The Different Shapes of Diamond: A Complete Guide for Every Style

When choosing the perfect gemstone for an engagement ring or a custom piece of jewelry, the diamond shape is one of the most important factors to consider. The shape not only affects the overall style and appearance of the ring but also influences brilliance, size perception, and even price.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular diamond shapes, their unique characteristics, and what kind of personality or aesthetic each one represents.

What Is a Diamond Shape?

Diamond shape refers to the outline or silhouette of a diamond when viewed from the top. It’s different from the diamond’s cut, which determines how well the stone interacts with light. While “round brilliant” is the most traditional shape, many others offer unique flair and personality.

1. Round Brilliant Cut

• Most popular diamond shape in the world
• Known for maximum sparkle and brilliance
• Classic, timeless, and ideal for traditional styles

The round brilliant is the most popular and most researched diamond shape, designed for optimal light performance. It features 58 facets that maximize fire and brilliance, making it the sparkliest of all cuts.

Pros: Exceptional sparkle and timeless appeal. Perfect for those who love elegance, tradition, and dazzling brilliance.
Cons: Higher price per carat due to rough diamond waste and demand.

2. Oval Cut

• Elongated version of the round cut
• Offers excellent brilliance with a unique twist
• Creates an illusion of longer fingers and a larger size

The oval cut is an elongated version of the round brilliant, offering similar brilliance with a modern twist. Its shape can make fingers appear longer and the diamond look larger than a round of the same carat weight.

Pros: Elegant elongation, good brilliance, and often lower cost than round. Perfect for brides who want something classic but with a modern edge.
Cons: May show a “bowtie” shadow in the center if not well-cut.

3. Cushion Cut

• Square or rectangular with rounded corners
• Soft, romantic appearance
• Comes in various faceting styles, from vintage to modern

The cushion cut features a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. It has a romantic, vintage-inspired look and comes in both modern and antique faceting styles.

Pros: Soft, romantic appearance with good fire and depth. Perfect for vintage lovers and those who appreciate soft elegance.
Cons: Less brilliance than round or oval, and may appear smaller for its carat weight.

4. Emerald Cut

• Rectangular with step-cut facets
• Less sparkle, but a sleek, “hall-of-mirrors” effect
• Emphasizes clarity and quality of the stone

The emerald cut has a rectangular shape with long, step-cut facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. It emphasizes clarity over sparkle, showcasing the quality of the diamond with understated elegance.

Pros: Sleek and sophisticated with a vintage charm. Perfect for those who appreciate understated sophistication and clean lines.
Cons: Shows inclusions easily, and has less sparkle compared to brilliant cuts.

5. Princess Cut

• Square or slightly rectangular with sharp corners
• Offers brilliance and a modern, edgy look

The princess cut is a square (or slightly rectangular) brilliant cut that offers sharp angles and exceptional fire. It's the second most popular diamond shape, beloved for its modern, edgy appearance.

Pros: Brilliant sparkle, lower price than round, and contemporary feel. Perfect for bold, contemporary styles and statement pieces.
Cons: Sharp corners are prone to chipping and require protective settings.

6. Pear Cut (Teardrop)

• A mix of round and marquise with a pointed tip
• Unique silhouette that elongates the finger
• Elegant and feminine with excellent brilliance

The pear-shaped diamond combines the best of oval and marquise cuts, with a rounded end on one side and a pointed tip on the other. Its unique silhouette makes fingers look slender and adds visual drama.

Pros: Elegant and feminine, it often appears larger than its carat weight. Perfect for romantic, unconventional styles.
Cons: Requires a well-balanced cut to avoid a lopsided look; the tip is vulnerable to damage.

7. Marquise Cut

• Long, narrow shape with pointed ends
• Maximizes carat weight, appearing larger
• Vintage charm and dramatic flair

The marquise cut is long and narrow with pointed ends, designed to maximize carat weight and finger coverage. It has a regal, vintage-inspired charm and can make the stone look significantly larger.

Pros: Maximizes visual size, elongates fingers, and offers a bold look. Perfect for those who want to stand out with a regal, elongated look.
Cons: Shows bowtie effect and is prone to chipping at the tips.

8. Radiant Cut

• A hybrid between round and emerald
• Square or rectangular with brilliant-cut facets
• Combining sparkle with a structured shape

The radiant cut combines the brilliance of round cuts with the rectangular shape of emerald cuts. It has trimmed corners and a dazzling facet pattern that enhances sparkle.

Pros: Great brilliance, durable corners, and a modern blend of shapes. Perfect for brides who want the sparkle of a round with a geometric silhouette.
Cons: Slightly less fire than a round, and may appear smaller face-up than oval or marquise.

9. Asscher Cut

• Square shape with step cuts and a high crown
• Vintage Art Deco appeal
• Deep clarity and sophisticated beauty

The Asscher cut is a square-shaped step cut with a deep pavilion and high crown, producing a unique windmill or "X" pattern when viewed from above. It’s known for its Art Deco appeal and vintage glamour.

Pros: Sophisticated, symmetrical, and eye-catching in clarity. Perfect for vintage lovers and collectors of rare styles.
Cons: Shows inclusions easily and has less brilliance than brilliant cuts.

10. Heart Cut

• A symbol of love and romance
• Requires expert cutting for symmetry
• Less common but highly meaningful

The heart shape is the ultimate symbol of love, with symmetrical lobes and a defined cleft at the top. It’s a bold, sentimental choice that stands out for its meaning and rarity.

Pros: Romantic, meaningful, and rare. Perfect for hopeless romantics who want their ring to tell a story.
Cons: Requires high precision in cutting; not as sparkly as other brilliant cuts, and can be hard to find.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape

Choosing the right diamond shape depends on:

• Personal style
• Finger shape and size
• Budget
• Desired setting style

At Bellisa, we specialize in custom engagement rings and are here to help you select the diamond shape that tells your unique love story.