Which Diamond Shape Should I Choose?
With so many diamond shapes to choose from, knowing where to start can be difficult. Our guide explains a little about the characteristics and aesthetics of some of the most popular, and a couple more unusual, diamond shapes for engagement rings.
Round Brilliant Cut
A round brilliant cut is the most traditional and most popular shape of diamond for engagement rings, and with good reason. The ultra symmetrical shape has been designed and perfected over decades to offer the most fire, brilliance and scintillation possible. Each of the 57 facets are cut precisely to the all the right angles, shapes and sizes to achieve the iconic look of the round brilliant diamond.
A round brilliant cut is the most traditional and most popular shape of diamond for engagement rings, and with good reason. The ultra symmetrical shape has been designed and perfected over decades to offer the most fire, brilliance and scintillation possible. Each of the 57 facets are cut precisely to the all the right angles, shapes and sizes to achieve the iconic look of the round brilliant diamond.
Princess Cut
Princess cuts are super-sleek square shapes. The square shape makes more of the rough diamond during cutting, which means, carat for carat, the princess cut is a more cost-effective stone than the round brilliant. Princess cuts are a type of brilliant cut, meaning they’re cut for fire, life and scintillation to ensure maximum sparkle. The sharp angles of a princess cut make this the perfect contemporary choice.
Emerald Cut
As per its namesake, this diamond shape was originally used for emeralds. The striking rectangular shape is made up of the strong, sharp, parallel lines that were so admired during the Art Deco movement. Emerald cuts are the most iconic of step cut shapes, and are a little less sparkly than brilliant cut diamonds due to their large facets and wide table. With the ability to see more clearly into the stone, high clarity is important when considering step cut diamonds.
Oval Cut
As the name would suggest, an oval shape is essentially an elongated take on the round brilliant cut. Due to the increased spread at the crown of the diamond, the oval shape can look larger than a round brilliant of the same carat weight, and is eternally elegant with its flattering elongating illusions. Recent trends have also seen oval shapes set horizontally, for a quirky engagement ring that’s a little different from the rest.
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut has been in existence for much longer than the round brilliant, originating around 200 years ago, making the shape a lovely choice for those seeking the look of a vintage engagement ring. The square or rectangular shape diamond has rounded edges, providing a softer alternative to the princess cut. These softer edges give the stone its signature ‘pillowy’ look, which looks particularly striking in a delicate diamond set halo engagement ring.
Pear Cut
Pear cut diamonds are incredibly versatile in shape, ranging from the slender and elongated to the rounder, fuller looking stones. The round base of the stone tapers towards a sharp apex, creating a teardrop shape. We recommend pear shape stones that strike the perfect balance between elongated and rounded, to achieve the most elegant shape.
Heart Cut
Whilst not very mainstream, a heart shape diamond can be a fun and quirky choice, and is endlessly romantic. With balanced faceted sections, a heart shape diamond is extremely sparkly, and makes a perfect solitaire or halo engagement ring.
Asscher Cut
If an emerald cut doesn’t quite offer the sparkle you’re after, an Asscher cut may be for you. Like the emerald cut, an Asscher features striking parallel lines that give the stone a vintage appeal. The squared shape and its cropped corners work with the reduced table size, high crown and larger steps to make the Asscher a little more sparkly than an emerald cut.
Marquise Cut
A marquise diamond features two symmetrical tapered ends, as if a round diamond has been pinched out to either side. The increased surface area allows for a larger looking stone for less carat weight when compared to a round brilliant. The marquise shape is said to have been modelled on the lips of Jean Antoinette Poisson, King Louis XV of France’s mistress. The elongated shape is flattering.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut is totally unique, using the best of brilliant and step cuts to produce this super sparkly, incredibly beautiful ‘mixed cut’. Radiant cut diamonds are rectangular or square, with cropped corners. With 70 triangular facets, the pillowy shape offers maximum sparkle and is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. If you like the rectangular shape of the emerald cut, but fancy a little more sparkle, then the radiant cut is the best alternative.
