Diamond Shapes, Diamond Cut

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The Shape of Diamonds

If asked to draw a diamond, most people will draw the shape of the diamond on the most recent engagement ring they've seen. But thanks to the artful work of the diamond cutter, diamonds can actually take on many different shapes.

While attempting to maintain the largest size possible, the fewest flaws, and the greatest brilliance, the craftsman may be required to polish over half of the rough diamond. The final results vary in style and can be found in the following categories:

Round Brilliant Diamonds

The standard shape for diamonds, this form accounts for more than 75% of the diamonds sold today. The modern round brilliant consists of 58 facets; 33 on the crown (the top half above the girdle) and 25 on the pavilion (the lower half below the girdle).

Blue diamond

Oval Diamonds
The Oval shaped diamond is a variation of the Round Brilliant cut. The most common reason for a diamond cutter to use an oval shape rather than a circular one, is to retain the maximum diamond weight. While it runs the risk of affecting the diamond's brilliance, this shape gives a more elongated look to a ring and the finger it's on.

Orange diamonds

Pear Shaped Diamonds
Also called teardrop or pendeloque, this shape combines the best of the oval and the marquise. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings, while as a ring, it nicely complements a hand with small fingers.

Emerald Cut Diamonds
A rectangular diamond with trimmed corners, it is known as a step-cut because its concentric, broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Emerald cut has fewer facets to reflect light and hide minor defects. It is popularly set with multiple side stones to provide balance to the elongated shape.

Champagne diamonds

Princess Cut Diamonds
A square or rectangular cut but with no trimmed corners. It is popular in engagement rings, often embellished with triangular stones at its sides. A princess cut can be a less expensive shape of diamond because it follows the stone's natural crystalline shape and may be easier to cut.

Radiant Diamonds
Radiant diamonds are square or rectangular cuts, combining the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round. Their 70 facets maximize the effect of their color refraction. It can be hard to find radiant diamonds, and they are not commonly used for engagement rings because of this scarcity.

Asscher Cut Diamonds

An Asscher diamond is a square with deeply trimmed edges. As a trademarked design, Asschers are rare and very sought-after for their remarkable depth and beauty.

Marquise Diamonds
An elongated shape with pointed ends, this cut is also called navette or boat shaped and has 56 facets. It is said that the name of the cut originated with Louis XV of France's mistress, Marquise de Pompadour, whose smile carried a similar shape.

Cushion Cut Diamonds
An antique style of cut that looks a bit like a cushion or a pillow, this is a relatively rare cut and is often set off as a solitaire, rather than being incorporated into elaborate settings.

Fancy Greyish Yellowish Cushion Cut Diamond

Trilliant Diamonds
Trilliant diamonds are triangular-shaped, originally developed in Amsterdam. This cut is considered appropriate for the adventurous, as it leaves room for the cutter's creativity regarding the pointed corners and the number of facets to use.

Red Diamonds

Heart Shaped Diamonds
This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a notch cut into the rounded end. When looking for a Heart shaped diamond, it is important to look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.

Blue-Green diamonds