What kind of diamond shape should you choose for your engagement ring? With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming!
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll explain the most popular diamond shapes and cuts, and help you decide which one is right for you.
So whether you’re looking for a classic round diamond or something more unique, like the lozenge or shield cut, we’ll go over some diamond shapes to help give you inspiration!
14 Beautiful Diamond Shapes to Choose From
Diamonds are beautiful and timeless gemstones used in many engagement rings.
There are many other diamond alternatives are on the rise in popularity, such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
However, the diamond has continued to be the most sought-after gemstone for engagement rings, and it’s no surprise!
The color and brilliance of a diamond are like no other and can match any ring metal. So, if you’re looking for a diamond, the next thing to consider is the shape.
We’ll go over 14 of the many shapes out there.
Round
Round diamonds are the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings and other jewelry.
They have a classic look that never goes out of style, and the cut is designed to maximize the diamond’s fire and sparkle.
💡 Did You Know? The round diamond is cut to have 58 facets, which is typical for brilliant diamond types. Its circular shape and level of dispersion also mean it will look great on any ring setting.
If you’re looking for a timeless diamond that will shine brighter than any other cut, a round-cut diamond is a great choice!
Princess
The princess cut is for the royals at heart. This is another cut that brings out a diamond’s brilliance, and its square shape means that the diamond will seem larger than it really is!
Like the round cut, the princess cut has the typical number of 58 facets, but some can be made with as little as 50 facets.
If you choose this cut, make sure your princess is protected – its sharp corners make it prone to chipping, so you’ll want to choose a sturdier ring setting.
Oval
If you’re looking for something similar to the round cut diamond, but more affordable, the oval cut may be the perfect shape for you!
Its larger face-up area enhances shine, and its elongated shape means that it creates the illusion of lengthening your fingers.
💡 Keep in Mind: The oval cut does have a tendency to create a bow-tie pattern due to its shape. This means that it can create an illusion of black spots on the stone. Oval-cut diamonds are also likely to show flaws more easily.
So, if you’re looking for a cut without these aspects, you might need to do a little searching across the market to find what works best for you.
Cushion
Cushion cuts are one of the oldest diamond shapes, stemming from the 18th century.
This square cut is similar to the princess cut, consisting of the standard 58 facets to enhance brilliance – although, some can have as many as 64 facets.
But, while the princess has sharp corners, the cushion’s corners are rounded – much like a pillow – and these angled corners reflect light like no other!
Unlike round cuts, cushion cuts are much more affordable. However, you may want to find a diamond with an H color (nearly colorless) or better as these shapes tend to portray harsher shades.
Pear
Pear cut diamonds, also known as teardrop cuts, feature a shape that is beautifully unique to other diamond cuts, and has recently surged in popularity!
This cut takes aspects from both the oval and marquise shapes, so if you’re looking to mix and match your style without having to customize your ring, this cut may be a perfect fit!
Make sure to find a protective setting for this cut, however, because like most corners on a diamond, the tip of a pear cut is prone to snag and chip.
Radiant
It’s no surprise why the radiant cut is named the way it is – this fancy diamond shape has a total of 70 facets, the highest number of facets on any standardized cut!
While this cut is similar to the square shape of the princess, a radiant cut has eight corners, which means it’s more durable and less likely to chip.
On top of giving off high levels of brilliance and durability, the radiant cut is also much more affordable than the round cut, making this shape almost too good to be true!
Despite all the great features of this cut, the radiant is actually fairly rare, so if you’re a fan of this cut, there isn’t a huge selection of rings out there. You’ll have to put in some work to find a ring that you adore.
Emerald
If you’re looking for a diamond with classic beauty and elegance, you can’t go wrong with an emerald cut.
This diamond shape has been around for centuries, though its popularity is surging, and its rectangular facets and step-cut design create a timeless look.
Reminiscent of the classic shape used for an emerald gemstone, this diamond cut reflects light in a way that some call a “hall of mirrors” effect, due to how the facets are shaped.
Similar to the oval, emerald cuts can also elongate the finger, but they may show blemishes more easily because of their step-cut design.
Asscher
If you’re looking for a diamond that is truly unique, an Asscher cut diamond may be the perfect choice for you.
An Asscher cut diamond is cut into a square shape with stepped facets.
It was originally designed in 1902 by the Asscher brothers of Holland, and is similar to an emerald cut diamond, but with a less elongated shape.
Asscher cut diamonds are known for their unique beauty. They have a vintage feel and often have a high level of clarity.
While most are made with the typical number of 58 facets to enhance brilliance, the Royal Asscher Diamond Company remade the Asscher cut to have 74 facets in 2001.
Marquise
Marquise cut diamonds are characterized by their oval shape and pointed ends.
It is one of the most popular diamond cuts, as it offers a unique look that is both elegant and sophisticated.
The marquise cut was created in the 18th century and named after the Marchioness Marquise de Pompadour, Jean Antoinette Poisson, a mistress of King Louis XV.
Its elongated shape allows this diamond to have the largest face-up area of any diamond cut, making the marquise look larger than it actually is!
Remember to place a protective setting around those corners to prevent chips and keep this cut looking stunning.
Heart
For those who wear their heart on their sleeve (or, in this case, on their finger!), the heart-cut diamond may be a perfect choice!
This diamond shape basically screams “romantic!” And because they are cut into such a unique shape, the heart diamond is sure to turn heads.
