That all depends on the kind of baguette you're referring to. If we're talking about a baguette cut diamond, then the answer is yes – or in 'Bachelorette' Jillian Harris' case, the answer is "I Do." The reality show contender recently received a $60,000 platinum ring set with a 2.05-carat pear-shaped center diamond with six baguette-cut diamonds from Ed Swiderski, a contender on the show who proposed to Harris during the program's season finale.
Baguette cut diamonds are exactly what they sound like – long, rectangular diamonds that appear like a "long rod", as the French would say. Baguette cut diamonds are usually used side stones, and normally come in small weights, less than one carat. They originate from the early 20th century, when they were associated mostly with the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements.
Some might consider baguette cut diamonds "not shiny enough", due to their relatively darker appearance, but it didn't stop jeweler Neil Lane from using them in the custom-made design he made for Swiderski. The baguette cut was also used in the past by other celebrities of a somewhat more significant status: baseball legend Joe DiMaggio gave Marilyn Monroe a platinum eternity band set with 35 baguette-cut diamonds back in 1954. When Mel Ferrer proposed to the timeless Audrey Hepburn, he also presented her with a baguette cut diamond eternity band as engagement ring. (Nevermind that both marriages ended in divorce…)
Diamonds are a girl's best friends, but not exclusively. The Rebellion REB-5 Tourbillon Invisible, is a Swiss watch with a twist – it is covered by 319 baguette cut diamonds, mounted on the watch without any setting claws showing with a technique developed by Van Cleef & Arpels. It's not the only watch that uses baguette cuts diamonds either – Rado has released it newest version of the Rado Jubile Ceramica, with 102 black treated baguette cut diamonds, which are set into white gold. They also tell time.
In this time of uncertainty, as the repercussions of the financial crisis are still being sorted out, the baguette cut diamonds are making a comeback. Baguette cut diamonds have a higher retention of carat weight, which basically means bigger diamonds – for less money. The simplicity of making a baguette cut diamond also makes it favorable among diamond cutters themselves, who are able to cut costs and labor.
With various unique applications, the baguette cut is not for everybody. Only those with a particular taste would go for a baguette cut diamond. But if you're looking to achieve elegance and beauty for a lower cost, they just might be the solution for you.
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