The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Shapes: Choosing the Perfect Cut for You
When it comes to selecting a diamond, shape is one of the most important factors—perhaps second only to the diamond’s quality. The shape of a diamond not only defines its overall appearance but also influences its brilliance, perceived size, and even how it complements different hand shapes and ring settings.
Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or a timeless piece for your collection, understanding the various diamond shapes can help you make a confident and informed decision. At Carat Heritage, our advisors can guide you through the selection process, but you can also read on ahead to find out more before booking an appointment with us.
This comprehensive guide explores the most popular diamond shapes, their defining characteristics, and what makes each one unique.
1. Round Brilliant Cut
Overview: The round brilliant cut is the most popular and iconic diamond shape, accounting for more than 50% of all diamonds sold. It is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, thanks to a precise arrangement of 58 facets.
Why Choose It:
- Maximizes light reflection and sparkle.
- Timeless and versatile, fitting with almost any setting.
- Highly optimized for brilliance through mathematical precision.
Best For: A first diamond, classic elegance, and those who prioritize sparkle above all else.
2. Princess Cut
Overview: The princess cut is the most popular square-shaped diamond. It features sharp corners and a brilliant-style facet arrangement, combining modern aesthetics with substantial fire and brilliance.
Why Choose It:
- Offers a contemporary look with brilliant sparkle.
- Slightly more affordable per carat than round diamonds due to better rough diamond yield.
- Looks larger for its carat weight when viewed face-up.
Best For: Modern styles, clean lines, and bold personalities.
3. Cushion Cut
Overview: The cushion cut, sometimes called a “pillow cut,” combines a square or rectangular shape with softly rounded corners and larger facets that enhance clarity and brilliance.
Why Choose It:
- Vintage appeal with a romantic feel.
- Excellent light dispersion.
- Available in both modern and antique facet patterns.
Best For: Lovers of vintage designs or soft, romantic aesthetics.
4. Oval Cut
Overview: The oval cut is an elongated variation of the round brilliant cut. It offers similar fire and brilliance but with a more distinctive and flattering shape.
Why Choose It:
- Creates an illusion of longer, slender fingers.
- Appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
- Elegant and sophisticated.
Best For: Elegant minimalists, lovers of unique yet timeless styles.
5. Emerald Cut
Overview: The emerald cut features a rectangular shape with step-cut facets and a large open table, offering a hall-of-mirrors effect rather than a traditional sparkle.
Why Choose It:
- Exudes sophistication and vintage glamour.
- Highlights the diamond’s clarity due to the open facets.
- Understated brilliance with bold geometry.
Best For: Fans of old Hollywood glamour and clean architectural design.
6. Radiant Cut
Overview: The radiant cut combines the shape of an emerald with the brilliance of a round. Its 70 facets create a dazzling sparkle while retaining a rectangular or square outline.
Why Choose It:
- Combines elegance and brilliance.
- Hides inclusions better than step-cut shapes.
- Offers a unique hybrid appeal.
Best For: Those seeking a balance of sparkle and structure.
7. Pear Cut
Overview: The pear shape, also known as teardrop, is a hybrid between round and marquise cuts. One end is rounded, and the other tapers to a point, creating an elegant and dramatic silhouette.
Why Choose It:
- Elongates fingers beautifully.
- Unique and artistic, yet still sparkly.
- Often appears larger than its carat weight.
Best For: Creative individuals who appreciate vintage and avant-garde styles.
8. Marquise Cut
Overview: The marquise cut features a long, narrow shape with pointed ends. Legend says it was created to resemble the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour.
Why Choose It:
- Maximizes carat weight with a large surface area so it looks bigger
- Creates a slimming effect on the finger.
- Eye-catching and dramatic.
Best For: Statement-makers and vintage jewelry enthusiasts.
9. Asscher Cut
Overview: The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut but is square rather than rectangular. It has deeply clipped corners and a higher crown, producing more brilliance than its rectangular counterpart.
Why Choose It:
- Elegant step-cut design with Art Deco charm.
- Bold symmetry and depth.
- Best suited for high-clarity stones.
Best For: Lovers of antique styles and geometric symmetry.
10. Heart Shape
Overview: The heart-shaped diamond is a modified brilliant cut with a distinctive cleft at the top. It is the ultimate symbol of romance and sentiment.
Why Choose It:
- Symbolically rich and highly romantic.
- Unique and personal.
- Sparkles like a round brilliant when well-cut.
Best For: Romantic personalities and sentimental gifts.
Choosing the Right Shape: Key Considerations
When selecting a diamond shape for a custom order, it’s essential to consider more than just aesthetics. Here are a few critical factors to keep in mind:
Finger Shape and Size
Certain shapes can elongate or widen the appearance of your fingers. For instance, oval, pear, and marquise cuts lengthen the fingers, while round and cushion cuts offer a more compact look.
Style Preference
Do you gravitate toward vintage, classic, modern, or avant-garde styles? Your diamond shape should align with your personal style and the overall design of your jewelry.
Brilliance vs. Clarity
Brilliant cuts (like round, princess, radiant) maximize sparkle, while step cuts (like emerald and Asscher) emphasize clarity and elegance. Choose based on what matters most to you.
Budget
Some shapes are more economical due to how efficiently they use the rough diamond. For instance, princess and radiant cuts typically offer more value per carat than round diamonds.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right diamond shape is a deeply personal decision. While brilliance and beauty are important, the shape of a diamond ultimately reflects your unique personality and style. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of a round brilliant, the modern elegance of an emerald cut, or the romantic symbolism of a heart shape, each diamond tells a story—and that story starts with shape.
Before making your final choice, view the shapes in person if possible, or explore high-quality visuals and videos online. Remember, while cut quality, color, clarity, and carat are critical—the shape is what you’ll notice every time you look at your diamond. Choose wisely, and you’ll enjoy its beauty for a lifetime.
Book an appointment with us or drop us an email if you have questions about your ideal diamond shape.
