Diamond Shape

Diamond shape is simply that: the shape into which the diamond is cut. There are a variety of diamond shapes to choose as your center stone!

1. Round: The round diamond, also called round brilliant when cut to certain specifications, is the most popular diamond shape used in engagement rings and other diamond jewelry. This is also one of the oldest shapes employed by gem cutters, who have always looked for new means and techniques to perfect the proportions and bring out more of the diamond's fire. Because of the long history of innovations and improvements to the shape, round diamonds are the best choice to make your diamond look as brilliant and flawless as possible.


2. Princess Cut: This is the most popular diamond shape after round. Most princess cut diamonds are square in shape, but depending on the dimensions of the rough stone and the ratios followed in cutting the diamond, they are sometimes rectangular. Princess cut diamonds and other angular diamond shapes of the lesser color grades can show a noticeable tint at the corners, so it's best to choose the lightest diamond within your budget.


3. Emerald Cut: The emerald cut diamond shape is another angular diamond, but with different facet proportions and angles, and corners that have been squared off rather than pointed. This shape gets its name from the gems to which it is most often applied, and when used with a diamond, it's best to choose a stone with excellent clarity.


4. Cushion Cut: The cushion cut diamond has been in high demand for the last several years due to its uniqueness and versatility. This gorgeous diamond shape looks wonderful on every hand and in every setting from halo to solitaire.


5. Pear: Pear shaped diamonds, also called teardrop shaped, have always been popular for use in drop earrings, but are becoming more and more in demand for placement in halo engagement ring settings and other art deco styles.


6. Oval: Oval diamonds and other fancy shapes part of a group called "modified brilliants", meaning they adjust the basic proportions of the round brilliant diamond to create other, more unique shapes. This style also looks exceptionally beautiful in a halo setting.


7. Asscher: This technique of diamond cutting and the unmistakable shape it produces were the invention of the Amsterdam-based Royal Asscher Diamond Company, founded in 1854 by the Asscher family. This makes the Asscher one of the most recently created diamond shapes.


8. Radiant: Diamonds cut in the radiant shape have 70 facets to reflect the brilliance and fire of the gem, cropped corners, and a slightly rectangular shape. When choosing a radiant diamond, it's best to focus on the cut and only purchase those with a cut grade of Very Good or Excellent.


9. Marquise: Of all the fancy shapes, many consider the marquise diamond the most brilliant. This shape was purportedly created for Madame de Pompadour, in the shape of her smile. As a center stone, this diamond shape works best for a wearer with long, slender fingers that follow the thin shape of the diamond.


10. Heart: This shape is a simple variation on the pear diamond, cut with a cleft at the top to form the heart. Because this requires some adjustments to the facet angles and ratios, make sure you choose a stone with a cut grade of Very Good or better. When choosing a heart shaped diamond, you should also pay close attention to the length and width proportions to get the nicest shape for your romantic engagement ring and proposal!