Choosing the perfect diamond can feel confusing—especially when people mix up the terms “cut” and “shape.”
Many times, when someone says “diamond cut,” they actually mean the shape—the outline or silhouette of the stone. From classic round brilliants to bold heart shapes, each diamond shape brings its own personality and sparkle. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 most popular diamond shapes, their unique features, and who they’re perfect for, so you can find the one that matches your style and story.
Table of Contents
What Is Diamond Shape?
Diamond shape means the outline or form of a diamond when viewed from the top. It’s the basic look of the diamond—like round, oval, square, or heart.Shape is not about how the diamond is cut or polished, but simply how it looks on the outside. For example, a round shape is perfectly circular, while a princess shape is square with sharp corners.When people choose a diamond, shape is often the first thing they decide—because it affects the style, feel, and even how big the diamond looks.
Diamond Shapes vs Cuts
| Aspect | Diamond Shape | Diamond Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The geometric outline or form of the diamond when viewed from above. | How well the diamond’s facets are cut, arranged, and proportioned to reflect light. |
| Focus | Focuses on the overall look or silhouette. | Focuses on the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond. |
| Examples | Round, Oval, Square (Princess), Pear, Heart, Cushion | Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor (grades for how the diamond reflects light). |
| Effect on Appearance | Determines the style and shape (e.g., round, heart, etc.). | Affects how much fire and brilliance the diamond shows. |
| What to Look For | Choose a shape that matches your personal style or symbolism. | Ensure a high-quality cut to maximize the diamond's sparkle and light reflection. |
| Impact on Value | Shapes like Round and Princess tend to be more expensive due to popularity. | The higher the cut quality, the more expensive the diamond. |
10 Popular Diamond shapes
Choosing the perfect diamond shape can feel overwhelming, but understanding the unique characteristics of each can make your decision easier. Let’s explore the top 10 diamond shapes.
Round Brilliant diamond shape
Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most classic and popular shape, loved for their unmatched sparkle and timeless appeal. Developed in the early 20th century, this cut features 57 or 58 precisely placed facets that maximize brilliance and fire.
Thanks to its perfect symmetry and expert facet arrangement, the round cut reflects light exceptionally well—making it the most brilliant of all diamond shapes. It’s also very versatile and suits nearly every setting style, from solitaire to halo.
This shape hides color and clarity imperfections better than most, giving buyers more flexibility in choosing lower grades without sacrificing beauty.
Round diamonds are typically more expensive per carat because more rough diamond is lost during cutting. Still, their timeless elegance and radiant sparkle make them a top choice for engagement rings.
Perfect for: Those who love traditional beauty, high brilliance, and a shape that never goes out of style.
Cushion diamond shape
Cushion cut diamonds have a soft, square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, like a small pillow. They look classic and romantic, with a mix of old-fashioned charm and modern sparkle.
Originally popular in the 1800s and was once the most popular diamond cut before the round shape became popular. Cushion diamonds have big flat surfaces that help show off their color and shine.
There are two main styles:
- Chunky cushions – sparkle more clearly like round diamonds
- Crushed ice cushions – have a glittery look with many small light reflections
Cushion cuts also hide small marks (inclusions) well, which makes them a good choice for many people.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves soft shapes, vintage style, and a romantic look.
Princess diamond shape
Princess cut diamonds have a modern square shape with sharp, pointed corners. They are known for their bright sparkle and clean, stylish look.
This cut was created in the 1980s and quickly became one of the most popular choices after the round cut. With many tiny facets, the princess cut reflects lots of light, giving it a beautiful shine.
Princess diamonds can be square or slightly rectangular, and they work well in many settings—especially in solitaire and halo rings. They also tend to hide small marks (inclusions) better than some other shapes.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a bold, modern diamond with strong sparkle and sharp lines.
Oval diamond shape
Oval cut diamonds are elegant and timeless, known for their elongated shape that makes fingers look longer and slimmer. Created in the 1960s, this shape combines the sparkle of a round brilliant with a unique, modern twist.
Because of their stretched outline, oval diamonds appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight—a visual trick called the “spread effect.” They also reflect light beautifully, offering great brilliance and fire.
