Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant Diamond Round Brilliant  

Round Brilliant is the most popular shaped diamond.  The round brilliant diamond is considered the only shape diamond that has specific measurements that can be graded for accuracy.  It is also the shape that gives the best light return. That means that Round Brilliants are potentially the best shape for the most sparkle.  The facets create the best light refraction which will make the diamond look brighter than other diamond shapes.  Round brilliants are the benchmark for the diamond grading system as the most research has been performed on this diamond shape.  All other shapes are considered ‘Fancy Shapes’ and are graded based on different proportions.   Round Brilliants are considered to be the most valuable compared to other shapes if color and clarity are of equal grade.  Due to its paramount light return, a well cut round brilliant diamond will hide a lower color and clarity to the viewer’s eye compared to alternative diamond shapes. 

 Princess Cut DiamondPrincess Cut

When viewed face up a Princess Cut diamond is a square shaped diamond with 90 degree edges and clean lines for a modern look.  The Princess Cut diamond shape also gives excellent light return compared to other fancy shapes.  The princess cut is considered the square alternative to the Round Brilliant as the proportions are also quite standard. As is the case with its round brilliant counterpart, the Princess Cut diamond will also hide a lower color and clarity grade based on its light return compared to other fancy shaped diamonds.  A relatively new cut, the Princess Cut has gained popularity in market making it a valuable alternative to the round brilliant.  With a regal appeal, the Princess Cut is a an excellent choice for a center diamond for an engagement ring. 

Cushion Cut Diamond Cushion Cut

The cushion cut diamond is a square or rectangular shaped diamond with rounded edges and corners with facets.  The cushion cut is considered to have an antique look as it was established in 1830 and has its ancestry in early diamond cutting and mining.  Cushion cuts have great character as no two look alike.  They can be elongated and rectangular or square in shape.   The cushion cut diamond has character and provides a antique feel even in a modern mount.   The Cushion cut provides a step cut along the top of the diamond, while the facets along the bottom of the diamond provide lots of sparkle and brilliance.  When selecting a cushion cut, try to stay higher in the color range as it may start to reveal color in the I,J,K range more so than the round brilliant or princess cut.

Radiant Cut DiamondRadiant Cut

The typical shape of a radiant cut is a rectangle with 70 facets.  As a fusion between round brilliant and emerald cut, the Radiant cut still provides the elongated look of an emerald cut diamond with the sparkle and brilliance of a round brilliant cut diamond.  The radiant cut is a great alternative to the cushion or emerald cut as it will give exceptional light return resulting in masking color or inclusions in the diamond.  The radiant cut is the perfect shape for someone who likes the elegance of an emerald cut diamond with the brilliance and scintillation of a round brilliant diamond.

Emerald Cut DiamondEmerald Cut

Emerald Cut diamonds are elongated rectangle shape with step cuts.  Step cuts refer to the facets that are rectangular and elongated in length rather than triangle or kite shaped as they are in a round brilliant or princess cut.  The diamond has beveled edges so it does not have a 90 degree angle corner as the princess cut diamond.  Emerald cut is recognized as providing an elegant and sophisticated look for a diamond.  As with other step cut shapes such as Asscher cut, this Emerald cut will reveal clarity characteristics to the naked eye compared to faceted cuts so it is recommended to choose a diamond with a higher clarity grade.

Asscher Cut Diamond Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut is a square shaped step cut diamond.  Developed by Joseph Asscher in 1902, this cut uses the same cutting techniques as the Emerald Cut, but in a square shape.  The corners on the Asscher cut are cropped with an angle to give a unique look.  The step cut facets are visible through the top of the diamond revealing clean sleek lines, thus providing an elegant look.  The face up view of the Asscher cut diamond lets you look into the diamond which may tend to reveal inclusions.  It is recommended to choose an Asscher cut diamond with higher clarity.

  Marquise DiamondMarquise

The Marquise shaped diamond is an oval with pointed ends.  The marquise shape provides an elegant look with the brilliance of a faceted stone.  The cut has 58 facets that will give the diamond a great amount of sparkle.  The Marquise shape is known for its regal appeal as it was originally was designed for King Louis XIV of France.  The pointed ends give it a dramatic feel and if worn on the finger can give an elongated slimming look.

 Oval DiamondOval

The oval shape is a faceted shape that is elongated with rounded edges and has 67 facets.  The oval shape provides a lot of light return with so many facets that it will tend to mask inclusions but may reveal color due to its shape.  A look that is classic, when worn on the finger can create a slimmer and longer look. 

Pear Shaped DiamondPear

Pear shapes are diamonds that are cut with a rounded bottom and a pointed end - much like the shape of an upside down teardrop.   The pear shape diamond cut has 58 facets making it have high light return.  The pear shape may take on different variations and proportions depending on the diamond rough it is possible to get a pear with a slightly wider or narrower bottom. It is always a good idea to check the dimensions of the diamond in order to understand how the diamond is proportioned. 

Heart Shaped DiamondHeart

Heart shaped diamonds are just as the title describes  The heart shaped diamond is similar to a pear cut but has two rounded edges with a cleft in the top middle.  This is one of the most difficult diamonds to cut as a diamond may break if there are inclusions in the diamond that may lead to problems around the cleft.  Most heart shaped diamonds have 58 facets which give a lot of sparkle and brilliance to the stone.  A symbol of love and affection, this stone shape has been a popular choice people buying a gift for the one they love.