Diamond Shapes
From traditional round briliant cuts to more interesting marquise, oval, heart shapes…
These days diamonds come in all shapes imaginable and diamond cutters are still experimenting to discover more. A diamond cutter's skill will produce a diamond of the greatest size with the fewest flaws and the most brilliance from the rough stone.
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Round |
This is the shape that has set the traditional standard for all diamond shapes. Over 75% of the diamonds sold today are Round Brilliant. Its 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle (widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance. |
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Princess |
This is a square rectangular shape with many facets. This is a relatively new cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement rings. It is attractive with longer fingers. This cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon. |
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Emerald |
This shape is known as a step cut because its concentric broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Arectangular shape with cut corners. Inclusions and inferior color can be more pronounced in this particular cut. So clarity and color should be looked at carefully and time taken when a choice is made. |
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Asscher |
It is a stepped square cut, often called the "square emerald cut" and like an emerald cut, the Asscher has cropped corners. |
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Marquise |
This shape is elongated with pointed ends. The smile of the Marquise de Pompadour inspired this shape which was then commissioned by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is beautiful as a solitaire or when matched with smaller complimentry diamonds. |
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Oval |
This is a symmetrical design which is even and appeals to many small handed women seemingly elongating hands and fingers. |
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Radiant |
This is a square or rectangular shape. The elegance of the emerald and the brilliance of the round shape marks this cut. 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Depth percentages of 70% to 78% are not uncommon. It requires this depth because of its cut and 70 facets. |
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Pear |
This cut combines the best between the oval and marquise shapes. It is the hybrid shape that looks like a sparkling teardrop. It beautifully compliments the average size hand and fingers. It is gorgeous for pendants and earings. |
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Heart |
A pear shaped diamond with a cleft on the top. The extraordinary skill of the cutter determines the beauty of this cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline. |
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Cushion |
Late 19th and early 20th style antique type shape. Remnants of the "Old Mine Cut", a deep cut with large facets. |
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Trilliant |
The main and outstanding feature of the trilliant cut diamond is its unique triangle form. The trilliant cut is created with equal sides and usually contains 50 facets. |
About Buying Diamonds is a comprehensive guide explaining diamond characteristics like cut, colour, clarity & carat, as well as the different diamond shapes and types of diamonds. You can learn what to buy for your diamond jewellery needs such as diamond rings or diamond bracelets and how these grades will affect diamond prices. The process of buying diamonds online may be daunting to some, so throughout this site we offer advice and information on buying all types of diamonds including loose diamonds and wholesale diamonds and the reasons why you should always buy certified diamonds.