Diamond Cut and Shapes Guide

Even though diamond shape is NOT considered one of the 4 C’s of diamonds, diamonds cuts is one of the most important attributes that affect diamond’s appearance and value which in turn makes it one of the most important features of a diamond. It’s important to note, however, we often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, heart, oval, marquise, pear,etc.), but what diamond cut actually does mean how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond,and the shape of a diamond and its cut are entirely separate features. While the cut is a fine detail that permits the reflection of light, the shape is much more obvious and identifiable from afar.

Round Brilliant Diamond:For almost 100 years, diamond cutters have been using advanced theories of light behavior and precise mathematical calculations to optimize the fire and brilliance in a round diamond. Round diamonds will typically give you more flexibility in terms of balancing cut, color, and clarity grades while still getting the sparkle you want. To maximize the brilliance of a traditional round diamond, we recommend an Ideal cut with Excellent polish and symmetry.

Princess-Cut Diamond:This is our most popular non-round diamond. Its beautiful brilliance and unique cut makes it a favorite for engagement rings. This shape has pointed corners and is traditionally known as a square-cut diamond, although they vary in how square or rectangular they are. The princess-cut also tend to show slight color in its corners, so you may want to budget for a higher color grade than you’d need when buying a round.

Emerald-Cut Diamond:What makes the emerald shape distinct is its pavilion, which is cut with rectangular facets to create a unique optical appearance. Due to its large open table and step-cut pavilion, this shape highlights the clarity of a diamond. If you choose an emerald-cut diamond with a lower clarity grade, such as SI, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate to judge the visibility of the inclusions. This shape can vary greatly in how rectangular the diamond is cut. If you prefer a squared outline, explore Asscher-cut diamonds.

Asscher-Cut Diamond:This beautifully distinct shape is nearly identical to the emerald-cut diamond, except that it’s square. An Asscher’s pavilion is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald. If you’re choosing a lower clarity grade, be sure to view the clarity plot on the diamond certificate to judge the visibility of the inclusions. Also, this shape tends to show slight color in the corners, so you may want to spend a little more for a higher color grade.

Marquise-Cut Diamond:The shape of a marquise can maximize carat weight, giving you a much larger-looking diamond. This brilliant-cut diamond looks beautiful set with round or pear-shaped side stones, and the length of the marquise diamond is flattering to fingers.

Oval-Cut Diamond:An oval-shaped diamond has beautiful brilliance that’s similar to a round diamond. Oval diamonds are also very popular as their length can accentuate long, slender fingers.

Radiant-Cut Diamond:Trimmed corners are the signature of this diamond, and they help make the radiant shape a popular and versatile choice for jewelry. This shape looks equally beautiful set with either baguette or round side-diamonds. Radiant-cut diamonds can vary in their degree of rectangularity.

Pear-Shaped Diamond:This brilliant-cut diamond is also called a teardrop for its single point and rounded end. The unique look of the pear shape helps make it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. If you choose an elongated pear shape, the length of the diamond creates a subtle slimming effect on the fingers.

Heart-Shaped Diamond:The heart is the ultimate symbol of love. The unique look of the heart-shaped diamond helps make it a distinctive choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. This shape tends to show slight color in its point, so you may want to budget for a higher color grade than you’d need when buying a round diamond.

Cushion-Cut Diamond:This unique shape has been popular for more than a century. Cushion-cut diamonds (also known as pillow-cut diamonds) have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. These larger facets can show inclusions more easily than some other shapes, so if you choose a lower clarity grade, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate. Cushion-shaped diamonds are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular.