Guide to Diamond Shapes

Gemstones and diamonds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each of these shapes can be beautifully fashioned into many different cuts. Gemstone cuts differ in popularity, price, and the size of the facets that are carved into the gem's surface.

 

 

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

The most popular of all the diamond shapes is the brilliant round. It is classic and timeless in appearance, and is cut in a way that maximises light dispersion. It is a spectacular choice for optimising the sparkle factor.

Oval Cut Diamond

The oval is a flattering shape for most fingers. It is more of a modern choice than brilliant round, whilst still maintaining elegance and class. The symmetrical and elongated cut of the oval can make the diamond appear large for its carat size.

Cushion Cut Diamond

A cushion has a square or rectangular silhouette with rounded corners. It works nicely with most types of ring settings. The facets are typically larger and therefore, make the dispersion of light appear as flashes rather than as a sparkle. 

 

 

Princess Cut Diamond

Similar to cushion, the princess cut is square in appearance but with cleaner, more contemporary lines. This is the second most popular shape after brilliant round. Its symmetry and modern appeal makes it the perfect diamond shape of choice for many.

Radiant Cut Diamond

Radiant gems boast a rectangular silhouette with recognisable trimmed corners; an amalgamation of the elegance of the emerald cut and sparkle of a Brilliant diamond.

Asscher Cut Diamond

An asscher cut is square in appearance with square cut corners. Its steeper facets and deep crown allows this shaped diamond to maximise its sparkle. This is a great option for those looking for a more unique, personal feel. 

 

 

Heart Cut Diamond

The heart is the most iconic and recognisable shape of love and romance. It is a whimsically modified brilliant cut shape, and is a unique and unmistakable symbol of true love between couples. When choosing the heart, symmetry is a very important characteristic, since it is critical that the two halves of the heart are identical. 

Emerald Cut Diamond

This is an elegant rectangular silhouette, which is another flattering choice for many finger shapes. It's shallow facets can make the stone appear more linear, and can accentuate the diamond's clarity and colour. This makes the emerald cut a good selection when opting for a higher quality diamond. 

Pear Cut Diamond

Also known as the teardrop shape, the pear cut features characteristics of both the brilliant and the marquise diamond. As with other elongated shapes, this is a beautiful option for most finger types, and makes for a stunningly unusual diamond. 

 

 

Marquise Cut Diamond

The marquise cut provides the largest surface area of all the diamond shapes and therefore, can make the stone seem larger for its carat weight. It is a form of the brilliant cut gem and is contemporary in style. 

Trillion Cut Diamond

The trillion is a triangular silhouette with a geometrical aesthetic. It is also known as trilliant, and the diamond will have sides of equal length and a flat table. 

Baguette Cut Diamond

Featuring only 14 facets, the baguette cut diamond is the simplest of all diamond shapes. It is most commonly seen with a long, rectangular form. Baguette stones commonly play the supporting role in engagement ring design, sitting on the shoulder of a band.