DIAMOND SHAPES

Every Shape Tells a Story — Find the One That Tells Yours

The shape of a diamond is one of the most personal choices you'll make. It sets the tone for the entire piece — classic or contemporary, bold or understated, romantic or architectural. While the GIA does not grade diamond shape, each cut has distinct characteristics that affect how the stone reflects light, how large it appears, and how it sits on the hand.

Here is everything you need to know about the most sought-after diamond shapes.

Round Brilliant

The round brilliant is the world's most popular diamond shape — and for good reason. With 58 precisely angled facets, it is engineered for maximum light return, producing unmatched brilliance and fire. It is timeless, versatile, and flattering in virtually every setting style. If you want a diamond that prioritizes sparkle above all else, this is it. The round brilliant also tends to hide inclusions and color tint better than other shapes, making it forgiving across a range of clarity and color grades.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is a square or slightly rectangular shape with pointed corners and a brilliant-style facet pattern. It offers a modern, geometric aesthetic with nearly the same level of sparkle as a round brilliant. It's an excellent choice for those who love clean lines and contemporary design. Because its shape retains more of the rough diamond during cutting, princess cuts can offer slightly better value per carat than rounds.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is defined by its elongated rectangular silhouette and step-cut facets, which create a dramatic hall-of-mirrors effect rather than traditional sparkle. It emphasizes clarity and transparency over brilliance, making it a favorite among those who appreciate understated elegance and vintage sophistication. Because of its open table, inclusions and color are more visible — so we recommend prioritizing higher clarity and color grades in this shape.

Asscher Cut

Think of the Asscher as the emerald cut's square sibling. It features the same step-cut faceting but in a square shape, with a distinctive X-pattern visible from above. It carries an Art Deco sensibility — structured, geometric, and deeply elegant. Like the emerald cut, clarity is paramount here, as the open facets reveal the diamond's interior character.

Oval Cut

The oval is a brilliant-cut shape that offers a beautiful alternative to the round. Its elongated silhouette creates the illusion of greater size and can make the finger appear longer and more slender. Ovals have surged in popularity for engagement rings due to their romantic, flattering profile and exceptional brilliance. When selecting an oval, pay attention to the length-to-width ratio — personal preference varies, but a ratio between 1.35 and 1.50 is generally considered most balanced.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut combines a square shape with softly rounded corners, resembling a pillow. It has a warm, romantic quality and a soft, dispersive brilliance — meaning it produces broad flashes of light rather than sharp pinpoint sparkle. Cushion cuts have a timeless, antique appeal and pair beautifully with halo and vintage-inspired settings. They come in both square and elongated proportions.

Marquise Cut

The marquise is an elongated shape with pointed ends, originally inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. Its unique silhouette maximizes carat weight, making the diamond appear larger than other shapes of the same weight. On the finger, it creates a dramatic, slimming effect. The marquise is a statement shape — ideal for those who want something distinctive and eye-catching.

Pear Shape

The pear shape — also known as the teardrop — combines the brilliance of a round with the elongation of a marquise. Pointed at one end and rounded at the other, it offers a graceful, feminine silhouette. Pear shapes are stunning in pendant necklaces, drop earrings, and engagement rings alike. When worn on the finger, the pointed end is traditionally oriented toward the fingertip.

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut is a brilliant-cut rectangular or square shape that merges the elegance of an emerald cut's silhouette with the sparkle of a round brilliant. It's an excellent choice for those who are drawn to the shape of an emerald cut but don't want to sacrifice brilliance. The radiant's cropped corners also make it more durable for everyday wear.

Heart Shape

The heart shape is the ultimate symbol of romance. It's a modified brilliant cut that requires exceptional craftsmanship to achieve proper symmetry — both lobes must be even and the point well-defined. Heart-shaped diamonds are most impactful at larger carat weights (typically 1 carat and above) where the shape is clearly visible. It's a meaningful choice for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or anyone who wears their heart on their hand.

Choosing the Right Shape for You

Consider your personal style — the shape you're drawn to often reflects your aesthetic sensibility. Think about how the shape complements your hand — elongated shapes like oval, marquise, and pear tend to flatter shorter fingers, while round and cushion cuts suit a wide range of hand types. Factor in the setting design, as certain shapes pair better with specific styles. And remember: there is no wrong choice. The right diamond shape is the one that resonates with you.

Not sure which shape speaks to you? Visit us in person — we'll walk you through every option.