Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, each offering a unique combination of facets and proportions. They are categorised into two principal groups: the classic round diamonds and the intricate fancy-shaped diamonds.
Choosing the right diamond shape for your engagement ring or piece of jewellery is an important decision that requires thoughtful consideration. By understanding the unique features of each shape, you can select a diamond that fits your personal style, preferences, and budget. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of a round brilliant diamond or the contemporary charm of an oval, there's a diamond shape perfect for every individual.
How do diamonds get their shape?
Diamonds acquire their distinctive shapes through the meticulous process of diamond cutting, where skilled artisans transform rough, uncut stones into beautifully faceted gems.
Round brilliant diamond
Starting off with a classic! The round brilliant diamond is the most popular diamond shape. With 58 meticulously crafted facets, this iconic diamond shape maximises light reflection, resulting in exceptional sparkle. Each facet is positioned to enhance the diamond’s scintillation, dispersion, and overall visual impact. Its timeless elegance makes it a versatile choice for any jewellery piece, from engagement rings to earrings and necklaces.
Whether showcased in a traditional solitaire setting or accented with pavé diamonds, the round brilliant diamond is perfectly proportioned to look good on all finger shapes.
Oval diamond
With its elongated shape, an oval cut diamond makes the stone appear larger. The oval-shaped diamond is a great jewelry option for wearers with an active lifestyle due to its rounded edges. If you’re looking for a diamond that embodies tradition with a twist, oval might be the shape for you.
Emerald Cut Diamond
The emerald cut is all about elegance and understated beauty. Known for its step-like facets and rectangular shape, this cut highlights the diamond’s clarity and size, creating a clean, sophisticated look. The large, open table allows light to enter the diamond, offering a unique type of brilliance that is more subtle than the sparkle of other cuts.
With its long, straight edges and crisp corners, the emerald cut is perfect for those who appreciate a classic style with a modern edge. It’s especially stunning in solitaire settings or paired with side stones to further highlight the diamond's clean lines.
Asscher Cut Diamond
The Asscher cut diamond features cropped corners, similar to the emerald cut, but with a square shape that enhances its unique character. Thanks to its larger step facets and smaller crown, the Asscher cut produces more brilliance than the emerald cut, offering a striking balance of sparkle and sophistication.
Originally developed with 58 facets, the Asscher cut is closely linked to the glamorous Art Deco era, making it a perfect choice for those seeking vintage-inspired elegance with a modern twist. Its bold, geometric appeal brings a timeless yet contemporary touch to any piece of jewellery.
Heart-Shaped Diamond
The heart cut diamond is a timeless symbol of love, distinguished by its unique shape with a pointed bottom and rounded top. This cut combines classic sophistication with a distinctive, romantic design. Its striking silhouette is both elegant and captivating, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a meaningful expression of affection.
With 56-58 facets, the heart cut diamond is known for its brilliance, capturing light in a way that enhances its clarity and sparkle. When cut with precision, it reveals a refined beauty that is both radiant and symbolic.
Marquise Diamond
The marquise cut diamond is an elongated shape, similar to an oval, with pointed ends that create a graceful, tapered silhouette—resembling an ellipse or a football. With 56 facets and one of the largest crown surface areas of any diamond shape, it offers exceptional brilliance and gives the impression of a larger stone.
This elegant cut dates back to the 18th century, when King Louis XV of France commissioned a diamond shape inspired by the smile of Madame de Pompadour.
Symmetry is an important aspect to take into consideration when searching for the ideal marquise cut diamond. The two points of the diamond should align perfectly with one another. Otherwise, the setting of the diamond will appear off center.
Pear-Shaped Diamond
The pear cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elongation of a marquise, resulting in a shape that is both elegant and versatile. Featuring a rounded end and a pointed tip, this cut offers a graceful, teardrop silhouette that flatters the hand and enhances the appearance of length.
With 58 facets, the pear cut reflects light beautifully, creating a balance of sparkle and subtlety. Its unique shape makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a diamond that stands out while maintaining timeless appeal.
Ideal for a variety of settings, the pear cut is particularly stunning in solitaire designs or as the focal point of a halo, adding a sophisticated touch to any piece of jewellery.
Cushion Cut Diamond
The cushion cut is a timeless favourite, loved for its soft, pillow-like shape and vintage charm. With rounded corners and larger facets, this cut combines a romantic silhouette with exceptional brilliance—especially in well-proportioned stones.
Often featuring 58 facets, the cushion cut enhances both fire and clarity, making it a popular choice for those who love a warm, glowing sparkle. It’s available in both square and slightly rectangular proportions, allowing for versatility in design and personal preference.
Perfect for those who appreciate a blend of classic elegance and subtle individuality, the cushion cut pairs beautifully with halos, vintage-style settings, or as a stand-alone centrepiece.
Princess Cut Diamond
First created in 1980, the princess cut diamond is distinguished by its sharp 90-degree corners and square or rectangular outline. This modern shape offers a bold, geometric look that combines timeless elegance with contemporary appeal, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
With between 50 and 58 facets, the princess cut maximizes brilliance, creating an impressive sparkle. Its efficient design allows for two equally-sized diamonds to be cut from the same rough stone, adding to its appeal. If you’re looking for a square shape with the brilliance of a round cut, then the princess cut is the right stone for you. Its clean lines and brilliant sparkle make it an ideal choice for those seeking a modern yet sophisticated diamond.
Radiant Diamond
Perfect for those looking for an extraordinary stone, the radiant cut diamond is a hybrid that combines the sharp edges of an emerald cut with the breathtaking brilliance of a round cut. First created in 1997 by Henry Grossbard, the radiant cut features a variety of facets in the crown that enhance its captivating sparkle.
The beveled corners of the radiant cut not only add to its unique appearance but also provide excellent stability, making it a versatile choice. Whether paired with round or square diamond cuts, the radiant cut shines in both classic and modern settings, offering a dynamic, eye-catching look.
