Learn more about diamond shapes
Let's take a look at each diamond shape and what makes them each unique.
What is diamond shape?
Diamond shape refers to the geometric outline of a diamond when viewed from above. Diamonds can be cut into a wide variety of unique shapes, each with their own set of characteristics.
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While not technically apart of the "4Cs", shape is generally one of the top considerations when shopping for diamond jewelry or engagement rings.
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The round diamond shape is the most popular and iconic diamond cut, while the other diamond shapes are referred to as the "fancy shapes". The fancy shapes or cuts include princess, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, radiant, heart, and asscher.
Round diamonds
Round diamonds, also known as round brilliants, are the most popular diamond shape and are known for their classic and timeless appeal. They have a circular shape with 58 facets, or small flat surfaces, that are precisely cut to optimize the diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
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Round diamonds have the most potential to reflect light because of their numerous facets, which are placed in a way that allows for optimal light performance.
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Round diamonds are versatile and can be set in a variety of settings, from solitaire to halo to three-stone settings. They also tend to have a higher price per carat compared to other diamond shapes, as they require a larger amount of the rough diamond to be cut away in order to achieve the perfect proportions and symmetry.
Princess diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are a square-shaped diamond cut that is known for its sharp corners and brilliant sparkle. This diamond cut was first introduced in the 1960s, and quickly became popular due to its modern and elegant appearance.
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Princess cut diamonds have a square or rectangular shape, and are typically cut with 57 or 76 facets. The facets are arranged in a way that maximizes the diamond's brilliance and fire, and makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewelry.
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One of the advantages of the princess cut is that it tends to have a larger face-up appearance than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight, due to its shape and the way the facets are arranged. This makes it a popular choice for those who want a larger looking diamond without having to pay for a higher carat weight.
Oval diamonds
Oval diamonds are a popular diamond shape that has an elongated, oval shape and a brilliant sparkle. Oval diamonds typically have 56 to 58 facets, which are arranged in a way that maximizes the diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The elongated shape of the oval diamond makes it appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, making it a popular choice for those who want a larger looking diamond without having to pay for a higher carat weight.
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One of the advantages of oval diamonds is that they can make the finger appear longer and more slender, due to the elongated shape of the diamond. However, it is important to choose a well-proportioned oval diamond, as an improperly cut diamond can appear to have a "bow-tie" effect, which is a dark area in the center of the diamond.
Pear diamonds
Pear shaped diamonds, also known as teardrop diamonds, are a unique and elegant diamond shape that combines the classic round brilliant cut with the elegant and elongated shape of a marquise cut. The pear shape is a hybrid cut that creates a diamond with a rounded end on one side and a pointed end on the other side.
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Pear shaped diamonds typically have 58 to 71 facets, which are arranged in a way that maximizes the diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The elongated shape of the pear diamond makes it appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, making it a popular choice for those who want a larger looking diamond without having to pay for a higher carat weight.
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One of the advantages of pear shaped diamonds is their versatility. They can be set in a variety of settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings. They are also a popular choice for vintage-inspired and romantic styles, as the teardrop shape of the diamond has a soft and romantic appeal.
Cushion diamonds
Cushion shaped diamonds, also known as pillow cut diamonds, are a vintage-inspired diamond shape that combines the classic appeal of the round brilliant cut with the soft, rounded edges of a square or rectangular shape. This diamond shape has been around for over 200 years and has recently regained popularity as a unique and elegant choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewelry.
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Cushion shaped diamonds typically have 58 facets, which are arranged in a way that maximizes the diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The soft, rounded edges of the diamond give it a vintage and romantic appeal, while the numerous facets enhance the diamond's sparkle and brilliance.
Marquise diamonds
Marquise shaped diamonds are a classic and elegant diamond shape with a distinctive elongated, boat-shaped design that tapers to a point on both ends. This diamond shape has been around for over 300 years and is known for its striking and regal appearance.
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Marquise shaped diamonds typically have 56 to 58 facets, which are arranged in a way that maximizes the diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The elongated shape of the diamond makes it appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, making it a popular choice for those who want a larger looking diamond without having to pay for a higher carat weight.
