Diamonds have been around for billions of years, but only a few hundred years ago did man discover that an uncut diamond can be transformed into a faceted gem, and by doing so more light and beauty could be unleashed. This discovery lead to more diamond cuts and shapes. Choosing the right diamond can be difficult for many people. A diamond’s shape is its most distinguishing and easily identifiable feature. Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes that maximize diamond brilliance and give character to the diamond. Different shapes can represent different personalities and events. Round brilliant cuts are the most popular, followed by Princess cut diamonds. At with Clarity, we offer the 9 most popular diamond shapes, certified by GIA and IGI. While the correct term is diamond shape, many also refer to this feature as the cut of the diamond. There are many different types of cut or shapes of diamonds. However, there are ten that are most popularly used for jewelry and engagement rings. Learn more about each shape below.
Asscher
Cushion
Emerald
Heart
Marquise
Oval
Pear
Princess
Radiant
Round
The round brilliant cut is the most popular shape of diamond. For hundreds of years, diamond cutters have been working with this cut to maximize its brilliance and fire. While this cut offers great flexibility within the four Cs, you will want to select higher quality grades to bring out the most brilliance within a round diamond.
Princess-cut diamonds are available in both square and rectangular shapes and are exceptionally brilliant because of the way they are cut. The color emitted from princess-cut diamonds is very unique. While the color of other diamonds is displayed mainly in the center, the princess-cut diamonds show distinct color in each of the corners, as well.
Marquise-cut diamonds are the perfect shape for maximizing carat weight by emphasizing the size of the diamond. Its unique shape makes the hands and fingers of its wearer appear longer and more slender. The outline of a diamond is determined by its length to width ratio, which also provides an idea of the shape and look of the diamond.
Sometimes called a pillow-cut diamond, the cushion-cut is a timeless cut that earned its name for its pillow-like shape. Cushion-cut diamonds tend to have impeccable brilliance and clarity in their appearance thanks to their rounded corners and larger facets. These diamonds are available in square and rectangular shapes.
Emerald-cut diamonds have a unique optical appearance because of the rectangular facets step-cut into the diamond’s pavilion. This cut showcases the diamond’s original clarity beautifully because of its large rectangular table which also makes inclusions and color more apparent.
Radiant-cut diamonds feature uniquely trimmed corners that combine the lines of an emerald-cut with the brilliance of a round diamond. The sparkle of this diamond cut looks beautiful when combined with a variety of other diamond cuts.
Combining round and marquise cuts, the teardrop style of pear shaped diamonds is exceptional. The slender pear shape gives fingers and hands a slimmer appearance while creating a soft and delicate look. Pear shaped diamonds are cut to produce maximum brilliance, so it’s important to look for excellent symmetry.
Oval diamonds have a classic appearance with a modern twist. It is a popular cut in all types of jewelry, especially in engagement rings, making it easy to match with other jewelry. It has an incredible brilliance, similar to the round brilliant cut, but also has the advantage of accentuating long, slender finders.
Asscher-cut diamonds are often mistaken for an emerald-cut due to their similar cut style. However, an asscher is square as opposed to rectangular. Created in the early 1920s, the Asscher-cut has recently resurged in popularity, especially amongst celebrities.
Living up to its name, the heart cut diamond has become synonymous with love and affection. One of the most demanding diamond cuts to create, a heart shaped stone requires great skill and dexterity from the diamond cutter.
The modified brilliant-cut heart shaped diamond is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love. Heart shaped diamonds are very popular in solitaire pendants as well as rings. When choosing a heart, symmetry is a very important characteristic, since it is critical that the two halves of the heart are identical. The cleft (between the two lobes) should be sharp and distinct, and the wings (the sides as they curve down to the point) should have a very slightly rounded shape.