The trapezoid cut diamond is a four sided shaped with the top and bottom sides parallel and the other sides slanting inward. The outline looks like a triangle with one of the ends cut off.
The trapezoid cut diamonds are used mainly for side stones and are cut in brilliant-cut (shown above left) or step-cut (shown above right). The brilliant trapezoid looks great with brilliant cut rectangular center stones like radiants and princess diamonds.
The step-cut trapezoids are usually seen next to emerald or Asscher cut center stones. The rectangular emerald shape is ideal for step-cut trapezoid diamonds because it is long enough to accommodate a nice sized side stone between its cut corners.
Trapezoids, also known as trapeze-cut diamonds, are a versatile side stones shape because they can be used with many center diamond shapes. The term trapeze is probably derived from the flying trapeze made famous in the circus. The trapeze cut diamonds were traditionally step-cut but in recent years the brilliant cut trapeze has gained popularity due to the increased demand for radiants and princess cut diamonds.
Many diamond ring shoppers are finding the trapezoid cut diamonds makes a great alternative to the trillion or baguettes that are often seen in jewelry store rings. The bigger surface area of the trapezoid adds more sparkle on the finger than the baguette. Many diamond ring buyers find the more sophsicated style of the trapezoid not only looks classy but makes for a more comfortable side stone than the trillion. The short end of the trapezoid does not extend down between the fingers like the trillion often does.
One of the newest version of the trapezoid is the crescent trapezoid that has a curved edge on the long end of the trapezoid. These curved edge works well with the curved sides of shapes like the cushion, oval, marquise, or round. It takes a very skilled setter to properly set crescent trapezoids because of their shape and delicate curved points.
The determine the appropriate size of trapezoid-cut diamonds for a particular ring, it is necessary to know the measurements of the center stone first. If the center stone is a cut-cornered shape like the radiant, emerald, or Asscher, the distance between the cut-corners is critical because the long end of the trapezoid should be equal to or less than that distance. The relative size of the trapezoid side diamonds is a personal preference based on what style of ring is desired. Trapezoids come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for custom rings that work with many sizes and shapes of diamonds and fingers.
Celebrities have also taken notice of the trapezoid cut diamonds. The over six carat pink diamond engagement ring given to Jennifer Lopez by one-time fiancé Ben Affleck was set in a ring with two trapezoid cut white diamonds as side stones.
The following photos are only a sampling of diamond ring styles with trapezoid cut side diamonds. Hundreds of mounting styles look great with trapezoid cut diamonds so just email us a picture of the style you like and we can get you a price quote. You can also check out our Designer Gallery for pictures of mountings from some of our suppliers.
Emerald Cut Diamond Ring: 1.69 carat with 0.96 tcw Step-Cut Trapezoids for Side Diamonds
Emerald Cut Diamond Ring: 4.30 carat with 2.03 tcw Step-Cut Trapezoids for Side Diamonds
Princess Cut Diamond Ring: 1.46 carat with 0.63 tcw Brilliant-Cut Trapezoids for Side Diamonds
Radiant Cut Diamond Ring: 1.13 carat with 0.60 tcw Brilliant-Cut Trapezoids for Side Diamonds
Radiant Cut Diamond Ring: 1.24 carat with 0.21 tcw Brilliant Cut Trapezoid Diamond Side Stones
Radiant Cut Diamond Ring: 2.07 carat Fancy Yellow with 1.00 tcw Brilliant Cut Trapezoid Side Diamonds
Radiant Cut Diamond Ring: 2.70 carat Fancy Yellow with 0.77 tcw Brilliant Cut Trapezoid Diamonds
Radiant Cut Diamond Ring: 3.02 carat with 0.77 tcw Brilliant Cut Trapezoid Diamonds
Radiant Cut Diamond Ring: 4.02 carat with 1.23 tcw Brilliant Cut Trapezoids for Side Stones