Diamond Shapes
Shape refers to the geometric outline and overall physical form of a diamond. Every diamond shape has its own attributes and cut specifications, which also play a large factor in the overall look of the stone.
Round
Used frequently in earrings, pendants and solitaire engagement rings, round remains the most popular shape for diamonds. Virtually all round diamonds are brilliant-cut and for good reason. When cut as a round brilliant, the diamond’s angles help to enhance its fire and brilliance.
Heart
This eternally romantic and feminine shape is not as prevalent as you might expect, making it all the more special. Heart-shaped diamonds should have two symmetrical halves with a distinct cleft and even wings and lobes. A perfect shape for Valentine’s Day.
Oval
Oval-shaped diamonds have a long history, dating back as early as 1304 with the famous Koh-i-Noor. Today, they’re making a strong comeback, and are a popular choice, particularly if you’d like your finger to appear longer and slimmer. Like round diamonds, ovals cut in the brilliant style exhibit a similar fire and brilliance.
Marquise
Named after a mistress of King Louis XV, whose mouth it was thought to resemble, this shape creates an illusion that the diamond is larger in size. Watch out for symmetry in marquise-shaped diamonds – even the slightest difference can make a diamond appear uneven and unbalanced.
Pear
Resembling a teardrop, the pear shape blends the best of the round and marquise shapes. Rounded shoulders and wings create an appealing outline, but symmetry is key for this shape. Wear the point out toward the tip of your fingers for a slimming effect on your hand.
Emerald
The unique look of the emerald cut diamond is due to the step cuts of its pavilion and its large, open table. Instead of the sparkle of a brilliant-cut, emerald cut diamonds produce a hall-of-mirrors effect, with the interplay of light and dark planes. Often, inclusions or body color are easier to see in an emerald cut diamond.
Princess
The princess cut diamond, first created in 1980, is a popular fancy diamond shape, especially for engagement rings. Like round cut diamonds, the square shaped princess cut diamonds are a good choice for their flexibility in working in many styles of ring.
Trilliant
Often used as side stones, the trilliant shape is a truly unique and adventurous choice for a solitaire. The Trilliant cut diamonds are cut in the brilliant style. Inclusions tend to be easier to see with this shape, so look for a stone of high clarity.
Cushion
The cushion cut diamond combines a square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow (hence the name). This classic cut has been around for almost 200 years, and for the first century of its existence was the most popular diamond shape (similar to round cut today).
Asscher
First produced by the Asscher Brothers of Holland in 1902, the Asscher Cut Diamond regained popularity in 2002 after its one hundredth anniversary and a slight modification to the cut technique. Similar to the style of the Emerald Cut, only square, the Asscher Cut Diamond hosts a smaller table and more layered facets. Brilliance is achieved through light reflection among the square facets seen underneath the table. The Asscher Cut’s trimmed corners give it extra style and stability.
Radiant
Radiant cut diamonds feature uniquely trimmed corners that combine the lines of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round diamond. The Radiant Cut is an dazzling choice due to its many facets found in the pavilion and crown. These features provide a high level of both brilliance and fire. Its cropped corners also make it a delightful match for pairing with rounded or square diamonds. Radiant cut diamonds come in both rectangular and square form.