Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
If you’ve browsed our diamond rings or have been researching diamond cuts, you may have noticed the term “baguette diamond.” The word baguette is typically associated with French baguettes, a crunchy and delicious bread. So why are we comparing a diamond ring to french bread? We promise we didn’t make up the name - baguette diamond rings have a long and storied history. Read on to learn more.
What is a baguette diamond?
One of more modern-looking diamond shapes, baguette cut diamonds are visually similar to their bready namesake - long and skinny. Baguettes, like asscher cuts and emerald cut diamonds, are part of the step cut family. Step cut diamonds are known for simple, straight, and defined cuts which are easy to see. There are only 14 facets in a baguette diamond, while a brilliant cut diamond might have 50 or more.
There are two main shapes of baguette diamonds: tapered and straight. Straight baguettes are rectangular shaped, while a tapered baguette diamond is wider on one end. Tapered baguettes are popular accent stones in traditional engagement rings while our baguette diamond rings feature straight baguettes all the way (or halfway!) around the ring.
When were baguette diamonds invented?
The history of the baguette diamond (particularly its name) is a contested one. Baguette diamonds rose to popularity in the 1920s as part of the Art Deco movement. Their clean geometric shapes were a major departure from round diamonds. They’ve been around for 100 years now, and their minimalist design makes them a timeless choice.
But jewelers may have actually drawn inspiration from Hogback diamonds, which date as far back as the 16th century. Hogbacks are elongated, table-cut diamonds often used for monogramming initials into jewelry designs. Not until the 20th century were baguettes given their unique name and the chance to shine on their own.
Some say that the baguette diamond is named after the type of bread it resembles, but the name is actually up for debate. According to The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the baguette might actually be named for the French word for ring: bague. Baguette is the French diminutive for bague, so the word literally translates to little ring. All we are sure of: baguette rings are beautiful and baguette loaves are delicious.
Why choose a baguette diamond?
Because baguette diamonds have fewer facets, they don’t sparkle in the same way as a brilliant cut diamond. But an eternity band with 25 or more 14-faceted baguette stones? That makes for 350 facets - at a minimum. That ring will be sparkly, we promise.
A baguette wedding band might also provide a nice contrast to an engagement ring featuring a brilliant cut center diamond. This subtlety is the same reason that baguette diamonds are a popular choice for engagement ring side stones. Of course, if baguette cuts aren't for you and you’d prefer a round brilliant cut eternity band, we make those as well. ;)
If you want to feature a baguette diamond in a different way, our Flush Baguette features a single center stone diamond with a higher carat weight.
After receiving requests for channel set eternity bands made with baguette diamonds, we released The Channel Baguette. Channel settings are a great way to show off your chosen metal - white gold matches the color of the diamond, while rose gold and yellow gold create a lovely contrast.
So there you have it: a short history of a long diamond. If you have any questions (or custom ring ideas) about baguettes, feel free to reach out to us at help@hiholden.com. We’d love to put you in touch with one of our designers.
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQS
1. What is a baguette diamond?
A baguette diamond is a rectangular-shaped, step-cut diamond known for its clean lines and minimalist sparkle. With just 14 facets, baguette diamonds offer a sleek, modern look, making them a popular choice for engagement and wedding ring designs.
2. What are baguette diamonds used for?
Baguette diamonds are often used as accent stones in engagement rings or featured in baguette diamond wedding rings. They’re ideal for channel, flush, and eternity settings due to their straight edges and symmetry.
3. Why are they called baguette diamonds?
While many believe the name comes from their resemblance to French bread, “baguette” may actually be derived from the French word bague, meaning ring. The term “baguette” translates to “little ring.”
4. Are baguette diamonds sparkly?
Not in the traditional sense. Because baguette diamonds have fewer facets, they emit a subtle, elegant shimmer instead of a fiery brilliance. That said, when set in eternity bands, the combined effect can be quite dazzling.
5. What’s the difference between tapered and straight baguette diamonds?
Straight baguette diamonds are evenly rectangular, while tapered baguette diamonds are narrower on one end. Tapered baguettes are commonly used as side stones in engagement rings for a softened, angled look.
6. Are baguette diamond wedding rings popular?
Yes! A baguette diamond wedding ring offers a timeless, modern design that pairs beautifully with brilliant or step-cut engagement rings. They’re especially popular in flush or channel-set styles like Holden’s Channel Baguette.
7. How do I care for baguette diamonds?
Because baguette diamonds have fewer facets and sharp corners, they can be slightly more prone to chipping. We recommend gentle wear, regular cleaning, and professional check-ups to ensure your stones remain secure and pristine.
8. Where can I shop for baguette diamond rings?
You can explore baguette styles—like the Flush Baguette or Channel Baguette—at Holden. We offer handcrafted, ethically sourced rings in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.
About Holden
At Holden, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our engagement rings and wedding rings are created to reflect your individuality. Explore the boldness of Signet Rings, the sparkle of Multi-Stone settings, or the simplicity of Classic bands made for everyday wear.