Understanding Diamond Shapes for Your Perfect Piece
The world of diamonds is far more diverse than some may realize. From their shape to their cut, much can be customized to fit within your vision for a perfect piece. Whether on an engagement ring, an elegant necklace, or a bold and brilliant earring, diamonds make a statement, so it’s necessary to understand the difference between them and which ones fit into your or your loved one’s personal style.
The difference between cut and shape
First things first, there is a difference between a diamond’s shape and its cut. We often see people confuse the two or think they both refer to the visual appearance of the diamond, but that’s not the case.
Shape refers to the diamond’s form—its silhouette. It’s what you see when you’re looking directly at it. The cut refers to its visual aesthetic—how much it shimmers in the light. The diamond’s cut tells you how well the facets reflect light. A diamond’s cut can come in ratings from fair to excellent. The closer to excellent, the more well-balanced its proportions, the better it reflects light.
Types of diamond shapes
The shape mirrors your aesthetic and can be the focal point of your outfit, but did you know it also directly corresponds with the diamond’s sparkle? Certain shapes reflect and refract light more than others because of their cuts, making some a more sparkly choice than others.
Determining the desired diamond shape for your piece will also impact the budget, as some pieces lose more rough diamonds in the shaping process, thus making them more expensive.
Round
The most popular choice. Round diamonds are a beloved option for many buyers as they offer a timeless, classic look. They also sparkle the most as their facets reflect light the best.
Pear
An eye-catching shape, pear diamonds, or “teardrops,” have a rounded contour that elongates into a pointed tip at the base (or culet). Even though they can come in a smaller carat weight, their shape makes them appear larger than they are.
Cushion
A mix of bold outlines with softened corners, cushion diamonds are known for their dazzle. They get their name because of their chunky, pillowy appearance. While modern, their shape offers a timeless appeal because of their rounded edges. They can come in a square or elongated (rectangular) shape, elongated being more popular.
Emerald
Perhaps the most dazzling choice, emerald diamonds offer a fantastical display of light and shimmer. Yes, emeralds are also a type of gemstone, but in this instance, we’re focusing on emerald-shaped diamonds. Their notable feature, the step-cut facets, appear as steps leading to the focal point of the diamond, creating a “hall of mirrors” effect.
Radiant
This shape incorporates an emerald diamond's outline with a round diamond's shimmer. Their facets are cut to reflect light in a way that demands a double take. Their awe-inspiring design maximizes light, making them a brilliant choice.
Asscher
Asscher diamonds are the square version of their rectangular, emerald diamond counterparts. However, they also have step-cut facets, making them just as dazzling and brilliant. The table (the top of the diamond) is smaller, making more room for the facets and offering a more brilliant look.
Princess
Bold, brilliant, and beautiful—princess-shaped diamonds are one of today's trendier choices. Their chiseled look, with pointed corners and sharp features, gives any ring, necklace, or earring a striking appearance. With facets that produce endless sparkle, this is an excellent choice.
Oval
This is an often sought-after shape for engagement rings as its lengthened appearance gives the fingers a slimming, elongated look. With its similarities to a round diamond, oval diamonds offer a stunning yet timeless look to any piece.
Marquise
One of the more unique shapes, marquise diamonds have a slender outline that meets at a point on both ends. Similarly to pear diamonds, marquise shapes offer a larger appearance at a smaller carat weight, making them a cost-effective choice.
A diamond’s brilliance
Dimensions dictate how brilliant a diamond will be. A diamond will reflect light better and sparkle more if its proportions are balanced correctly. It will also appear larger than it is if its dimensions are excellent.
No two diamonds are alike because each has different measurements and proportions. Therefore, no matter what piece you select, it will be uniquely yours—there is no comparison.
Find your perfect piece at the Diamond Room
The Diamond Room is your partner in timeless beauty and excellence. We offer the largest selection of loose diamonds in the area and can customize their shape to give you the diamond of your dreams.
Our in-house jewelers provide 30+ years of experience and can guide you to finding your perfect diamond. We work so that no detail is missed, ensuring you can walk away with a piece tailored to your unique style. Learn more about our jewelers and their favorite diamond shapes.
Visit our showroom today and talk with our dedicated team to find your perfect piece.