Emerald diamonds
Emerald shaped diamonds, also known as step cut diamonds, are a classic diamond shape with a unique, elongated rectangular design that features a large, open table and stepped facets that run parallel to the girdle of the diamond. This diamond shape has been around for centuries and is known for its clean lines and understated elegance.
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Emerald shaped diamonds typically have 50 to 58 facets, which are arranged in a way that emphasizes the diamond's clarity and color rather than its sparkle and brilliance. The large, open table and stepped facets of the diamond make it appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, making it a popular choice for those who want a larger looking diamond without having to pay for a higher carat weight.
Our most asked questions about diamond shapes
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Generally, diamond shapes with more facets tend to reflect more light and appear brighter, but the quality of the cut grade and proportions have the diamond play a large role.
Round brilliant cut diamonds are often considered the brightest diamond shape due to their 58 facets and symmetrical cut, which allows for maximum light reflection and dispersion. Princess cut diamonds, with their sharp corners and large number of facets, can also appear very bright and sparkly.
Other diamond shapes, such as cushion cut and oval cut diamonds, can also be very bright and brilliant when well-cut and well-proportioned. However, the brightness and sparkle of a diamond also depend on its clarity, color, and the quality of the diamond's cut. A well-cut diamond with good clarity and color will appear brighter and more sparkly than a poorly cut diamond, regardless of the diamond shape.
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Diamond shapes are cut using advanced machinery that is specifically designed for cutting and shaping diamonds. The diamond cutting process is a highly specialized and skilled craft that requires precision and attention to detail.
The first step in cutting a diamond is to cleave, or split, the rough diamond into smaller pieces that can be shaped into the desired diamond shape. This is done using a specialized saw that is fitted with a blade made of diamond grit.
After the diamond has been cleaved, it is typically shaped using a process known as bruting. In this process, the diamond is shaped into a round shape using a rotating grinding wheel that is also covered in diamond grit. This process helps to shape the diamond and create a flat surface known as the girdle.
Once the diamond has been bruted, it is then faceted to create the desired diamond shape. This is done by using a series of grinding and polishing wheels, which are also covered in diamond grit. The diamond is held in a special holder, known as a dop, which allows the cutter to hold and rotate the diamond while shaping and polishing it.
During the faceting process, the diamond cutter carefully determines the number, size, and placement of the diamond's facets, which will determine the diamond's overall brilliance and fire. The diamond is cut and polished at precise angles to create the desired diamond shape and to maximize its beauty and value.
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The popularity of diamond shapes can vary over time and is largely influenced by fashion trends and personal preferences. However, the round brilliant cut diamond has been the most popular diamond shape for many decades and continues to be the most popular today.
According to industry data, round brilliant cut diamonds make up over 75% of all diamond sales worldwide. This diamond shape is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of jewelry styles, from classic solitaire engagement rings to more elaborate designs.
Other diamond shapes, such as princess cut, cushion cut, and oval cut diamonds, have also grown in popularity in recent years, but none have surpassed the round brilliant cut diamond in terms of overall popularity.
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The cost of a diamond is influenced by several factors, including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), as well as the demand for a particular diamond shape or cut. Generally speaking, the round brilliant cut diamond is the most expensive diamond cut.
Round brilliant cut diamonds are typically the most expensive diamond cut because they require more time and skill to cut than other diamond shapes. The round shape is designed to maximize the diamond's brilliance and fire, which means that the diamond cutter must remove more material from the rough diamond to create the desired shape and angles. This results in more waste and higher labor costs, which can drive up the price of the finished diamond.
In addition to the higher cost of production, round brilliant cut diamonds are also the most popular diamond shape, which can further drive up their price. However, it's important to note that the price of a diamond is also influenced by the quality of the stone, and a poorly cut round diamond may be less expensive than a well-cut diamond of another shape.
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The "best" diamond shape is largely a matter of personal preference and what you value most in a diamond. However, the round brilliant cut diamond is considered by many to be the most classic and timeless diamond cut, and it is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire.
When choosing a diamond, it's important to consider the overall quality and characteristics of the stone, including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), as well as personal preferences and budget. A well-cut diamond of any shape can be beautiful and valuable, so it's important to choose the diamond that best suits your style and budget.