Diamond Shapes Explained
Diamonds come in various shapes, each with its own distinct characteristics and appeal. From the classic round brilliant to the elegant princess, and the unique emerald or marquis, each shape presents a different aesthetic, personality, and brilliance. Understanding the different diamond shapes is essential for both buyers and enthusiasts who seek to appreciate the versatility and beauty within the realm of diamond jewelry. And we are here to help you with your choice.
Round
A round cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape and for over a hundred years, diamond cutters have been enhancing their techniques to perfect this exquisite cut. The diamond's circular shape is cut with 58 facets to reflect light brilliantly, resulting in a sparkle more radiate than any other diamond shape. A round brilliant has a uniform and symmetrical appearance that allows for optimal light to flow through the stone. Because the round diamond is cut to such high standards, this beautiful stone makes color and inclusions appear better than other unique shapes and features the most fire and brilliance.
The round cut diamond is an ideal shape for the center stone of an engagement ring. This timeless design makes up for 74% of all diamond engagement rings sold and is not likely to go out of style any time soon. The high brilliance of this shape is great for those who want maximum sparkle!
A round cut ring blends into a range of aesthetics allowing for you to create a design that is vintage, modern, bold or timeless classic.
Oval
Oval diamonds are a modified brilliant cut (like virtually all-round cuts). Because the two shapes possess a similar fire and brilliance, the oval is an ideal choice for a customer who likes the look of a round diamond but wants something more unique. Oval diamonds have the added advantage of an elongated shape, which can create the illusion of greater size.
The ideal proportions of a cut oval diamond mostly depend on personal preference—such as being more elongated vs. more rounded. Though the average oval length to width ratio is usually between 1.30 and 1.50.
The higher the oval diamond ratio, the more elongated it will appear. For example, a 1.60 oval diamond culet will appear much thinner in silhouette than a 1.30, which will look thicker. Keep in mind that the more elongated the stone, the larger it will look.
Cushion
Three Varieties of Cushion Cut Diamonds: The embodiment of subtle romance, the cushion cut diamond stands as a timeless option for engagement rings. Featuring a softened square or rectangular shape with a captivating brilliance, these diamonds present a classic aesthetic with a touch of vintage allure.
Cushion cut diamonds excel in concealing inclusions and are known for their fancy pillow-like shape. While they generally exhibit less brilliance compared to round brilliant diamonds, the appeal of cushion cut diamonds is that they have larger flashes of fire that will catch your eye.
Cushion cuts come in 3 main cuts and the look of a cushion cut diamond or moissanite can change a lot depending on its ratio, meaning how square or elongated it is.
The 3 main cuts for a cushion cut diamond or moissanite are:
Old Mine cut/antique cushion
Cushion modified
Cushion brilliant
The Old Mine Cut Antique Cushion referred to as the Old Mine cut diamonds were predominantly used in the Victoria and Edwardian eras. Earth diamonds cut like this are rare but we are able to custom cut our Moissanite this way. It is also rare to find a lab grown diamond cut this way due to this type of cut not being in the highest demand but we will always do our best to source it for you if this is the stone you are dreaming of. We love the timeless and vintage vibe the Old mine/ Antique cut has, however, when it is set in a modern setting it looks very fresh and now.
The Cushion Modified Cut is the most prevalent cushion cut. It features an additional row of facets, resulting in a crushed-ice appearance.
Cushion Brilliant
In contrast to its modified counterpart, the cushion brilliant holds a higher rarity, leading to a generally elevated value when it comes to earth mined diamonds. We see more of this cut with Lab Grown Diamonds since the demand is high. We make many rings set with Ara Moissanite that we custom cut this way. The Brilliant Cushion has larger and fewer facets, this cut is extremely sparkly, so if you are all about that sparkle this is the cushion cut for you.
Cushion cut diamonds come in a variety of shapes. Please take a look at this guide to see how much a cushion cut diamonds ratio changes the look of the diamond.
The traditional prefered shape is 1.10-1.25 but we think its a personal preference, we think the "preffered shape" is the diamond or moissanite you like the best.
Emerald
If there’s one diamond cut that can be relied upon to bring an understated but impressive wow factor, it’s the emerald cut. The sleek look of the emerald cut diamond makes it a popular choice for those who want subtle sparkle with a classic style that is undeniably beautiful. From its start as a cutting style for the emerald gemstone, to its constant presence in celebrity engagement rings, the emerald cut diamond is the perfect, timeless choice.
