The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Shapes
What's In A Shape?
No gemstone captures light or hearts quite like a diamond. For centuries, diamonds have been celebrated for their beauty, durability, and their ability to mark life’s most important moments. Today, diamond shape is as much a part of its personality as its sparkle, influencing both style and presence.
At Frank Jewelers, we love everything about fine jewelry, from the art of design to the science behind a perfect cut. Our deep knowledge of diamonds comes from decades of study and hands-on experience. This means we can help you choose a stone that is as exceptional as the story it represents.
In this guide, we’ll explore popular diamond shapes, the advantages of each, and how to find the one that feels as though it was made for you.
Understanding Diamond Shape
A diamond’s shape refers to its outline when viewed from above. It is one of the first decisions you will make when choosing a stone, and it can dramatically affect the overall look of your jewelry. While diamond cut describes how well the facets are crafted to reflect light, diamond shape is simply the physical form. This might mean the diamond is perfectly round, softly oval, or boldly angular.
The shape you choose will influence everything from the style of your setting to how large the diamond appears. Some shapes maximize sparkle, while others emphasize clarity or create the illusion of greater carat weight. There are many different diamond shapes, each with its own character, charm, and history.
The Classic: Round Brilliant Diamonds
When most people picture a diamond, they imagine the round brilliant. This shape has been the most popular choice for engagement rings for generations, thanks to its unmatched ability to reflect light. The round brilliant cut features 58 precisely angled facets that create extraordinary sparkle.
Round brilliant diamonds work beautifully in almost any setting, from a simple solitaire in yellow gold to an elaborate halo surrounded by smaller stones. Round diamonds tend to appear slightly smaller than elongated shapes of the same carat weight, but their fire and brilliance often make them feel more impressive. If you are seeking a look that is classic, elegant, and endlessly versatile, a round diamond remains the gold standard.
Fancy Shape Diamonds
Any shape that is not a round brilliant falls into the category of fancy shape diamonds. These styles offer distinctive silhouettes that can express your personality in a way no other stone can. Some shapes, like the emerald cut, oval diamonds, and pear shape, bring a graceful, elongated look to the hand. Others, like the princess cut or cushion cut diamonds, offer a balanced mix of sparkle and geometry.
Choosing among these diamond shapes comes down to the features that matter most to you. Some shapes retain more carat weight and appear larger, while others are crafted to maximize sparkle. Your jeweler can help you understand how each option might fit into your vision for the perfect piece.
Elegant Geometry: Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald cut diamonds are known for their long, clean lines and elegant shape. Unlike round brilliant diamonds, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity over sparkle, offering a sophisticated and understated look. Its rectangular shape features step cuts, which create a hall-of-mirrors effect that highlights the diamond’s clarity and depth.
Emerald cut diamonds often appear larger than other cuts of the same carat weight because of their elongated shape and open facets. This cut pairs beautifully with yellow gold settings, which can enhance the diamond’s vintage-inspired elegance.
If you find yourself appreciating the refined geometry and wanting a statement piece with timeless appeal, the emerald cut diamond is an excellent choice.
Unique Elegance: Pear Shape Diamonds
Pear shape diamonds offer a graceful blend of the classic round cut and the elongated marquise shape. Sometimes called teardrop diamonds, their curved silhouette creates a slimming effect on the finger, making them a popular choice for those who want elegance with a touch of uniqueness.
Symmetry is especially important for pear shape diamonds. When the two halves of the stone are well-matched, the diamond sparkles brilliantly and feels perfectly balanced. Pear shape diamonds reflect light in dynamic ways, making them stand out as both solitaire engagement rings and accent stones.
For those who love round diamonds but seek something a little more distinctive, the pear shape diamond is a beautiful way to express your personal style.
Romantic and Meaningful: Heart Shaped Diamonds
Heart shaped diamonds are one of the most romantic and symbolic diamond shapes available. Their unique silhouette instantly conveys love and devotion, making them a meaningful choice for engagement rings.
Because the heart shape is more complex than many other diamond cuts, symmetry is crucial. Any imbalance between the two lobes will be noticeable, so selecting a well-cut heart shaped diamond is key to its beauty. Heart shaped diamonds tend to appear smaller than other cuts of similar carat weight, but this size difference can be offset with settings like bezels or prongs that maximize the stone’s presence.
