One of the most important decisions you’ll make when purchasing a diamond is the shape of the center stone. Diamonds come in many shapes and settings, allowing you to create a piece of jewelry that is uniquely your own. There are seven popular diamond shapes that are found routinely among most jewelers.
Traditional Diamond Shapes
Round
The round or brilliant, cut has always been the most popular shape. This shape has been loved for centuries and is still widely chosen by brides today. One of the reasons for the popularity of the round-shaped diamond is the ease with which it can be cut to have maximum fire and brilliance. A round diamond is a good bet for the woman who wants a very traditional engagement ring. Read more about the Round Diamond Shape.
Oval
Oval diamonds have also been popular for many years, and are still favored by many traditional brides. Oval diamonds often appear bigger because of the elongated shape of the stone. Read more about the Oval Diamond Shape.
Marquis
Marquise diamonds are much like oval diamonds, but with a point at the top and bottom of the stone. This cut also gives the illusion of being very large. Read more about the Marquise Diamond Shape.
Fancy Diamond Shapes
The following shapes have been available for years, but have only become as popular as traditional shapes over the last 50 years.
Princess
The Princess is a square cut diamond. Today, the Princess cut is as popular among brides as the round diamond.
Emerald
The Emerald diamond is rectangular in shape, and cut with brilliant rectangular facets, as well. This diamond has exceptional sparkle because of these facets. Traditionally, emerald cut diamonds were only used for very large stones. However, these diamonds are beautiful in size and actually appear larger than their true size because of the diamond’s shape. Read more about the Emerald Diamond Shape.
Asscher
The Asscher cut diamond is a hybrid between the Princess and the Emerald cuts. The diamond is a square cut, like the Princess, but with facets like the Emerald.
Radiant
The Radiant diamond is much like a Princess cut, but with rounded corners. It is often set with round or baguette-shaped side diamonds.
Pear
Sometimes referred to as a “teardrop” diamond, the pear shape is rounded on one end and pointed on the other. This is another shape that can appear deceptively large. Read more about the Pear Diamond Shape.
Heart
The heart shape is self-explanatory. Though the heart is the symbol of love, this shape is actually one of the less popular for engagement rings. Read more about the Heart Diamond Shape.
Cushion
Cushion (or Pillow) diamonds are much like Radiant diamonds, but with a greater number of facets on the surface. Radiant diamonds are often inset into rings, rather than sitting on top, such as in a traditional Tiffany setting.
Halo
A halo cut diamond can be in any shape. The term “halo refers to the fact that the center diamond is surrounded by smaller diamonds. This type of setting has become very popular in recent years. Read more about Halo Diamond Ring Settings
What Diamond Shape Should I Choose?
The diamond shape is purely a matter of preference. Choose the shape that you love. Work with your jeweler to determine the unique considerations that go with each shape.
Depending upon the shape you choose, for example, you may need to be more concerned about color or clarity, as different shapes can highlight features, as well as imperfections. With a little help from a great jeweler, you’ll find the perfect diamond in the perfect shape.
Learn More about Diamond Cuts and Diamond Shapes:
