Octagon Diamond Engagement Ring

“Have you ever seen an octagon diamond engagement ring? I’m shopping for an engagement ring and would like something unique. My girlfriend is really into numerology and the number 8 has special meaning, because it represents our life path, compatibility and destiny. That seems like a perfect foundation for an engagement ring, don’t you think? I can’t find very much information on engagement rings with octagon shaped diamonds. Do they offer the same brilliance as a round ideal cut diamond?”

Octagonal shape diamonds:

The demand for octagonal cut diamonds is not very high, thus there are not very many options to choose from. This is a plotting diagram from an octagon modified brilliant cut diamond.

As you can see, the diamond features eight sides, however the facet pattern has been modified from the traditional model. That is why the diamond is referred to as a modified brilliant.

In our experience, smaller facets tend to produce sparkle that is smaller in size. In turn, this produces virtual facets (internal reflections of light) which will also be smaller in size. The challenge with this is that due to the way our eyes interpret the light, the smaller sparkle might not be fully dispersed into colored light or fire.

Thus, it is not likely that the light performance will be comparable to a round brilliant ideal cut diamond of the caliber we produce. Then again, comparing one shape of diamond to another is a lot like comparing apples and oranges.

Creating a Unique Engagement Ring:

There are more ways to create a unique engagement ring, than simply focusing on the number eight. Brian Gavin specializes in creating unique engagement rings, and employs an extremely talented staff of custom jewelers.

At the same time, we have many clients who find special meanings in certain numbers. Which is why this concept is extremely interesting. Let’s explore how the number 8 is incorporated into the design of a modern round brilliant cut diamond. Take a look at the plotting diagram for this 0.837 carat, D-color, VS-2 clarity, Black by Brian Gavin hearts and arrows diamond.

Notice how with exception of the larger table facet on top, there are 8 facets per section. That’s 8 star facets, 8 bezel facets, 8 upper girdle facets, 8 sections of lower girdle facets, and 8 pavilion mains.

The Significance of 8 Hearts and 8 Arrows:

For the sake of clarification, I want to point out that the 8 sections of lower girdle facets, actually consist of 16 individual facets. But they are combined in sets of two, for a total of eight sections. When properly aligned combination of these lower girdle facets and the 8 pavilion mains, create an incredible kaleidoscope-like effect known as hearts and arrows.

The arrows pattern created by the 8 pavilion mains is visible in the multi-colored ASET Scope image provided on the diamond grading report. This effect is also commonly known as the 8-star effect. Light reflecting off of the 8 pavilion main facets, creates depth of field in the form of contrast.

While all round brilliant cut diamonds will exhibit an arrows pattern, the contrast brilliance will vary depending on the degree of optical precision. The arrows are created by the pavilion mains, which are an integral part of diamond design.

Creation of Hearts & Arrows:

Creating the pattern of 8 hearts is significantly more difficult. Each of the hearts is comprised of two reflections of light, each of which is a reflection off of the pavilion main facet on the opposite side of the diamond.

This graphic illustrates how light reflects off the pavilion main facet in the 12 o’clock position, across the diamond, where it reflects off of the two lower girdle facets located to the left and right of the 6 o’clock position.

If you’re looking for a diamond which is truly unique and special, we can’t think of anything more spectacular than a Brian Gavin Signature hearts and arrows diamond.

Of course, you can still present her with a unique octagon diamond engagement ring, by simply having the diamond set in the octagon shaped setting pictured above. It’s part of the 810 Collection by Brian Gavin! You’ll find lots of ways to create unique engagement ring options in the 810 Ring Builder too!