The process of cutting a diamond into a heart shape is incredibly difficult and requires a great deal of skill and experience. As a result, heart-shaped diamonds often carry a hefty price tag.
But for those who are looking for a truly unique diamond, made to symbolize love and affection, a heart-shaped diamond is definitely worth the investment.
Baguette
This diamond cut isn’t one you might think of when looking for engagement rings. In fact, the baguette cut is more often used as an accent stone and contains just 14 facets.
However, don’t let its simple appearance fool you. The baguette diamond can be quite stunning when used as the centerpiece of an engagement ring.
The baguette diamond cut is a rectangular diamond with tapered, truncated corners. The sharp facets of the baguette diamond create a pleasing sparkle that is sure to catch your eye.
And because of its unique shape, the baguette diamond can also add a touch of glamour to any ring design.
If you prefer the simple feel of a baguette-cut diamond, make sure you pick out a high-clarity stone as its small number of facets can make it super easy to find flaws.
Lozenge
The lozenge is another uncommon diamond cut, but it’s one that will definitely stand out from the rest!
This elongated cut has four parallel sides and sharp corners in the shape of a rhombus, giving it a unique look that is sure to capture attention.
While the lozenge cut is not as popular as some of the more traditional diamond cuts, it is still a beautiful option for an engagement ring.
💡 Take Note: The lozenge cut diamond may require special care when set in an engagement ring due to its four pointed corners.
But if you’re looking for something a little different, and are willing to put in the work for this rare shape, consider a lozenge cut diamond!
Shield
While the shield cut is another rare diamond shape and may be hard to come by on the market, it carries a powerful symbolic expression.
An engagement ring of any kind holds the meaning of love and devotion on its own, but the shield cut also represents safety and protection.
The diamond shield cut was first introduced in the late 15th century and was popularized in the Art Deco period of the 1920s.
This cut is unique in that it can appear either vintage or modern, depending on the setting. Because of its rarity, the shield cut is also often sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
So, while you may not find this diamond shape at your local jewelry store, it is definitely worth seeking out if you are looking for something truly unique.
Trillion
Our last, but definitely not least, of the diamond cuts is the trillion. The trillion diamond cut is one of the most unique diamond cuts available.
It is characterized by having between 31-50 facets, which is significantly less than the 58 facets found on brilliant diamonds.
Despite having fewer facets, trillion diamonds still have an elegant sparkle.
One of the benefits of this diamond cut is that it has a larger face-up area than many other shapes. This makes it a great option for those who want a diamond with a large surface area.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, the trillion diamond cut is definitely worth considering!
Diamond Cuts Chart
With so many cuts to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming when shopping for engagement rings.
Cut is a huge factor when it comes to finding the perfect diamond, since it can influence the look and cost of your ring.
Here’s a chart to remember what all the diamond shapes look like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Shapes
As the bride or groom-to-be, you likely have a lot of questions about diamond shapes and cuts that you want answered before you decide on your perfect ring.
We’ve compiled the most common questions so you can shop for your ring with confidence!
What is the rarest diamond shape?
While there are many rare diamond cuts, the Royal Asscher cut is the rarest diamond cut.
This cut is more brilliant and symmetrical than its predecessor, the traditional Asscher cut, having been re-created with a remarkable 74 facets.
The reason this shape is so rare, compared to other uncommon diamond shapes is that there are only approximately 75 people on earth that can perfectly create this cut.
So, if this diamond cut better fits the style you’re looking for, you might have to do some digging to find someone who can make your diamond custom.
What is the most timeless diamond shape?
Round cut diamonds are the most timeless. The round shape is very traditional and will forever be loved for its impeccable brilliance.
This shape used to be known as the European cut, and it has been the most popular ring shape since engagement rings became commonplace.
What is the cheapest cut of diamond?
Of every diamond cut, emerald and Asscher cuts are most often the cheapest.
There are a lot of factors that come into play when pricing rings, but these cuts often end up more affordable because of their large table cuts.
Also, the imperfections in these shapes are easy to see, even to the naked eye. These visible flaws usually cause the emerald and Asscher cuts to lose their value.
Why are pear-shaped diamonds cheaper?
When diamonds are cut, many of the desired shapes end up producing a lot of waste, which tends to factor into the cost of production.
Pear-shaped diamonds use more of the rough diamond and produce less waste, which means production costs are less and retail price comes out cheaper than many other shapes.
Their unique shape is also not the most popular, despite being favored by celebrities like Cardi B and Megan Fox. This too, reduces market demand, lowering its cost.
How many carats is the average wedding ring?
With consideration of the size variations in different countries, the average wedding ring size is approximately 0.5-1.5 carats.
Although, many people factor in their carat size based on their preferred diamond cut. So, if you’re looking for a larger stone, you might want to check the price of your chosen shape first.
Which diamond cuts sparkle the most?
The round-cut diamond is the most brilliant of all the diamonds. A diamond’s sparkle is created by the refraction of light within the stone.
With round-shaped diamonds, the facets work with the round shape to create angles that allow the diamond to sparkle more brilliantly than any other cut.
A Cut Above the Rest
So, what’s the best diamond shape for you? That answer will depend on your personal style and preferences.
If you want a classic look, consider an emerald or round cut. If you want something more unique, try a marquise or pear-shaped diamond.
And don’t forget to factor in price – the more popular shapes often come with a higher price tag.
No matter which style you choose, remember that diamonds are symbols of love and commitment, so pick the shape that makes you feel most beautiful and confident.
We hope this guide has helped make your decision a little bit easier.
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