Diamond Shapes

When selecting a diamond, the shape of the diamond itself is one of the most important considerations. Each of the various diamond shapes has its own unique characteristics. Below you will find a description of the different diamond shapes you are most likely to encounter. Currently the two most popular shapes are the round brilliant and the princess cut. Diamond shapes other than round are referred to as ‘fancy shapes’. The original contour of the rough diamond often determines which fancy shape diamond will be cut, as yield is a driving factor for the diamond cutter.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIAMOND SHAPES

1. ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMONDS

The round brilliant cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes for its intense sparkle. Round brilliant diamonds are cut to optimize brilliance, featuring over 56 facets that reflect light and cast tiny rainbows in a breathtaking show of sparkle and contrast. even though this diamond shape won't have the largest face-up area, its intense sparkle will make it appear bigger! The Round Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Diamond, with proven optics of the highest order exemplifies the extraordinary potential of the round brilliant.

2. PRINCESS DIAMONDS

Beloved for its contemporary style and sparkle, the princess cut is the most popular fancy shape diamond. Princess-cut diamonds are square modified brilliant cuts with pointed corners. Boasting over 50 chevron-shaped facets, this cut is defined by exceptional fire and scintillation. Depending on the length-to-width ratio, princess-cut diamonds can appear square or rectangular. compared to a round, it comes at a 25-35% discount. Although princess cuts have a slightly smaller face-up size, their long diagonal measurement makes them seem larger.

3. EMERALD DIAMONDS

Another fancy shape diamonds is the elegant Emerald cut diamond. They are normally rectangular in shape and have step-cut elongated facets on the crown and pavilion, with small cut corners giving the diamond an octagonal outline. The Emerald cut diamond is very revealing of clarity features so higher clarity grades are usually seen in this shape. Emerald-cut diamonds can be 12-42% cheaper than rounds of the same carat weight.

4. CUSHION DIAMONDS

The cushion-cut diamond is also traditionally referred to as the “pillow-cut diamond.” Rounded edges soften the corners of this square or rectangular-cut diamond. Don’t expect the sparkle of a round brilliant cut or princess cut diamond. Cushion cuts have a different pattern of sparkle, but are no less beautiful. The best way to determine if a cushion cut diamond meets your sparkle quotient is to see the diamond in person. These diamonds are 25-42% cheaper than equivalent rounds!

5. OVAL DIAMONDS

The Oval Cut diamond has brilliant faceting similar to a round diamond but it is elliptical or egg-shaped. The Oval cut has always been one of the most popular of the fancy shapes. Its shape can give the appearance of long and slender fingers. It’s important to watch for the “bow-tie” effect when selecting an Oval. This is a noticeable darkening in the middle of the diamond that actually resembles a bow-tie. Bold and sophisticated, the oval diamond is a unique shape for the wearer who wants to express their individuality. Better yet, they're 10-30% cheaper than rounds, with about 8% larger face-up area!

6. PEAR SHAPED DIAMONDS

A Pear shape diamond is a combination of the Round and Marquise cut with one rounded end and a pointed end. It is also referred to as a “tear drop” shape. The typical Pear shape diamond is cut like a round brilliant with 58 facets. Like many other fancy shapes (such as the marquise or heart shape), a pear shaped diamond tends to hold more color than a round brilliant. Therefore, it is best to choose a diamond that is high on the color scale or a fancy-color diamond. Not only do pear-shape diamonds have a unique and beautiful shape, their prices are also quite attractive! They face-up 8% larger than rounds and cost 10-30% less.

7. ASSCHER DIAMONDS

The Asscher Cut diamond is nearly identical to an Emerald cut diamond. Joseph Asscher was a diamond cutter who developed and patented the Asscher cut diamond in 1902. It is a square step cut diamond with a small table and a high crown. It also has wide step facets and because of the way its cut, the Asscher has more fire and reflects light more than an Emerald cut diamond and has been gaining in popularity in recent years. The mesmerizing windmill pattern of an asscher-cut diamond is great for a vintage, Art Deco look. With their octagonal outlines, they're perfect for geometrical styles. They also cost 19-43% less than equivalent rounds!

8. RADIANT DIAMONDS

Radiant cuts can be square or rectangular; notably, it has cropped corners and brilliant-cut facets. It is one of the most brilliant cuts a diamond can have. This cut provides tons of sparkle, and the truncated corners make it more durable than a princess cut. The enchanting sparkle and alluring appearance of radiant cut diamonds makes them especially attractive as solitaires. And they don’t require extra embellishment to stand out from the crowd, they can cost 20-39% less than round diamonds! If you go with an elongated radiant cut, it may also appear larger than a round.

9. HEART SHAPED DIAMONDS

Heart-shaped diamonds are romantic symbols and cost 13-26% less than rounds! Heart-cut diamonds have a face-up area about 7% smaller than rounds. Evaluating the shape of hearts in smaller sizes is difficult, so it's best to stick to 1 ct and above. Clarity characteristics can be easier to spot in heart- shaped diamonds. It’s best to look for a stone with good diamond clarity. Avoid diamonds with eye- visible inclusions that could diminish their beauty and affect their durability and value.

10. MARQUISE DIAMONDS

Like an oval with points on each end, the “football” shape of a Marquise cut diamond creates an appearance that looks larger than its carat weight would suggest. It is a brilliant cut stone with 57 facets.The elongated shape of a marquise cut makes the diamond look huge and your finger appear slimmer, too! Marquises have the largest face-up area of all diamond cuts — 15% larger than rounds. They also cost 10-25% less than round diamonds of the same carat.

11. TRILLION DIAMONDS

The Trillion diamond is triangular in shape with a brilliant facet arrangement. The unique geometry and excellent sparkle of trillion make these diamonds stand out. Though popular as side stones, a trillion center stone makes a bold statement. Better yet, their shallow cut makes them face-up 12% larger than rounds! The trillion cut diamond has from 44 to 50 facets. Because of this, a well-cut and proportionate diamonds in this shape have a very sharp sparkle and fire.

12. BAGUETTE DIAMONDS

A Baguette diamond is a thin, elongated, rectangular-shaped diamond commonly long and thin, often around 5:1 in length to width. They have 14 facets, much less than traditional diamond cuts, which will usually have more than 50. These diamonds are often used as side stones in diamond jewelries. The baguette diamond is frequently used in contemporary jewelry and engagement rings. So if you want a modern version of an Art Deco engagement ring, consider one with baguettes

What Is The Best Diamond Shape?

As you have seen in this article, there are many beautiful diamond shapes. Each shape presents a different geometry and individual aesthetic. Some shapes may be more compatible with certain jewelry designs than others, and some offer more affordable pricing. So, the best diamond shape is really the one that is best for YOU.

Having said that, the goal for most shoppers is to find the most brilliant and fiery diamond they can afford. If this is your driving force, the round brilliant is the shape that offers the best potential for optimizing light performance. Ideal and super ideal cut diamonds return over 90% of the light entering their crowns back to the eye of the observer. Their mix of large and small virtual facets provides for outstanding fire and dazzling scintillation.

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