What is Diamond Shape?

Buying a diamond engagement ring means choosing from various diamond shapes: round, square, marquise, and more. To help you select the perfect diamond shape for your engagement ring, here's an explanation of what makes each shape unique.

To begin with, it's essential to understand the differences between a diamond's shape and its cut. Diamond shapes are commonly called "cuts," but they are different. Shape refers to how a diamond appears when viewed from the front (round, square, oval, etc.). But cut, specifically how it is cut, is how the facets are arranged. For instance, the brilliant diamond cut is round with 57 or 58 facets designed to maximize sparkle.

Round diamonds can be reshaped in several different ways. The most common are oval, marquise, and pear shapes. A modified brilliant cut is a brilliant cut diamond that has been altered from the traditional round shape. 

When you find that perfect emerald cut diamond, you have a square or rectangular shape.

 Some diamonds, most commonly square or rectangular shapes, are step cut. Emerald cut, and Asscher cut diamonds are examples. The step cut has concentric rows of facets on the crown and pavilion for a more elegant look. However, not all square or rectangular diamonds are step cut; many are brilliant cut like the radiant and princess cut diamonds. All diamond shapes other than round are called fancy shapes.

The round brilliant diamond is the most sparkly when graded triple Excellent (GIA) or Ideal (IGI). The diamond will have the optimal cut, symmetry, and polish. Multiple lines of symmetry and 58 facets work together to reflect light within and out of the diamond, making the round brilliant the sparkliest diamond shape. Typically, round brilliant diamonds are the most expensive diamond cuts, due to three factors; their unmatched brilliance, popularity, and the amount of diamond waste generated during cutting Round brilliants are the most popular shapes.

Due to their higher sparkle, brilliant cut diamonds can appear larger than step cut diamonds. The spread of the table makes some brilliant cut shapes appear larger than others; marquise, oval, and pear diamonds appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.

It is more difficult to find some diamond shapes than others. The demand for asscher diamonds and radiant diamonds is much lower than for other diamond shapes, making them rarer than most diamond cuts. They are followed closely by marquise and hearts.

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.