Diamond Carat with Loupe and Gia Certificate | Lisa Robin

What is Diamond Shape?

There are ten basic diamond shapes used in engagement rings and each one has its own appeal. Determine which diamond shape is right for you.

Guide to Diamond Shapes: Understanding and Choosing the Right One

Selecting the perfect diamond shape is a personal and meaningful choice, reflecting your style and story. With a variety of shapes to choose from, each one offers its own charm and appeal. This guide explores the most popular diamond shapes, their characteristics, and how to choose the ideal one for your needs.

What is diamond shape?

A diamond’s shape refers to its geometric appearance when viewed from above, such as round, oval, or square. This is distinct from the diamond’s cut, which determines how the stone’s facets are arranged to enhance its brilliance. While shapes are often colloquially referred to as "cuts," it’s essential to know the difference.

Shape vs. Cut

Shape: The overall outline (e.g., round, oval, marquise).
Cut: The craftsmanship of the diamond’s facets, affecting light performance and brilliance.

Learning About Diamonds: The Ultimate Resource

Explore Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant Diamonds

Overview: The most popular shape, renowned for its brilliance and symmetry.
Key Features: 58 facets maximize light reflection.
Style Fit: Timeless and versatile, suitable for any setting.

SHOP ROUND DIAMOND RINGS

Oval Diamonds

Overview: A modern twist on the classic round, with an elongated silhouette.
Key Features: Enhanced perceived size and brilliance.
Style Fit: Elegant and flattering, especially on slender fingers

SHOP OVAL DIAMOND RINGS

Princess Cut Diamonds

Overview: A square-shaped diamond with sharp corners and excellent fire.
Key Features: Modified brilliant cut for maximum sparkle.
Style Fit: Contemporary and chic, often chosen for solitaire settings.

SHOP PRINCESS CUT RINGS

Pear Cut Diamonds

Overview: A teardrop shape combining round and marquise.
Key Features: Graceful and unique, often appearing larger.
Style Fit: Perfect for unconventional or vintage-inspired styles.

PEAR CUT DIAMOND RINGS

Marquise Diamonds

Overview: An elongated shape with pointed ends, inspired by royal history.
Key Features: Maximizes carat weight and finger coverage.
Style Fit: Regal and dramatic, often paired with side stones.

SHOP MARQUISE DIAMOND RINGS

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Overview: Resembling a pillow, this shape blends vintage charm with modern brilliance.
Key Features: Rounded edges and large facets for a romantic look.
Style Fit: Perfect for antique-inspired designs.

SHOP CUSHION CUT DIAMOND RINGS

Radiant Cut Diamonds

Overview: A hybrid of the round and emerald cuts, offering brilliance and structure.
Key Features: Rectangular or square shape with a brilliant facet arrangement.
Style Fit: Bold and eye-catching, perfect for modern designs

SHOP RADIANT CUT DIAMOND RINGS

Emerald Cut Diamonds

Overview: A rectangular shape with step-cut facets, emphasizing clarity.
Key Features: Sleek and sophisticated with subtle flashes of light.
Style Fit: Ideal for minimalist or vintage settings.

SHOP EMERALD CUT DIAMOND RINGS

Asscher Cut Diamonds

Overview: A square step-cut shape with vintage Art Deco appeal.
Key Features: High clarity and subtle light reflection.
Style Fit: Best suited for retro or classic designs.

SHOP ASSCHER CUT DIAMONDS

Baguette Diamonds

Overview: A sleek and elegant rectangular shape, often used as accent stones.
Key Features: Step-cut facets emphasize clarity and understated sparkle.
Style Fit: Commonly set in eternity bands or as side stones to complement center diamonds.

Shop Baguette Rings

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diamond Shape

1. Personal Style:

Your diamond shape should reflect your unique personality and preferences. For a timeless look, consider round or oval shapes; for a bold statement, radiant or marquise shapes might be ideal.

2. Setting Compatibility

Not all shapes fit seamlessly into every setting. For example:

Round Diamonds: Work well with solitaire, halo, and pave settings.
Emerald and Asscher Cuts: Pair beautifully with vintage-inspired designs.

3. Finger Shape and Size

Certain shapes can enhance the appearance of your hand:

Elongated Shapes (Oval, Marquise, Pear): Create a slimming effect.
Square Shapes (Princess, Cushion): Add balance to wider fingers.

4. Budget

Different shapes can impact the price of a diamond and the overall engagement ring budget. For instance:

Round diamonds are often the most expensive due to their popularity and waste during cutting.
Fancy shapes like cushion or oval may offer better value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Shapes

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRILLIANT CUT AND STEP CUT DIAMONDS?

The only diamond shape to receive a ‘cut grade’ are round brilliant cut diamonds. However, you should ensure any other diamond shape has Excellent symmetry and polish grade, or at least Very Good. ‘Brilliant cut’ diamonds are designed to exude the most sparkle. Step cuts feature larger, parallel facets that celebrate the clarity of the stone with more subtle flashes of light

The Sage diamond engagement rings in radiant cut, marquise, and asscher cut | Lisa Robin

BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS

Round diamonds, or round brilliant can be modified in shape.

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Olivia Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring | Lisa Robin

Step Cut Diamonds

Learn what to look for when choosing a step cut diamond.

Learn More

What is the Rarest Diamond Shape?

Asscher and radiant cuts are less common, making them unique and sought-after by those who prefer distinctive styles.

Which Diamond Shape is the Most Sparkly?

The round brilliant diamond is renowned for its unmatched sparkle, thanks to its symmetrical design and 58 facets.

What Shape is Best for Engagement Rings?

Round diamonds remain the most popular choice, but oval, princess, and cushion cuts are also highly favored for their versatility and charm.

What diamond shape is the most popular?

Due to many of the reasons already stated, the round brilliant diamond continues to be the most popular diamond shape in the United States. Followed by oval diamonds, pear diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, and cushion cut diamonds.