As a professional jeweller and GIA Graduate Diamond alumni, I understand that selecting the perfect diamond shape for your engagement ring is a deeply personal choice.
The shape of a diamond not only reflects the wearer's style but also complements the unique features of their fingers.
Your partner probably already has an idea in mind of what shapes they prefer. It is always a good idea to try to find out their preference - this can be done with the help of a family member or a friend if the engagement is a surprise.
Below, we'll discuss different diamond shapes. Everything outside of a Round Brilliant cut is called a fancy shape diamond. Fancy shape diamonds only get a polish and symmetry GIA grade as opposed to the Round Brilliant, which gets an official cut grade of cut, polish and symmetry.
In diamonds, there are brilliant cuts and step cuts, and they both reflect the light differently. Brilliant cut diamonds will catch your eye from across the room while step cuts are understated and do not sparkle, though they are beautiful up close and show a stunning hall of mirrors effect.
Round Brilliant: Timeless and Radiant
The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, renowned for its exceptional brilliance and fire. With its symmetrical design, this classic shape is a long-time favourite and is versatile enough to suit most wearers. Its ability to reflect light from all angles ensures a mesmerising sparkle that never goes out of style.
Oval: Sleek and Elegant
For those seeking a touch of sophistication, the oval diamond offers a unique twist on traditional round brilliant. Oval-shaped diamonds elongate the fingers, making them appear slimmer and more graceful. This shape is celebrated for its brilliant sparkle and distinctive look, providing a modern and timeless choice. Moreover, oval shape tends to look larger than a round brilliant of equal size due to its elongated shape.
Marquise: Regal Elegance
The marquise cut, with its elongated shape and pointed ends, adds a touch of regal elegance to any ring. This shape elongates and slims the finger, creating an illusion of greater length. Its unique silhouette embodies sophistication and timeless beauty, perfect for those who wish to make a bold statement.
Pear: Exquisite and Feminine
The pear-shaped diamond combines the round brilliant and marquise cuts, resulting in a charming and unique silhouette. It elongates the finger while providing a delicate touch of femininity. The pear shape's versatility makes it an excellent choice for a solitaire ring, emphasising grace and sophistication.
Emerald: Timeless Beauty with Geometric Precision
The emerald cut, characterised by its rectangular shape, clipped corners and step-cut faceting, exudes an air of sophistication and vintage charm. Known for its clean lines and remarkable clarity, the emerald shape showcases a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. It suits those with a penchant for understated elegance, offering a balance between classic and contemporary styles.
Baguette: Sleek Simplicity
With its rectangular or elongated shape, the baguette cut is often used as side stones in engagement rings. Recently becoming more popular as the centre stone, it bears a similarity to the emerald cut but with the squared corners. This elegant shape offers a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, perfect for those with a preference for clean lines and a modern touch.
Radiant: The Perfect Blend of Elegance and Brilliance
The radiant cut diamond is a brilliant choice for those who appreciate both the timeless beauty of a round brilliant cut and the sophistication of an emerald cut. This square or rectangular shape captivates with its exceptional brilliance and fire, offering a harmonious balance between traditional and contemporary styles.
Cushion: Vintage Glamour
The cushion cut diamond, with its soft and romantic rounded corners, evokes a sense of vintage charm and nostalgia. It showcases larger facets, emphasising its brilliance and enhancing the diamond's natural beauty. The cushion cut is an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of old-world glamour.
Princess: Modern Royalty
The princess cut is a popular choice for those desiring a modern and contemporary look. With its square shape and brilliant faceting, the princess cut diamond displays a stunning fire and scintillation. It provides a perfect blend of elegance and edginess, making it an ideal choice for the fashion-forward individual.
Heart: Sentimental Romance
The heart-shaped diamond is the epitome of romantic symbolism and a highly feminine cut, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings. This shape demands attention and represents love and devotion. Its distinctive curves require careful consideration to ensure the proportions are flattering and symmetrical.
Asscher: Timeless Sophistication
Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut exudes an air of timeless sophistication. Its unique octagonal shape with cropped corners showcases a breath taking play of light and shadow. The Asscher cut is perfect for those who appreciate vintage-inspired designs and desire a distinctively elegant appearance.
Trilliant: Triangular Brilliance
The trilliant cut, also known as the triangle cut, offers a unique and unconventional shape that stands out from the crowd. Its triangular form boasts a fiery brilliance and captivating sparkle. The trilliant shape suits those who embrace individuality and are drawn to modern and daring designs.
Old Mine and Old European: Vintage Charms
Old mine and old European cuts take us back to the romantic and luxurious styles of the past. These antique cuts showcase a unique blend of vintage charm and elegance whilst bringing history into your life. Cut by hand under candlelight, with their larger facets and gentle curves, they reflect light in a much more delicate manner, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty.
Hexagonal: Contemporary Edge
For the avant-garde bride or groom, the hexagonal diamond shape offers a distinctive and modern appeal. Its angular lines and geometric symmetry create a striking visual impact. This unconventional shape appeals to those who seek a contemporary yet sophisticated alternative to traditional cuts.
Shield: Bold and Dramatic
The shield cut, also known as the shield-shaped diamond, embodies a strong and bold aesthetic. Its distinctive silhouette features a unique combination of straight and curved edges, resulting in a distinctive and eye-catching design. This shape is perfect for individuals who desire a daring and adventurous statement piece.
Lozenge: Sleek and Symmetrical
The lozenge diamond shape, also known as the diamond-shaped cut, offers a modern twist on traditional elegance. Its elongated hexagonal outline creates a bold and sophisticated look. The lozenge shape is a fantastic choice for those seeking an unconventional yet refined design. The hall of mirrors effect twinned with the sharp lines are bound to stand out.
Bullet: Sleek Precision
The bullet cut, also known as the tapered baguette cut, presents a sleek and precise shape with its elongated form and pointed end. Often used as side stones, the bullet shape adds an elegant touch to any design. Its streamlined appearance enhances the overall beauty and balance of the ring.
