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Diamond Shapes

Shape is always a significant consideration when shopping for any diamond. While the 4C's are extremely important, the shape of the stone will have a major impact on a diamond's appearance and how much it is enjoyed by the recipient.

People often confuse a diamond's shape with its cut and the two characteristics are frequently listed side-by-side. For example, a "Round Brilliant" diamond is one with a Round shaped diamond with a Brilliant cut style. Whereas shape refers to the physical form and contour of the diamond, the quality of its cut dictates overall proportion and how it reacts to light. A diamond's sparkling character and reflective brilliance increases in proportion to the fineness of its cut.

In addition to ever-popular Round diamonds, there are a variety of other shapes available to appeal to any taste and preference. These latter shapes are collectively referred to as "fancy cut" diamonds.
Round
Round diamonds are perennially popular and account for a majority of sales today. Round brilliant-cut diamonds, with their 58 facets and 360-degree symmetrical shape, are the most optically brilliant diamonds.
Princess
Also very popular, Princess diamonds are the perfect choice for those seeking a square or rectangular stone offering the brilliance of a Round diamond. If you prefer a square-shaped Princess diamond, choose a length-to-width ratio between 1 and 1.05. For a quality rectangular shaped Princess diamond, look for a length-to-width ratio greater than 1.10.
Marquise
The Marquise shape takes its name from the legend of the Sun King who desired a stone polished into the shape of the mouth of the Marquise of Pompadour. The elongated diamond gives the illusion of greater size while accentuating long, slender fingers. Diamonds with a classic Marquise shape usually have a length-to-width ratio between 1.75 and 2.25.
Emerald
Emerald diamonds have long facets, layered corners that resemble stairs and a cut that highlights clarity better than any other shape of diamond. If you prefer an Emerald cut with a square outline, look for an Asscher-cut diamond. For a classical Emerald shape, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.50.
Radiant
Blocked corners are the signature trait of Radiant shape diamonds. They combine the glamour of a classic Emerald stone with the brilliance and fire of a Round-cut diamond. If you prefer a square shaped Radiant diamond, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer a rectangular shape, the length-to-width ratio should be greater than 1.10.
Pear
Resembling an elegant teardrop, Pear diamonds are a stylish combination of Round and Marquise shaped stones. Their unique shape allows them to easily be cut to accommodate profiles that are fatter and longer. A classical Pear shaped diamond has a length-to-width ratio between 1.45 and 1.75.
Oval
Oval diamonds offer the sparkle of round stone in an alluring and elongated silhouette. They are the ideal choice for those who want a unique shaped diamond that accentuates long, slender fingers. Classical oval shape diamonds have a length-to-width ratio between 1.33 and 1.66.
Heart
Heart diamonds offer brilliance and symmetry in a shape that is a timeless symbol of romance. The lobes of a Heart stone should be rounded - not pointed - and clearly defined. As with Pear-cut stones, the cut of Heart diamonds can be fatter and longer per your preference. A wider Heart shape will have a length-to-width ratio between 0.85 and 1.00. For a longer, tapered design, try a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.10.
Asscher
A variation of the classic Emerald shape, Asscher diamonds have deeply trimmed corners and a thick profile within a square frame. A classical Asscher shape has a length-to-width ratio close to 1.00. If you prefer an Asscher-cut style with a more rectangular outline, look for an Emerald-cut stone.
Cushion
Cushion shaped stones have a square-rectangular cut with rounded corners and large facets that enhance brilliance. Those seeking a square shaped Cushion diamond should look for length-to-width ratio between 1 and 1.05. For a rectangular shaped Cushion, try a length-to-width ratio between 1.10 and 1.20.

BUYER'S TIPS - Which Shape should you choose?
  • There are many shapes of diamonds to choose from and their attractiveness ultimately depends on the personal preference of the wearer. It is always a good idea to get a sense of preferred diamond shape before buying a stone for that special someone.
  • The above listed shapes refer to the most commonly used diamond names. Some of these shape names are trademarked. Accordingly, diamond laboratories sometimes use different names in order to respect branding restrictions. For example, Princess-cut diamonds are sometimes called Square Modified Brilliant and Asscher-cut stones are also known as Square Emerald-cut.