Also known as a Trilliant or Trillian cut, this is a style of gemstone cut in a triangular shape. While not as popular as other cutting styles, such as the traditional round or princess, trillion cut is a versatile style that can be used for either a central stone or for accent pieces.
Read on to discover the history of this unique cut, what variations there are in the style, and ideas on what kind of trillion cut jewelry would be best for you.
History of the Trillion Cut
The trillion cut was designed by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam – Royal Asscher has been creating diamonds since 1854.
In the 18th century, diamonds from Brazil flooded into Amsterdam, dubbing it the ‘City of Diamonds’, and the Asscher family were at the forefront of signature cuts and designs. It’s still a family business in Amsterdam, well-known for its exquisite cuts.
The trillion cut was trademarked in 1962 by the Henry Meyer Diamond Company of New York. Now that the trademark has expired, ‘trillion cut’ is used to describe any triangular gem cut.
Curved or Uncurved
Gemstones can be use in the trillion style with either curved or uncurved accents. The uncurved cut will result in a much sharper look, and with firmer edges it might be the more sparkly option.
However, some people think this style looks a bit blunt and would rather choose the curved style, where the trillion cut is given softer edges.
Neither type is typical to choose for the cut of your central stone on a ring, but of the two, it would be more usual to pick a curved cut for the largest stone. Uncurved trillion cuts are often used for accent gemstones that will sit either side of the main stone.
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Pluses and Minuses of Trillion Cuts Stones
This unusual cut isn’t as popular as other shapes, but there are benefits to choosing a trillion-cut gemstone over a traditional round cut or other style.
Pluses
Their unique shape offers versatile possibilities when designing your own jewelry, but there are points to take into consideration. Here are the benefits of the trillion cut:
The shape of the cut means that a trillion stone is both wide and shallow. Compared next to a round cut stone of the same carat, the wide space between points will make the trillion cut look a little larger.
As such, if you want a large looking stone but are on a tight budget, going for a trillion cut will give you more for your money than a traditional round cut.
If the central gem on your ring isn’t as large as you would have hoped, it can look even smaller if it’s the only gem on the band. However, if you flank a central stone with a trillion cut either side, it can make the overall look of the ring more appealing.
Some brides-to-be actually prefer smaller stones because they might be worried about the ring getting caught or damaged if they have active lifestyles or use their hands a lot.
With a trillion cut, you don’t have to sacrifice the size of the stone over the practicality. Trillion cut gems are shallow even though they’re wide, so you can have a nice stone that looks big even though it doesn’t stick up as much as other cuts.
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Minuses
The downsides of a trillion cut stone:
The shallow depth of trillion cut gems means that they don’t always have the same shine and brilliance as other cuts. If you want a super sparkly ring, a trillion cut might not be the best choice for you.
Gemstones can be set into rings in a variety of ways, but options are more limited with a trillion cut. A prong or bezel setting is needed to ensure the stone is securely set in the ring and to protect it from damage.
As such, the setting for a trillion cut is unlikely to look as sleek and delicate as it would on a stone of a more ordinary shape.
The shape of a trillion cut makes the stone more susceptible to being chipped or cracked. Diamonds might be the hardest gemstone around, but even a trillion diamond is vulnerable to damage.
The nonstandard shape of the stone requires V-prongs to wrap around the stone to hold it firmly in place and protect those delicate corners.
A trillion stone is likely to need cleaning more frequently than other cuts. Because the stone is a shallow cut, even a little bit of dust or dirt could dull the look of it and take away the sparkle.
If you’re looking for a special piece that you’ll only wear once in a while, this won’t be an issue. However, if you are considering this style for everyday wearing, consider that the ring will need frequent cleaning.
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Trillion Cut Design Ideas
While considering the cut of a stone always makes us think of engagement rings, there are numerous occasions when you might want to purchase a special stone for someone you love.
The trillion cut is a great choice for commissioning a piece of jewelry that’s a little bit different, and you’re not just limited to rings.
The unusual shape of a trillion ring makes it a great choice if you like stacking rings. A perfect gift for special anniversaries, stacking rings can be made to fit around a trillion stone and create a unique look.
Many young fashionistas are opting for simple styles rather than over-the-top or lavish looks when it comes to their jewelry. This all ties in with Scandi style and minimalism, and a trillion cut could be the perfect way to accent their modern style.
Pick a trillion-cut stone with uncurved edges set on a thin gold band – the band could support across the middle of the stone, or have the stone positioned with one edge along the band, like an arrow pointing up the finger.
This sort of simple style would look lovely as a simple, stylish ring for the little finger.
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Another trending style is geometric, and triangular cut stones are the perfect choice to complete this look.
Pick a ring with a broken band that links the trillion cut to a silver ball, with a gap between the two that accentuates the shape. Matching trillion earrings are also a funky way to get the geometric look.
With the simplicity of a triangular stone, why spoil the central attraction with other large gems when you can go for a flashy band instead?Pick a ring band that’s studded with a scattering of tiny diamonds, or pick contrasting metals in an entwined or braided style to add a little something extra without detracting from the stone.
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If you’ve decided to have two trillion cut diamonds as accent stones, what will you choose for the center? Trillion accents look particularly good when paired with certain other styles of cut.
The flat edges and sparkling brilliance of a princess cut make it the perfect stone to have between two trillion gems – a large stone will be wonderfully highlighted, whereas a smaller princess cut will slot in perfectly for a harmonious overall look.
Similarly, the emerald cut or cushion cut styles have neat edges to fit in well with some trillion accents. Finally, the smooth elegance of an oval cut central stone makes a beautiful comparison with some modest trillion gems either side.
Want a trillion but not keen on rings? Stones of this style are a fashionable choice for necklaces, whether used as part of the overall design or as a solitary pendant.
Triangular gems on necklaces are usually positioned with the point facing up towards the neck, but equally you could choose to have the point of the stone facing down, mimicking the gentle shape of the wearer’s décolletage.
Blue is a popular color for trillion cut necklace gems – our top picks include a deep sapphire, an icy blue diamond, a textured lapis lazuli, shining moonstone, cool turquoise or bright topaz.
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Famous Trillion Cut Stones
Elizabeth Hurley (actress, model, and fashion designer) once received a beautiful engagement ring from the cricket player Shane Warne, and though their wedding was eventually called off, the ring is no less spectacular.
With a value of over $100,000, the square-cut sapphire engagement ring has 2 carat trillion-cut diamonds on each side of the oversized 9 carat sapphire.
A trillion ring that ended in a happy union was that given to the Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova by her then-boyfriend, now husband, the Spanish-Filipino singer, songwriter, actor and record producer Enrique Inglesias.
Engaged in 2010, it’s estimated that the ring cost $2.5 million and is 11 carats. While most women would find a ring of this size cumbersome, Kournikova managed to continue wearing it even while playing professional tennis matches.
The ring features a feminine pear-shaped diamond in a stunning pink color, flanked by two trillion cut diamonds on either side.
The beauty for you today
Priya Sharma
Last week me and my friend were talking about the jewelry and she mentioned about the trillion cut. This term was completely new to me and hence I started looking to explore about the same on the internet. Thispost has educated me on all the aspect of trillion cut. Keep sharing!!