If you want a diamond shape that combines emotion with sparkle, the heart shaped diamond is a powerful and unforgettable option.
Soft Vintage Glow: Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion cut diamonds are beloved for their rounded corners and classic, vintage-inspired look. Sometimes described as a cross between an oval cut and the old mine cut popular in the 19th century, cushion cut diamonds offer a soft, romantic glow.
This diamond shape captures light beautifully, creating a warm sparkle that appeals to brides looking for something timeless yet distinctive. Cushion cut diamonds pair wonderfully with rose gold settings, enhancing their antique charm and adding a touch of softness to engagement rings.
If you want a ring that blends historic elegance with a more modern brilliance, the cushion cut diamond is a stunning choice.
Modern Statement: Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds bring a striking blend of contemporary style and classic sparkle. With their square or slightly rectangular shape and sharp, clean lines, these diamonds offer a bold alternative to the traditional round brilliant.
Known for their fiery brilliance, princess cut diamonds maximize light reflection thanks to their unique faceting style. They make a fantastic choice for engagement rings that want to stand out.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sharp corners of princess cut diamonds can be more vulnerable to chipping. Choosing a setting that protects these edges, such as a bezel or claw-like prong setting, helps keep your ring safe and looking flawless for years to come.
Princess cut diamonds are bold and angular. They create a modern look that suits those who are looking to make a statement with their jewelry.
Graceful Lines: Oval Diamonds
Oval diamonds offer a lovely twist on the classic round brilliant cut. Their elongated shape creates a graceful, elegant look that can make your fingers appear longer and slimmer.
With the same sparkling brilliance as round diamonds, oval diamonds bring a fresh feel to engagement rings. This shape is perfect for those who love tradition but want something a bit more distinctive.
Oval diamonds look great either standing alone in a solitaire band or as a part of a three stone set, adding sophistication to the ring’s overall look. Because of their shape, symmetry is key — well-cut ovals will have balanced proportions and a beautiful “bow-tie” effect that adds character.
If you’re seeking a blend of classic sparkle and unique style, oval diamonds might just be the perfect choice.
Other Notable Diamond Shapes
Asscher Cut
Known for its octagonal shape and steep cuts, the Asscher cut diamond offers exceptional clarity and brilliance. Its cropped corners and step-cut facets create a mesmerizing sparkle that stands apart from more traditional cuts.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut blends the fiery sparkle of round brilliant diamonds with the sleek shape of the emerald cut. It’s a modern choice that balances brilliance and edge, making it a popular option for engagement rings.
Marquise Cut
With its unique boat-like shape, the marquise cut diamond is designed to maximize carat weight and create an elongating effect on the finger. This truly unique shape adds a bold and distinctive flair to any engagement ring.
How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape
Choosing the perfect diamond shape is a personal decision that reflects your style, lifestyle, and the story you want to tell. Consider your fashion preferences and how the ring will complement your everyday look. For example, round brilliant diamonds offer timeless sparkle and versatility, while fancy shape diamonds like the pear or heart shape diamonds make a unique statement.
How you want your ring to look on your finger also plays a role. Diamonds that are cut into longer shapes, like ovals and marquise cuts, tend to elongate the appearance of fingers, while round diamonds and cushion cut diamonds don’t. Think about the setting as well, a daintier band calls for a completely different diamond than one that is thicker or more intricate.
Carat weight and diamond cut quality are essential factors, too. A well-cut diamond will maximize brilliance regardless of its shape. Maintenance and practicality matter as well—solitaire engagement rings featuring round brilliant cuts are generally easier to care for, while more intricate shapes may require extra attention.
Ultimately, the right diamond shape is the one that feels most like you and fits your lifestyle while highlighting the beauty of your chosen stone.
Final Thoughts
Every diamond shape offers its own unique beauty and charm. Whether you’re drawn to the classic sparkle of round brilliant diamonds, the elegant lines of emerald cut diamonds, or the romantic flair of heart shaped diamonds, the perfect ring is the one that tells your personal story.
At Frank Jewelers, we understand how important this choice is. We invite you to explore our collection in-store or online, where our expert team is ready to help you find or design an engagement ring that truly reflects your style and love. Your journey to the perfect diamond shape begins with us.