Diamond Shapes

Diamond shapes refer to the form or general outline of a diamond. It is not uncommon to confuse the ‘shape’ and ‘cut’ of a diamond, as they are considered to be synonyms, which is understandable because diamond “names” include the word cut, such as princess cut or emerald cut. However there is a significant difference between the shape and cut of a diamond. Shape describes a diamond's form, symmetry and proportions (e.g. round, square, triangle) whereas cut refers to the specifications (e.g. ideal, excellent, very good) of a diamond.

While your partner may be unsure of the exact engagement ring they would like, their shape preference is likely something they already have in mind. Choosing a shape can depend on personal style, hand shape, size and even setting preference.

Round Brilliant:

The round cut is, by far, the most preferred diamond shape, the cut is also the most optically brilliant because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. A round brilliant is a great choice if you want the most sparkle and the most enduring classic shape. The round silhouette works with almost every mounting, from classic solitaires to the most avant-garde designs.

Princess:

The princess cut is a modern classic with clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. The shape of the Princess is distinguishable by its sharp right-angle corners and it is second most popular shape, after the round brilliant. The cut of this diamond shape combines the step cut of the emerald cut with the triangular facets of the brilliant cut. This princess is the perfect choice if you prefer a square shape but want the brilliance of a round.

Cushion:

The cushion cut has a square or rectangular outline with rounded corners. While the preferred shape has a 1:1 ratio, we most often see the cushion in a slightly elongated to elongated shape. The cushion cut is also referred to as an ‘antique square or modified cushion’ when cut in the square shape. It has 58 brilliant facets that resemble a pillow shape, hence the name “Cushion”. The cushion shape is an ‘antique style of cut’, evolved from the "Old Mine Cut" that was developed before the turn of the century.

Diamond Hybrid: We offer one shape of the cushion cut which has equal sides with its length and width in equal proportion (1:1 ratio), making it a perfect square.

Emerald:

The emerald cut is among the most classic of diamond shapes and is usually cut into a rectangular shape. Its clean lines come from step-cutting, or parallel line facets and it is always cut with blocked (cut) corners. The length-to-width ratios for the emerald cut is typically 1.5:1 ratio, meaning that the length of the stone is be about 1½ times the width of the stone, which is the correct way to cut a true emerald shape, however, the emerald can also be cut into a square shape where it is referred to as a ‘square emerald’ which can look similar to the Asscher cut.

Radiant:

The radiant cut is either a square or rectangle in shape, and like the emerald, the radiant cut is distinguishable by its blocked (cut) corners. The radiant is a beautiful combination of the classic emerald cut but with the faceted sparkle of the round brilliant or princess cut, because it combines the step cutting of the emerald with the triangular faceting of the brilliant cut.

Diamond Hybrid: The Radiant cut Diamond Hybrid is rectangular in shape. The length-to-width ratio is 1.5:1, meaning that the length of the stone is be about 1½ times the width of the stone.

Oval:

The shape of an oval diamond is recognizable, as its shape is defined by its name. The sparkle of the brilliant cut combined with the elongated shape of the oval makes it the perfect shape to accentuate long, slender fingers or at least give the appearance of longer, slender fingers. The length-to-width ratio of the oval’s dimensions will determine the outline, or what it the diamond will look like when viewed from the top. A ratio of 1.33 to 1.66 is the traditional range of oval shaped diamonds.

Diamond Hybrid: The Oval Cut Diamond Hybrid is cut about 1½ times the width of the diamond and has 56 facets, which display a visible “bow-tie”.

Asscher:

Asscher cut diamonds are simply a variation of the classic emerald cut. Asscher cuts are square in shape and have distinct cut corners, which add to its geometric appeal, making the diamond appear almost octagonal. However, it is the pavilion (bottom part of the diamond) that defines the uniqueness of this shape, which has a "scissor cut" with all facets, step-cut down toward the culet (point on the bottom).

Pear:

The pear shape most resembles a ‘teardrop’ with its rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other. The pear is considered a feminine shape and the more elongated its shape is, the more slender your fingers will appear. Pear shape diamonds can vary in their length and width ratios, with the most common ratios varying between 1.45 and 1.75.

Marquise:

The Marquise cut is an elongated shape with tapering points at both ends. Its shape allows the cutter to maximize carat weight, giving the appearance of a larger-looking diamond and tends to flatter the finger, making it appear longer. The most traditional marquise-cut diamonds, have a length-to-width ratios between 1.75 and 2.25.

Diamond Hybrid: The Marquise cut Diamond Hybrid’s length-to-width ratio is 2:1, which is preferred, meaning that the length of the stone is about 2 times the width of the stone.

Other Fancy diamond shapes are: Trilliant/Triangle, Baguette, Half Moon, Kite, Old European, Old Mine Cut, and Trapezoid.