An emerald cut diamond typically consists of 57 facets and boasts an elongated rectangular shape with cut-off corners–its appearance is commanding. Instead of the brilliance and sparkle you’re used to with round or cushion diamonds, you’ll see flashes of light in the emerald cut due to its linear, straight facets: step cut. This effect is known as the “Hall of Mirrors”.
While emerald cut diamonds are vastly recognized to be rectangular in shape, they can exist as more of a square shape. The classic length to width ratio for an emerald cut diamond ranges from 1.30 to 1.50. Most people choose a ratio in the 1.3 to 1.4 range. When considering the ratio, the diamond’s proportions and dimensions will also play an important role.
With the cutting style of an emerald cut, the table – the top surface area – becomes a clear, unobstructed view into the center of the stone. Any inclusions in this middle area will be clearly visible. And since step cut diamonds are not as bright and fiery as brilliant cut stones, there’s nothing about the faceting style that can mask the blemishes within the stone.
For this reason, clarity is one of the most important gradings to consider for an emerald cut diamond. Step cut stones are generally not as bright and never as fiery as brilliant cut stones. The cut is meant to show clear, straight expanses of white light return, that means there’s no scattering of light to hide inclusions.
When choosing an emerald cut diamond, we suggest not going below VS2 in clarity. Due to the mirror-like facets any imperfections could be visible if the clarity is below VS2. Other diamonds that have more facets can hide imperfections a little better, so we always suggest choosing a stone VS2 clarity or above.
Radiant
Radiant cuts are perfect for those loving the contours of an emerald cut but wanting the sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond.
The radiant cut is designed to maximize sparkle and brilliance, similar to round brilliant cuts, due to its intricate facet design. This makes it an excellent choice for those who desire a diamond with exceptional radiance and vibrancy.
In contrast, the emerald cut prioritizes the diamond’s clarity and transparency over intense sparkle.
Ratios for radiant cut diamonds depend on personal preference. The most common ratio for a traditional, rectangular shaped radiant cut diamond is 1.25 although ratios range from 1.05 – 1.50. For a square radiant cut, a ratio between 1.00-1.05 is ideal.
The ratio significantly impacts the diamond’s visual characteristics. A higher ratio (greater than 1.3) creates a more rectangular appearance, while a lower ratio (around 1.0 to 1.3) results in a more squre shape.
The elongated radiant cut combines the best of both worlds: the outstanding sparkle of brilliant cuts and the elongated silhouette of emerald cuts. This blend of characteristics allows for a striking balance between fire and geometry, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a fusion of classic and modern aesthetics.
Pear
Often referred to as a teardrop diamond, the pear cut diamond is a unique shape featuring a rounded bottom tapering to a pointed top.
Pear cut diamonds will fall within a particular range for their length to width ratio. Industry standards consider pear cut diamonds falling between 1.55 and 1.70 to be ideal, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Princess
The princess-cut diamond is a favorite choice for those who want a modern, geometric shape with strong lines.
While it’s a relatively new shape, first created in the 1960s, it’s now the fourth most coveted choice after the round, oval and cushion cut. The princess cut continues to increase in popularity, and we can see why.
The princess cut diamond has impressive fire and brilliance, similar to a round or cushion cut, maximizing sparkle. Its extra facets allow more light to be dispersed throughout the stone which also serves to minimize the appearance of clarity characteristics/inclusions.
Despite their square appearance, many princess cut diamonds aren’t exactly square and possess a slightly rectangular shape, often not visible to the naked eye.
There is no right or wrong with the dimensions of a princess cut diamond–it’s all about personal preference. Any length to width ratio between 1.00 to 1.05 will appear square to the naked eye.
Marquis
Steeped in historical romance, this cut has a strong presence–one that will certainly stand out. Its unique elongated shape with pointed ends is unique and is perfect for someone who wants something elegant but different.
Marquis diamonds can be set vertically or horizontally or even as accent side stones. Most rings feature a vertical placement, set in the more traditional north-south setting for a more traditional style.
Marquis diamonds typically have a 1.85 – 2.00 ratio, making its length around twice the size of its width, which is considered an ideal balance.
