Diamond Shapes Guide
Diamond Shapes Guide
Every shape has its own personality. Explore the most popular diamond shapes and discover which one is right for your story.
Shape is not the same as cut. Cut describes how well the facets handle light; shape is the overall form — round, oval, emerald and so on. Cut quality you should never compromise on. Shape is entirely down to taste.
| Shape | Brilliance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Maximum | Timeless, classic sparkle |
| Princess | High | Modern, contemporary looks |
| Cushion | High | Soft, romantic, vintage feel |
| Emerald | Elegant (step cut) | Minimal, sophisticated style |
| Oval | High | Elongating, flattering on the hand |
| Pear | High | Distinctive, unique statement |
| Marquise | High | Maximising size, bold elegance |
| Radiant | High | Versatile brilliance, all settings |
| Heart | High | Romantic, symbolic pieces |
Round
The most popular and most brilliant shape — timeless, and the easiest to buy confidently.
Princess
A square silhouette with sharp corners and modern brilliance. Protect the corners with a setting that covers them.
Cushion
Soft, rounded corners with a warm, candlelit sparkle. Hides inclusions well.
Emerald
An elegant step cut with a hall-of-mirrors effect. Choose a higher clarity grade — this shape hides nothing.
Oval
An elongated silhouette that flatters the hand and looks larger than a round of the same weight.
Pear
A teardrop blending classic brilliance with a modern silhouette. The point should always be protected by a prong.
Marquise
Elongated points maximise perceived size — the largest face-up area of any shape, carat for carat.
Radiant
Emerald-cut outlines with brilliant-cut faceting — the sophistication of one, the fire of the other.
Heart
Romantic and unmistakable. Symmetry is everything — look for even lobes and a crisp cleft.
Consider Their Style
Classic, modern or unexpected? Look at the jewelry they already wear — it tells you more than asking will.
Think About the Hand
Elongated shapes like oval, marquise and pear make fingers look longer and slimmer. Round and cushion suit longer fingers beautifully.
Balance Size & Budget
Oval, marquise and pear look larger per carat than round — often 10–15% more face-up area for the same money.
Match the Setting
Pointed shapes need protective prongs. Step cuts suit clean, minimal settings. Round works with absolutely everything.
Which diamond shape sparkles the most?
The round brilliant — its 57 facets are mathematically engineered for maximum light return. Oval, princess and radiant follow closely.
Which shape looks the biggest?
Marquise, then oval and pear. All three carry more of their weight across the top, so they read larger than a round of equal carat.
Which shapes hide inclusions best?
Brilliant cuts — round, oval, cushion, pear. Their faceting breaks up light and disguises small inclusions. Step cuts like emerald and Asscher show everything.
Which shape is best value?
Anything other than round. Round diamonds waste the most rough during cutting, so they cost more per carat. An oval or cushion of identical quality is typically noticeably cheaper.
Is shape just personal preference?
Largely, yes — the best shape is the one the wearer loves. But some shapes need more care when buying, and we will tell you which.
Find Your Shape
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