However, oval diamonds may show a slight shadow across the center, known as the “bow-tie effect.” A well-cut stone will minimize this.
Perfect for: Who want a flattering shape with a classic feel and a touch of individuality.
Emerald diamond shape
The emerald cut diamond has a long, rectangular shape with step-cut facets that create a mirror-like effect. Instead of sparkle, it shines with smooth flashes of light and a calm, elegant glow.
Because of its large, open surface, this cut shows off the diamond’s clarity and color more than other shapes. That means it’s best to choose a stone with fewer visible flaws. Its clean lines and vintage feel make it perfect for someone who loves a classy, timeless look.
The emerald cut also makes fingers look longer and slimmer, and it’s a great choice for anyone who prefers elegance over extra sparkle.
Perfect for: Those who love a sleek, refined, and classic style.
Pear diamond shape
The pear cut diamond, also called the teardrop shape, has one rounded end and one pointed tip. It’s a mix of the round and marquise cuts, offering both sparkle and a unique, elegant shape.
This style helps make fingers look longer and slimmer, especially when the point faces the fingertip. Pear-shaped diamonds often appear larger than other cuts of the same carat weight, making them an excellent option if you’re looking to maximize size within your budget.
A well-cut pear diamond shines brightly and hides small flaws well. However, lower color grades may show some warmth at the tip, and the shape needs good balance to avoid the “bow-tie effect.”
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a mix of classic sparkle and unique style.
Marquise diamond shape
The marquise cut diamond has a long, narrow shape with pointed ends, often compared to a boat or a football. Its stretched form makes fingers look longer and can make the diamond appear bigger than other shapes of the same weight.
This shape has a royal history—it was created in the 1700s for King Louis XV to match the smile of his lover, the Marquise de Pompadour. Today, it’s loved for its bold, eye-catching look.
Marquise diamonds are known for their sparkle and unique outline. They work well in many ring styles and are great for anyone who wants a dramatic and elegant shape that stands out.
Perfect for: Those who love a bold, vintage-inspired, and finger-flattering design.
Asscher diamond shape
The Asscher cut diamond has a square shape with cut corners, giving it an almost octagon-like look. It features step-cut facets that create a beautiful “hall of mirrors” effect with a unique sparkle that’s more calm and clear than flashy.
First created in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers in Holland, this vintage-style cut became popular during the Art Deco era. When viewed from above, it shows a pretty “X” or windmill pattern, which adds to its charm.
Because of its open, clear design, the Asscher cut shows off the diamond’s clarity and color. It’s a great choice for someone who loves a bold, timeless, and elegant look with vintage flair.
Perfect for: Fans of vintage style, clean lines, and classic elegance.
Radiant diamond shape
The radiant cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners, blending the sparkle of a round diamond with the shape of an emerald cut. It has a bright, lively look thanks to its many small facets that reflect light beautifully.
Created in 1977, the radiant cut was made to give people the best of both worlds—classic brilliance and a bold, modern shape. With about 70 facets, it shines brightly and hides flaws and color very well.
Radiant diamonds work well in many ring styles and look great in both vintage and modern settings.
Perfect for: Someone who wants a bold shape with lots of sparkle.
Heart diamond shape
The heart-shaped diamond is a beautiful symbol of love and romance. It has a rounded top and a pointed bottom, forming the classic heart shape. This cut needs expert skill to ensure both sides are even and symmetrical.
Heart diamonds usually have 56 to 58 facets, which give them a nice sparkle when well-cut. Because of the pointed tip, it’s often set in a bezel or three-prong setting to keep it safe from damage.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a meaningful and romantic shape that stands out.
Frequently Asked Question's
The round brilliant cut is considered the best overall for diamonds. It’s specifically engineered with 57 or 58 facets to maximize sparkle, brilliance, and fire. This cut consistently receives the highest grades for light performance, making it the most popular and most optically stunning.
Again, the round brilliant cut tends to be the most expensive. That’s because more of the rough diamond is lost during cutting, and the demand for it is high. Other cuts like cushion, princess, or oval can be less costly for the same carat weight.
