Diamond Shapes

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, renowned for their timeless beauty and extraordinary durability. Beyond their physical properties, diamond shapes play an important role in determining the overall aesthetic appeal of a diamond. Each diamond shape has its unique characteristics, reflecting light and colour in distinct ways, each shape of diamond produces a distinct emotion and will suit various personal styles. Therefore, choosing the right diamond shape is crucial for those seeking to create an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or any stunning piece of jewellery.

Round

The round cut diamond is by far the most popular shape of diamond and has been around for hundreds of years. Diamond cutters have worked diligently to ensure maximum brilliance and shine is attained with this shape. Over the decades the way rounds diamonds have been cut has changed drastically. Old European Cut diamonds have different style facets which create a different interplay with the light compared to the modern round brilliant cut. These old diamonds with appear checkered and duller, yet many people cherish this vintage style because of its heritage and how differently it refracts light.

Today a round brilliant cut which has 57 facets, sometimes 58 if there is a culet (a facet at the bottom of the diamond). This shape of diamond produces the highest level of brilliance and hence why it is so popular.

Oval
Oval diamonds are very popular at the moment and are frequently set in engagement rings. Similar to round diamonds, oval diamonds have a high level of brilliance. This more modern look is used in rings to give a slender appearance to the hands and the fingers. When looking to purchase a traditionally cut oval diamond, the length to width ratio will be between 1.33 and 1.66. However, depending on whether you like a more rounded shape or more elongated shape, these proportions can be requested.

Cushion
This shape has also been around for hundreds of years and due to the shape of these diamonds, they are known as modified brilliant diamonds. The corners of these diamonds are rounded and the facets are cut larger to increase the sparkle of the diamonds. The large facets give rise to clarity in the appearance of the diamond. You can buy a cushion cut diamond in square or rectangular shapes.

Princess
One of the most popular diamonds beside a round brilliant is the princess cut diamond. They are distinct and stand out because of their cut and brilliance. If you are buying a colour grade diamond, the appearance of the diamond will be exceptional and the colour that you choose will be visible in the corners of the diamond. These diamonds can be rectangular or square and by getting an idea of the length and width ratio, you will be able to get an idea of the exact shape of the diamond.

Emerald
The striking point for these diamonds is in their pavilion. The original clarity of this diamond can be seen in its shape and large table (the flat top of a diamond). The rectangular shape of these diamonds can vary greatly. Knowing the length-width ratio will help you better understand how your diamond will look when you view it from the top.

Marquise
This diamond cut has a unique and distinctive look that stands out from other diamond shapes. Marquise diamonds, with their elongated shape and pointed ends resembling a football, offer a larger appearance than their actual carat weight. They are often paired with other shapes such as pear diamonds, and when worn in a ring can make hands appear slimmer and longer. Marquise diamonds can come in a variety of length to width ratios depending on how you want them to appear: elongated or slightly more rounded in appearance.

Radiant
Radiant diamonds are distinctive. What makes them so are the corners that are trimmed with utmost care and perfection. The cut is also one of the reasons why this diamond is used a variety of shapes and used in making some exquisite jewellery pieces. Even when this diamond is set with round or baguette, it will make a striking appearance and give a new look to the jewellery item. The rectangularity in these diamonds can vary largely. When buying a radiant diamond make sue that you look at the length width ratio.

Asscher
Radiant diamonds are also distinctive. What makes them so are corners that are trimmed with utmost care and perfection. This specific cut offers striking brilliance and is one of the reasons this diamond is used in making exquisite jewellery pieces. When Radiant cut stones are set with round or baguette satellite stones in the design, it gives a stunning new look to the jewellery item.

Pear
Pear diamonds are gaining popularity in the world of fine jewellery as a hybrid cut that combines elements of both the brilliant and marquise cuts. Also called teardrop diamonds, because these diamonds feature a single point at one end and a rounded cut on the other. These diamonds are cut to maximize their brilliance and unique appearance and are used in a variety of jewelry designs. Their flowing shape also makes them a popular choice for earrings. When set in a ring, the elongated pear shape of the diamond can create the illusion of slimmer hands and fingers.

Heart
The heart-shaped diamond cut is one of the most distinctive shapes of all the diamonds. If you're purchasing a colour-graded diamond, be aware that the corners may display the colour. The shape originated from the pear shape when a cleft was made in the shape. The length and width of the diamond can vary and thus the size of the heart and the broadness too will vary. Make sure that you consider the cleft when purchasing. The cleft must be symmetrical, meeting at a point with the two halves of the heart shape. Ensure that the cleft is not too shallow or too deep to avoid affecting the diamond's overall appearance. Choose the size according to the jewellery item in which you wish to get it placed.

Baguette
Baguette diamonds are a type of elongated diamond cut with a flat rectangular shape. They are one of the most traditional and classic diamond cuts and have been popular since the 1920s. Baguette diamonds are usually smaller than other diamond cuts and are traditionally used as accent stones in combination with other diamonds. Baguette diamonds are also used in many different types of settings, from classic prong settings to more modern bezel settings.

Baguette diamonds can also be cut to be tapered down on one end, also known as tapered baguettes They are typically used as side stones in jewelry, such as engagement rings or wedding bands, to enhance the beauty and brilliance of the center stone. Tapered baguettes are known for their sleek and elegant appearance and are often used to create a vintage-inspired or art deco look in jewelry design. They are often paired with round or princess-cut diamonds to create a stunning contrast in shape and style.

Trilliant
If you are looking for some fancy cuts, you should consider this shape. These cuts are unique and used in a variety of jewellery items. As the name suggests, these diamonds are cut into the shape of a triangle. The cut makes the diamond shine in a more brilliant manner. The unique triangle form generally has 50 facets and the sides of are cut in equal dimensions. Because they are so different than most other cuts, trilliant diamonds will heighten any piece of jewellery making it extremely unique.


Other Shapes
While there are various diamond shapes listed on this page, there are still more that have not been expanded upon. There are uncommon shapes that we have not gone into, and there are new shapes that are beginning to emerge in the market. With the advancements in cutting technology, it has become possible to create shapes that would have been nearly impossible just a few decades ago. From complex geometric shapes to animals. These new technologies make the creative possibilities limitless for new diamond shapes.