Diamond Shape Guide
Every shape tells a different story: bold and geometric, softly vintage, or endlessly classic. Explore what sets each grown diamond shape apart, from sparkle to everyday wear, and find the one that is unmistakably yours.
Diamond Shapes
Diamond shapes and diamond cuts are often used interchangeably, but they describe two different things. Shape refers to a diamond's outline and silhouette when viewed from above: round, square, pear, and so on. Cut, by contrast, refers to how precisely a diamond's facets are proportioned, symmetrical and polished to return light, graded on a scale from poor to excellent or ideal.
Your partner may not know exactly which engagement ring they want, but there is a good chance they already have a shape in mind. The right choice often comes down to personal style, hand shape, and how the stone will be worn.
Round Brilliant:
The round brilliant is the most popular shape and the most brilliant. Its facet pattern, with 58 facets, is designed to maximize light return, which makes it a strong choice for sparkle and for hiding small marks.
Oval:
An oval diamond is an elongated round brilliant with a similar facet arrangement. Because it maximizes visible surface area, an oval tends to look larger than a round of the same carat weight, and it can make fingers look longer and slimmer. Ovals, along with marquise and pear shapes, can show a dark bow-tie shadow, so view the stone closely before you commit.
Emerald:
The emerald cut is a step cut, with long parallel facets running in rows and a rectangular outline with blocked corners. Instead of scattered sparkle, it produces broad, architectural flashes of light. Its open facets make inclusions more visible, so prioritize a higher clarity grade.
Cushion:
The cushion cut is a soft square or rectangle with rounded corners, giving a romantic, pillow-like outline. It can have a crushed-ice sparkle or a chunkier, more open look depending on its facets.
Elongated Cushion:
An elongated cushion is a rectangular cushion with rounded corners. It combines the softness of a cushion with the length of an oval and suits those who want a vintage feel with a longer line.
Marquise:
The marquise is a pointed oval with a long, slender outline. It maximizes the look of carat weight and can elongate the finger. Its points are the most delicate part, so a protective setting is a good idea.
Radiant:
The radiant cut is a rectangle with trimmed corners and brilliant style facets. It brings together the outline of an emerald cut and the sparkle of a round brilliant.
Pear:
The pear shape is a teardrop that combines the round and marquise. It has one rounded end and one point, and it can be worn point up or down.
Princess:
The princess cut is a square brilliant with sharp corners. It is a modern shape with strong sparkle, and its corners benefit from a setting that protects them.
Asscher:
The Asscher cut is a square step cut with cropped corners and an Art Deco look. Its open facets reward clear, well colored stones.
Heart:
The heart shape is a romantic, distinctive outline that makes a bold statement. It needs a larger stone to show its shape clearly.