Diamond Shapes

What Is a Diamond Shape? Diamond shape refers to the outline shape of the diamond as you look at it from the top down. Each diamond shape is cut to particular specifications, which reflect light differently, giving each shape its own fire, brilliance and scintillation – its sparkle. Here, we outline the ten most popular diamond shapes to help you choose your perfect diamond.

Round Brilliant Cut

The most popular cut of a diamond: the Round diamond is cut so its proportions maximise the time the light stays in the stone, reflecting and refracting light particles, which in turn optimises the diamond’s fire, scintillation and brilliance - giving it a super sparkle.

Expert advice: the cut of Round diamonds can be accurately graded: the better the cut, the brighter and more brilliant the diamond. We recommend only choosing a Round cut diamond of Very Good cut or better. Visit our Diamond Cut page for more information on grades of diamond cut.

SHOP ROUND BRILLIANT CUT

Princess Cut

Another popular cut of diamond: with its geometric shape and clean-cut angles, the Princess cut diamond exhibits similar performance to the Round diamond. It is cut to retain the light inside the stone for as long as possible, maximising its fire, scintillation and brilliance.

Expert Advice: Princess cut diamonds produce an almost unrivalled brilliance and look larger than other shapes, so are perfect if you are looking for a non-round diamond.

SHOP PRINCESS CUT

Oval Cut

A soft shape with a slightly longer stone to the Round diamond, this flattering cut can elongate the finger and mirrors the shape of the fingernail. A well-cut Oval does not wear a bow tie. Learn more about diamond bow ties on our Diamond Cut page to find out what to avoid.

Expert advice: the quality of an Oval cut is essential to avoid a bow tie showing, something our diamond cutters are experts at achieving.

SHOP OVAL CUT

Cushion Cut

The Cushion cut diamond can be either square or rectangular and has soft rounded corners. Cushion cut diamonds often have natural individual characteristics. This is because the cut is less prescriptive; it is subject to the personal preference of the cutter, so there can be many variations.

Expert advice: the execution of the Cushion cut is one of the most varied of all diamond cuts. At Pragnell, we view hundreds of Cushion cut diamonds to find the perfect shape and brilliance.

SHOP CUSHION CUT

Emerald Cut

An elegant and timeless cut: the Emerald was influenced by the United States of America. The preferable proportions of this contemporary diamond shape mirror those of a tennis court, although traditional English and European Emerald cut diamonds are longer in length.

Expert advice: it is recommended high clarity, clear diamonds are chosen for an Emerald cut, as any inclusions are more visible.

SHOP EMERALD CUT

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut was invented in the 1920s; again, it can be square or rectangular in shape.

Expert advice: similarly to the Emerald cut, it is recommended high clarity, clear diamonds are chosen for an Asscher cut, as any inclusions are more visible.

SHOP ASSCHER CUT

Pear Shape

The Pear shape diamond is a modified Brilliant cut that merges the Marquise and Oval cuts, with a point at one end and a rounded edge at the other. The perfect pear-shaped diamond should have well-proportioned shoulders and wings; they should not be cut too narrow or too heavy. This is essential for a well-cut Pear shape diamond.

Expert advice: as colour can be focused around the point of a Pear shape diamond, we recommend choosing a high colour grade of G or better. Visit our Diamond Colour page for more information on diamond colour grades.

SHOP PEAR SHAPE

Radiant Cut

A Radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangle shape with cut corners. It’s similar to the Round diamond and has been cut to maximise the time the light stays in the stone, giving it an effervescent sparkle.

Expert advice: Radiant cut diamonds produce an almost unrivalled brilliance and look larger than other shapes, so are perfect if you are looking for a non-round diamond.

SHOP RADIANT CUT

Heart Shape

The Heart shaped diamond is very difficult to get right: just as a perfect heart shape outline is difficult to draw, it is also difficult to cut.

Expert advice: Pragnell only uses heart shapes from expert diamond cutters, as cutting a flawless shape takes decades of practice to perfect.

SHOP HEARTSHAPE

Marquise Cut

An elongated elliptical shape with pointed ends. Similarly to the Oval diamond, this shape flatters the wearer by elongating the finger and mirroring the fingernail. Again, like the Oval diamond, a well-cut Marquise does not wear a bow tie. Learn more about diamond bow ties on our Diamond Cut page to find out what to avoid.

Expert advice: the quality of a Marquise cut is essential to avoid a bow tie showing, something our diamond cutters are experts at achieving.

SHOP MARQUISE CUT

What Is the Difference Between Diamond Cut and Shape?

Diamond shape and diamond cut are often used interchangeably when it comes to diamonds, however, they’re actually quite distinct. The shape of a diamond describes its outline or external figure. Whereas the diamond’s cut determines the proportion, position, reflective angles and number of facets on a diamond, which in turn affects how light travels through the stone making it sparkle.

Make an Appointment

Our expert consultants are on hand to guide you through the process of choosing your eternity ring and answer any questions you may have, whether you book an appointment, or visit us to browse.

Visit one of our three jewellery showrooms and speak with one of our experts.

Alternatively, if you are unable to visit the showroom, you can book a virtual appointment. One of our experts will video call you to understand your requirements - you’ll receive our usual high standard of service, all from the comfort of your own home.