10 Types of Diamond Shapes

A diamond is a significant purchase with financial, emotional, and heirloom value. Here we introduce you to ten types of diamond shapes to help you make the best investment decision for you and your loved ones.

Understanding Diamond Shape

A diamond shape refers to the outline or form of the diamond when viewed from above. This is the first impression you get when you look at a diamond, and it plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic appeal.

Diamond shapes are categorized into various types, including round, oval, princess, emerald, cushion, marquise, heart, and radiant. Each shape is meticulously crafted to enhance the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and unique beauty. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a round diamond or the modern allure of a princess cut, understanding the different diamond shapes helps you choose the perfect gem for your jewelry.

10 Diamond Shapes Include:

Before diving into each diamond shape, it helps to know what makes them unique. The following list gives you a quick, easy-to-understand breakdown of the ten most popular shapes and what sets them apart.

Diamond Shape Comparison Table

1. Round Brilliant

Marcel Towkolsky created the round brilliant diamond shape in 1919, using mathematics to craft a diamond of unsurpassed symmetry. The round brilliant, one of the most popular and enduring diamond cuts, typically has 58 facets that beautifully reflect and refract light. It is traditionally set in a classic 4-prong setting and represents eternal love.

Due to high demand, the round brilliant diamond shape is one of the more expensive choices. The round brilliant diamond is also one of the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings, with it's classic, brilliant cut and timeless appeal.

2. Princess

The princess cut dates to the 1960s and suits those who prefer a more contemporary diamond shape. An expertly cut princess diamond is usually square or rectangular and refracts light in a sparkle pattern. This versatile cut can be found in rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Four-prong settings complement the princess diamond shape.

3. Cushion

The cushion cut creates what jewellers call “fire,” meaning light disperses in rich-coloured flashes as well as brilliant white. This diamond cut has rounded edges and is a modern update of traditional mine-cut diamonds, lending it a vintage appeal. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Kim Kardashian, and Sophia Vergara have worn cushion-cut engagement rings, boosting their popularity. Both the prong and halo setting work well with this diamond shape.

Elongated cushion cut diamonds have been increasingly popular in recent years, offering a modern twist on the classic cushion cut. This variation features a more rectangular, elongated shape while preserving the signature brilliance and "fire" that make cushion cuts so desirable. The elongated design not only enhances the diamond’s visual size but also creates a flattering, lengthening effect on the finger.

4. Marquise

A marquise cut diamond often resembles a small football or boat. This elongated diamond shape creates the illusion of longer, slender fingers and is a popular choice for engagement rings. The marquise shape is a fancy cut that creates a dark spot (a “bow tie”) in the centre of the diamond that diminishes its brilliance and sparkle. The choice of a high-quality stone can minimise the bow tie effect. A bezel, halo, or six-prong setting will enhance the beauty and durability of the marquise diamond cut.

5. Emerald

The emerald cut diamond is among the more expensive of the fancy diamond shapes (as opposed to the round brilliant). Rectangular, and with trimmed corners, this cut tends to have less sparkle and brilliance than others but compensates for this by elegantly showcasing the clarity, color, and luster of a quality diamond. Its long, parallel facets create a striking "hall of mirrors" effect, reflecting light in a unique, step-like pattern that enhances its depth and sophistication. A sophisticated choice, the emerald cut is best enhanced by a solitaire or halo setting.

6. Pear

Pear cut diamonds combine the round brilliant and marquise cuts into an asymmetrical shape that is perfect for earrings, pendants, and rings. Despite originating in 15th-century Flanders, the shape has a contemporary feel and is best suited to a five-prong or six-prong setting. As with the marquise cut, it is essential to consider the luster and colour of your diamond, as the pear cut typically produces the bow tie effect.

7. Asscher

Celebrities and social media influencers strongly affect the popularity of diamond cuts and styles. The Asscher cut, the choice of Gwyneth Paltrow and Pippa Middleton, is associated with wealth, elegance, and sophistication. This proportional square shape, reminiscent of art deco, sparkles brilliantly and has depth and clarity. A 4-prong setting with a thin band showcases the cut's vintage appeal.

8. Oval

The oval cut combines the round brilliant and marquise cuts and can suit a range of budgets. A well-proportioned oval diamond shape reflects both white light and fire well. It should be set in either a four or six prong setting that lets light enter the diamond. Selection of a quality stone should help to minimise the bow tie effect.

9. Heart

The heart cut diamond symbolises romantic love and is a reliable and pleasing choice for engagement rings. As with the oval cut diamonds, the purchaser wants to ensure that the cut is symmetrical and that the bow tie effect does not diminish the diamond's brilliance. The choice of setting is uniquely vital with a heart-cut diamond since the tip has to be secured. Claw settings and v-shaped prongs are the best choices for this diamond shape.

10. Radiant

A radiant cut diamond can be either rectangular or square. A square radiant cut is also known as the “princess radiant” cut. This versatile and often affordable shape is easy to personalise since it accommodates different length-to-width ratios. With seventy facets, this cut delivers remarkable brilliance and scintillation and works well in a four-prong or six-prong setting.

How Diamond Shape Impacts Overall Quality

The quality of a diamond can also be affected by its shape. Certain diamond shapes, such as emerald and Asscher cuts, require a higher clarity grade to bring out their brilliance and to hide inclusions effectively. These shapes have larger, open facets that can make imperfections more noticeable.

In contrast, round brilliant diamonds are excellent at masking color and clarity imperfections, allowing for a higher color and clarity grade. Understanding how diamond shape influences quality helps you make an informed decision when selecting a diamond.

Choosing the Right Diamond Shape

Choosing the right diamond shape is a personal decision that depends on your style, budget, and individual preferences. Consider the ring setting style, as certain shapes work better with specific settings. For example, a solitaire setting can beautifully showcase a round diamond, while a halo setting can enhance the sparkle of a cushion cut diamond.

Think about the diamond’s carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, as these factors can affect the diamond’s appearance and price. Ultimately, the right diamond shape is one that reflects your unique taste and your personal style well, ensuring your diamond is cherished for years to come.

Pick Your Perfect Diamond With Experts at ADX Diamonds

Each of the ten types of diamond shapes has unique advantages and produces different effects. Knowing which shape best suits your needs, budget, and taste will ensure your diamond is cherished for years to come. ADX Diamonds is always here to help you find or create the ring of your dreams.

To start your journey, book an appointment to visit us in person or stay right where you are and shop diamonds & jewellery online.

Diamond Shapes FAQs

Q: What diamond shape sparkles the most?
Round brilliant diamonds offer the highest level of sparkle due to their 58- facet cut and symmetrical design.

Q: Which diamond shape looks the biggest for its carat weight?
Oval, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds tend to look larger than round diamonds of the same carat because of their elongated surface area.

Q: What diamond shape is most affordable?
Radiant, cushion, and princess shapes typically offer a lower price per carat compared to round diamonds.

Q: Which diamond shape hides imperfections best?
Round brilliant diamonds hide inclusions and color the best. Emerald and Asscher cuts reveal imperfections more easily.

Q: What diamond shape is best for engagement rings?
Round, oval, princess, and cushion cuts are the most popular due to their timeless appeal and versatility.