Choosing the shape of your diamond is one of the most personal choices you can make, as it reflects your style and preferences. It's important to distinguish between "cut" and "shape"—while shape refers to the diamond's outline, the cut affects how well the diamond's facets are proportioned to reflect light.
Popular Diamond Shapes
- Round Brilliant: The most popular diamond shape, accounting for over 70% of all diamond sales. Known for its exceptional brilliance, the round cut's symmetrical facets make it a classic choice suitable for various settings.
- Princess Cut: A modern alternative to the round shape, the princess cut is square and offers excellent brilliance. It typically costs less than round diamonds due to the efficient cutting process that reduces material loss.
- Oval Cut: Oval diamonds share the brilliance of round diamonds but offer an elongated shape that can make fingers appear more slender. The oval cut provides a unique twist on the traditional round shape.
- Cushion Cut: Also called the pillow cut, the cushion shape combines square and rounded edges, creating a soft, romantic look. This cut has been around for over a century, offering vintage appeal with a modern flair.
- Marquise Cut: The marquise cut features an elongated body with pointed ends, designed to maximize carat weight. It creates the illusion of a larger diamond and can elongate the appearance of the wearer's fingers.
- Emerald Cut: Characterized by its rectangular shape and "step cuts," the emerald cut provides a sophisticated look with less brilliance but more depth. The large, open table highlights the diamond's clarity, making it important to choose a high-quality stone.
- Pear Cut: This teardrop-shaped diamond is a combination of the marquise and round cuts. Pear-shaped diamonds offer a unique elegance and are often chosen for their ability to make the fingers appear longer.
- Asscher Cut: The Asscher cut is a square version of the emerald cut, known for its "hall of mirrors" effect. First popularized in the early 20th century, it has a vintage art deco charm with a deep, radiant sparkle.
- Radiant Cut: A combination of the emerald and round brilliant cuts, the radiant cut features multiple facets for exceptional sparkle. Its shape works well in both solitaire and halo settings, offering versatility.
- Heart Cut: The heart shape is a timeless symbol of love and is chosen for its romantic significance. A well-cut heart diamond requires perfect symmetry to achieve its iconic shape and sparkle.
- Trilliant Cut: Also known as the trillion cut, trilliant diamonds have a triangular shape with brilliant facets. These diamonds are often used as side stones or as a striking centerpiece in unique settings.
- Baguette Cut: Baguette diamonds are rectangular with straight edges and fewer facets. They are usually used as accent stones, providing an elegant complement to the main diamond without overwhelming its brilliance.
Choosing the Right Shape
When selecting a diamond shape, it's important to consider your personal style, finger shape, and ring setting. Shapes like round and cushion are versatile, fitting into various settings and suiting different styles. Shapes like marquise or pear are ideal for those looking to elongate their fingers. Meanwhile, emerald and Asscher cuts are perfect for those seeking a sophisticated, vintage-inspired look.
Final Thoughts
Your diamond's shape is a reflection of your unique personality and style. Whether you opt for a classic round, a modern princess cut, or a romantic heart shape, make sure to choose a reputable retailer, like Whiteflash, James Allen, or Brilliant Earth, and always ensure your diamond is certified. Remember that cut quality greatly influences the brilliance of your diamond, so prioritize that alongside your shape choice to find the perfect diamond for you.