Shapes 101: A Comprehensive Overview of Diamond Shapes

The shape of a diamond refers to the outline or silhouette of the stone when viewed from above. It's distinct from the cut, which involves the diamond's facets and proportions. Diamond shapes are categorized into two primary groups: round diamonds and fancy shaped diamonds. Each shape comes with its own set of pros and cons, spanning from its visual appeal and sparkle to its price.

In this post, we'll delve into the differences between some of the most popular shapes.

Round Brilliant

PROS: 

• Brilliance and Sparkle: Maximizes light refraction and reflection, resulting in unparalleled sparkle.
• Timeless and Classic: Flattering on all hand types and is suitable for most setting styles.
• Conceals Flaws and Color: Masks flaws and color well allowing for flexibility in color and clarity grading, which can potentially reduce costs. It's not uncommon to consider going as low as J color and SI2 clarity.

CONS: 

Cushion Cut

PROS: 

PROS: 

Emerald Cut

PROS: 

• Elegant Look: Rectangular shape with step cut facets offers a sophisticated, elegant appearance with timeless appeal.
• Larger Appearance: Looks larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.
• Cost: Often have a lower price per carat compared to other shapes.

CONS:

• Less Sparkle: Not as brilliant as other shapes due to its step-cut facets.
• Inclusions: Large table and facets make inclusions more visible warranting a clarity of VS2 or higher depending on the characteristics of the diamond.

Radiant Cut

Radiant cut diamonds combine the rectangular elegance of emerald cuts with the brilliance of round cuts, offering a unique and versatile option.

PROS: 

• Brilliance and Sparkle: With 70 facets, this shape creates exceptional brilliance and fire. 
• Larger Appearance: Long diagonal proportions make radiant diamonds appear large for their carat weight.
• Concealing Inclusions: The brilliant facet pattern can help hide inclusions. A clarity as low a SI2 can frequently appear free of imperfections to the naked eye.

CONS:

• Color Visibility: Tend to show color more easily, often requiring an H or higher color grade. 
• Bow-Tie Effect: Often has a visible bow-tie shadow across the center. It is important to view radiant diamonds in person or via high quality videos to ensure the bow-tie is minimal and does not detract from the brilliance and beauty of the stone. 
• Proportion Sensitivity: Requires well-balanced proportions for best appearance. Opt for very good to excellent symmetry and a length to width ratio between 1.20 to 1.40 for a balanced rectangular shape. 

Marquise Cut

The marquise cut features a distinctive elongated shape with pointed ends, resembling a boat or an eye. 

PROS: 

• Larger Appearance: Longer proportions make marquise diamonds appear larger compared to many other shapes of the same carat weight.
• Distinctive Shape: Less common shape, giving it a unique and elegant appearance that stands out.
• Elongating Effect: Makes fingers look longer and slimmer.

CONS:

• Bow-Tie Effect: Often has a visible bow-tie shadow across the center. It is important to view marquise diamonds in person or via high quality videos to ensure the bow-tie is minimal and does not detract from the brilliance and beauty of the stone.
• Color Visibility: Tend to show color more easily, often requiring an H or higher color grade. 
• Proportion Sensitivity: Requires well-balanced proportions for best appearance. Opt for very good to excellent symmetry and a length to width ratio between 1.70 to 2.10 for a balanced shape. 

Pear Shape

The pear shape features a rounded end tapering to a point at the opposite end creating an elegant teardrop shape. 

PROS: 

• Larger Appearance: Longer proportions make pear diamonds appear large compared to its carat weight.
• Elongating Effect: Makes fingers look longer and slimmer.
• Distinctive Shape: Unique and sophisticated, offering a distinctive alternative to more common diamond shapes.
• Cost: Often have a lower price per carat compared to other shapes.

CONS:

• Bow-Tie Effect: Often has a visible bow-tie shadow across the center. It is important to view pear diamonds in person or via high quality videos to ensure the bow-tie is minimal and does not detract from the brilliance and beauty of the stone.
• Color Visibility: Tend to show color more easily, often requiring an H or higher color grade.
• Proportion Sensitivity: Requires well-balanced proportions for best appearance. Opt for very good to excellent symmetry and a length to width ratio between 1.50 to 1.70 for a balanced shape. 

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut, similar to the emerald cut, features mesmerizing step-cut facets arranged within a timeless square shape with cut corners, capturing the glamour of the Art Deco era.

PROS: 

• Vintage Appeal: timeless, vintage appeal reminiscent of the Art Deco era, offering a sophisticated and classic look.
• Unique Sparkle: step cut facets create a "hall-of-mirrors" effect with flashes of white light that add depth and character, providing a unique type of sparkle.
• Cost: Often have a lower price per carat compared to other shapes.

CONS:

• Less Sparkle: Not as brilliant as other shapes due to its step-cut facets.
• Inclusions: Large table and facets make inclusions more visible warranting a clarity of VS2 or higher depending on the characteristics of the diamond.
• Size: Compared to round diamonds and elongated fancy shapes, asscher cuts may appear slightly smaller.

Princess Cut

PROS: