DIAMOND SHAPES GUIDE
Discover the character, proportions and beauty of every diamond shape.
Choosing Your Diamond Shape
A diamond’s shape defines its outline, proportions and overall character, making it one of the most personal choices when selecting a diamond.
From the timeless brilliance of a round diamond to the elegant lines of oval, emerald, pear and marquise shapes, each creates a distinct look and presence.
There is no single best diamond shape. The right choice depends on your personal style, preferred proportions and the way you want the diamond to appear when worn.
Explore the shapes below to discover the characteristics that make each one unique.
ROUND
The round brilliant is the most iconic diamond shape, known for its exceptional brilliance, fire and timeless appeal. Its symmetrical design and carefully arranged facets are engineered to maximize light return, creating the sparkle traditionally associated with diamonds.
Versatile and enduring, the round shape complements virtually every jewelry and setting style, making it a classic choice that never feels out of place.
OVAL
The oval diamond combines brilliant sparkle with an elegant, elongated silhouette. Its length can create a larger visual presence for its carat weight while giving the diamond a graceful and refined appearance.
Oval diamonds can range from softly rounded to more elongated proportions, allowing the shape to feel either classic or distinctly modern depending on personal preference.
EMERALD
The emerald cut is distinguished by its long, clean lines and step-cut facets, creating broad flashes of light rather than the intense sparkle of a brilliant-cut diamond.
Its open appearance emphasizes clarity, symmetry and proportion, giving the diamond a sophisticated, architectural character. Elegant and understated, the emerald cut is particularly suited to those drawn to a refined and distinctive look.
RADIANT
The radiant cut combines an angular silhouette with brilliant-style faceting, offering strong sparkle within a clean, contemporary shape.
Available in both square and elongated proportions, radiant diamonds provide considerable flexibility in appearance. Their combination of defined edges and lively brilliance makes them an excellent choice for someone looking for a modern shape without sacrificing sparkle.
MARQUISE
The marquise diamond is recognized by its elongated body and distinctive pointed ends. Its proportions create a striking silhouette and can give the diamond an impressive visual presence when viewed from above.
The shape has an elegant, dramatic character and can also create a lengthening effect when worn on the finger. Symmetry is particularly important in a beautifully proportioned marquise diamond.
PEAR
Combining a rounded end with a graceful tapered point, the pear diamond offers a distinctive balance of softness and elegance.
Its elongated outline can create a beautiful sense of length and visual presence, while brilliant-style faceting provides lively sparkle. Pear diamonds vary in proportion from wider, softer silhouettes to slender, elongated shapes, allowing for a highly personal choice.
CUSHION
The cushion cut is characterized by its softly rounded corners and gently curved outline, blending classic character with modern brilliance.
Depending on its proportions and facet pattern, a cushion diamond can appear square or slightly elongated and can display anything from broad flashes of light to a more intricate sparkle. Its soft silhouette makes it a romantic and versatile choice.
PRINCESS
The princess cut combines a clean square outline with brilliant faceting, creating a sharp, contemporary appearance with impressive sparkle.
Its straight edges and defined corners give it a distinctly geometric character, while its facet arrangement produces lively light return. The princess cut is an excellent choice for those who prefer modern symmetry and strong brilliance in a square-shaped diamond.
HEART
The heart-shaped diamond is one of the most distinctive fancy shapes, recognized for its curved lobes and defined central cleft leading to a pointed tip.
Brilliant-style faceting gives the shape lively sparkle, while its unmistakable silhouette creates a romantic and expressive appearance. Symmetry is especially important in a heart-shaped diamond, as well-balanced proportions help create an elegant and clearly defined heart.
ASSCHER
The Asscher cut is distinguished by its square outline, cropped corners and striking step-cut facets. Similar to the emerald cut, its faceting creates broad flashes of light and a distinctive geometric pattern rather than traditional brilliant-style sparkle.
Its symmetry and depth give the diamond an elegant, architectural appearance with a vintage-inspired character. Because of its open facet pattern, clarity and precise proportions are especially important when selecting an Asscher diamond.
READY TO CHOOSE YOUR DIAMOND?
Now that you understand the characteristics of each diamond shape, discover what else to consider when selecting the right diamond for you.
From quality and proportions to certification and personal preference, our Diamond Buying Guide brings everything together to help you make a confident choice.