but this does not mean they are any less valuable or beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baguette Diamonds

It’s only natural to have more questions about baguette cut diamonds before investing in one. The following answers to frequently asked questions may help provide the information you need.

Are baguette diamonds high quality?

The quality of a diamond is based on four key characteristics: cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Although baguette diamonds are often lower quality than other types of diamonds, any quality of stone can be made into a baguette. A cleanly cut, nicely faceted baguette with a good size, color and clarity grade can absolutely be considered high quality.

Is a baguette a good choice for an engagement ring?

Yes, and in a variety of ways. As the primary stone, a baguette creates a clean, classy look with appealing symmetry and long, geometric lines. As an accent, multiple baguette diamonds add extra sparkle and shine to an already stunning design. A gorgeous engagement ring is one that has a harmonious aesthetic, no matter the shape of the individual stones.

Are baguette diamonds fragile?

Because of the way the stone is cut, it can’t rely on its faceting for extra structure. The larger surface area and square corners do, unfortunately, make baguettes slightly more vulnerable to breakage. However, with a good setting and proper care, a baguette can be worn daily without serious risk of damage.

What to Look For in a Baguette Diamond

Choosing the right diamond for an engagement ring, necklace or other piece of jewelry can be quite challenging, as there are so many factors to consider.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect baguette diamond for yourself or for a loved one, look for the following:

• The right color. White baguette diamonds (colorless to very light color) are generally the most highly valued, but they are not the only option. It’s also important to think about the wearer’s personal preferences and the way it will look with different metals and stones. Regardless of cut, all diamonds should match in color.
• A visually clean appearance. A baguette diamond does not have to have perfect clarity to look beautiful to the eye. Look for a stone that does not have visible scratches or cloudiness.
• Good harmony with other stones. If the baguette is going to be used as an accent, make sure it is a good match that will neither outshine nor overshadow the main stone. For consistency and symmetry, multiple baguettes should be similar in appearance.
• A setting that suits the wearer. In addition to the stone itself, consider your setting options. Look for a style and setting type that suits the wearer’s tastes, lifestyle, career, etc.

Have Your Baguette Diamond Professionally Appraised

Whether you have an existing piece of baguette diamond jewelry or a loose stone that you would like to sell, the GIA-certified gemologists at Diamonds USA can provide a thorough and accurate assessment of its value. The appraisal is completely free, with free returns and shipping insurance up to $100,000. We’ll base your offer on the most updated market price for diamonds, and there is never any obligation or pressure to sell.

Request your free diamond appraisal today to discover what your baguette diamond is truly worth.