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DIAMOND SHAPES
Make choosing the shape of your diamond jewellery simple and stress free. We’ve helped thousands of couples choose their dream engagement rings and wedding rings and find their preferred diamond cut, for any occasion.
Diamond Shapes: A breakdown
Choosing the right diamond shape for your partner can feel like a hard decision, but usually your gut instincts will lead you to the perfect shape.
ROUND
The most traditional and popular diamond shape. Engineered for maximum light return and fire. Consists of 57-58 facets. The most forgiving shape for colour and clarity, as inclusions can be masked by the diamond’s intense sparkle. However, choosing a round diamond with excellent symmetry is critical to ensure the light is reflected evenly.
PRINCESS
A princess cut is one of the more modern shaped diamonds, it can have between 57-76 facets, it’s a true square or rectangle shaped design which is good at hiding inclusions because of its intense sparkle.
EMERALD
Known for its hall of mirrors effect, an emerald cut produces bold flashes of light from its 57 facets; it's a classic art deco rectangular shape with cropped corners. Buyers should be aware that its large open table makes inclusions more visible, so we recommend prioritising higher clarity grades for this shape of stone.
PEAR
A pear shaped diamond is the perfect mix of a round and marquise. It’s typically 58 facets with a tapered point and a round end. It benefits from brilliant cut sparkle with directional light flow towards the tip of the stone. If opting for a pear shaped diamond, make sure to choose a setting where the tip is protected.
OVAL
An elongated modification of the round, brilliant cut. Usually 56-58 facets. It benefits from a larger face up surface area, giving the illusion of a larger stone, without increasing the carat weight. Like a round diamond, symmetry is essential for maximum sparkle.
MARQUISE
The marquise is distinctive and elegant with an elongated shape and pointed ends. Similar to an oval cut, the marquise has a larger top down surface area, making it appear to be a larger diamond. The marquise typically consists of 58 facets and its delicate points need a protective setting.
ASSCHER
If you’re looking for a vintage inspired stone reminiscent of the art deco era, an asscher cut makes a great choice. Square in shape with 58 facets, the asscher shaped diamond is step cut with a deep pavilion that can reveal inclusions with a lower clarity grade.
RADIANT
A radiant cut is a rectangular or square shaped diamond which combines both brilliant cut features with a step cut outline. It typically consists of 70 facets and produces an intense sparkle that masks inclusions well.
CUSHION
A cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape with soft pillow-like corners. It can consist of over 58 facets, which impact how it sparkles. Cushion-cut diamonds can have a crushed ice-like appearance, which hides inclusions, or a chunkier appearance for a ring that flashes when lit.
HEART
A heart-shaped diamond is a modified brilliant cut with 56-58 facets. It creates a lively sparkle similar to a round or pear cut, but with the distinctive romantic shape. Buyers should be aware that the heart shape can lack definition if the carat weight is too small, so it’s best to prioritise size.
Diamond Shape Buying Guide
Our buying guide will help you to choose the most practical and special diamond for your needs.
Best shaped diamonds for maximum sparkle
Round Cut, Princess Cut and Radiant
Looking for a diamond that delivers the most sparkle for your budget? Well, brilliant cut facets maximise fire and brilliance, the two main elements that reflect light and create a diamond’s sparkle. These cuts cleverly conceal minor inclusions, making them a great option for anyone prioritising sparkle above all else.
Best shaped diamonds for larger looking cuts
Oval cut, Pear cut and Marquise
These shapes have the largest face up surface area, which not only enhances finger coverage, but also gives the illusion of a larger carat weight. The elongated shape gives an elegant look that makes the finger appear long and slender.
Best shaped cuts for clarity and transparency
Emerald and Asscher
Step-cut facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect, emphasising clarity and transparency. These shapes require higher clarity grades for optimal beauty.
Best shapes for balanced, soft cuts
Cushion and Heart Shapes
Blending brilliance with softer outlines, these cuts combine vintage charm with contemporary sparkle. Heart shapes, in particular, require precise symmetry to maintain their iconic look.
Diamond Shape FAQs
The diamond shape refers to the silhouette of the stone, it’s the shape you see from above that defines the diamond’s personality. The diamond cut is the way the diamond has been finished it such as it’s symmetry, proportions and angles, which impacts the diamonds brilliance, fire and overall light performance.
The round shaped diamond is the most popular shape, its classic design has been the default shape for brilliant diamonds since the 1920s.
Oval, pear and radiant cuts have increased in popularity in recent years, whichever shape you choose, diamonds are always timeless.
Yes, round diamonds are more expensive by carat. This is because its production results in more wasted raw diamond; fancy shapes tend to offer better value per carat, as more of the raw diamond is able to be used in the end product.
Diamonds are known for their hardness and durability; however, some shapes are more durable than others. Round and oval shapes have no edges that can become brittle, whereas pear, marquise and heart shaped pieces all require a protective setting to safeguard vulnerable edges.
Compare diamond shapes side by side and receive honest, transparent advice tailored to your style and budget from the experts here at Diamond Heaven. Contact us for specialist advice, visit us in store or book an appointment.
