Diamond cut and diamond shape are often confused, but they refer to two distinct characteristics of a diamond.
Diamond shape refers to the overall outline or form of a diamond when viewed from the top. Common diamond shapes include round, oval, cushion, princess, emerald, pear, marquise, radiant, asscher, and heart. Each shape has its own visual character—round diamonds are known for maximum brilliance, ovals and pears create a lengthening effect, cushions offer a soft vintage appeal, while emerald and asscher shapes highlight clean lines and clarity. Diamond shape is a matter of personal style and design preference, influencing how a piece of jewelry looks and feels, rather than how much the diamond sparkles.
Diamond Cut vs Diamond Shape:
‘Diamond shape’ and ‘diamond cut’ are closely connected terms, but they refer to different elements of a diamond’s appearance.
Diamond shape describes the diamond’s overall outline when viewed from above. Commonly used shapes in jewellery include round, princess, emerald, marquise, pear, oval, heart, and Asscher. Each shape has its own defining characteristics, created by variations in symmetry, facet layout, and silhouette. These differences are visually apparent and give every diamond its distinct look.
Diamond cut refers to how precisely a diamond has been proportioned, faceted, and polished by a skilled cutter. Unlike diamond shape, cut is not about the outline of the stone—it is about craftsmanship and performance. A well-cut diamond allows light to enter through the top, reflect internally from facet to facet, and return through the crown, creating exceptional brilliance (white light), fire (rainbow flashes), and scintillation (sparkle as the diamond moves).
Cut quality depends on several factors, including depth, table size, symmetry, and polish. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, light escapes from the sides or bottom, making the stone appear dull or dark. Even a diamond with high color and clarity can look lifeless if the cut is poor, while a well-cut diamond can appear brighter and more beautiful even with lower color or clarity grades.
For round diamonds, cut is typically graded as Excellent,
Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor, with Excellent and Very Good offering the best
light performance. For fancy shapes (such as oval, cushion, or emerald), cut quality
is evaluated through overall proportions and visual brilliance rather than a single
standardized grade. In essence, diamond cut is the most critical factor influencing
a diamond’s beauty—because it determines how brilliantly the stone shines.
Why Both Matter
- A beautiful shape with a poor cut can look dull.
- A well-cut diamond, even in a simple shape, will sparkle intensely.
- For maximum brilliance, prioritize cut quality first, then choose the shape you love.
Learn in details about 4 C's of Diamond.
Popular Diamond Shapes Explained
Diamond shape describes the diamond’s overall outline when viewed from above. Commonly used shapes in jewellery include round, princess, emerald, marquise, pear, oval, heart, and Asscher. Each shape has its own defining characteristics, created by variations in symmetry, facet layout, and silhouette. These differences are visually apparent and give every diamond its distinct look.
Round Diamond Shape
The round diamond is the most popular diamond shape, prized for its exceptional brilliance and fire. Designed to maximize light reflection, round diamonds offer the highest sparkle and timeless appeal, making them a top choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Explore CollectionPrincess Diamond Shape
The princess cut diamond features a modern square outline with sharp corners and impressive brilliance. Known for its contemporary style and excellent light performance, it is one of the most sought-after diamond shapes after round.
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Emerald Diamond Shape
Emerald-shaped diamonds are characterized by their rectangular outline and step-cut facets. This diamond shape emphasizes clarity and elegance rather than sparkle, offering a refined, sophisticated look ideal for classic and vintage-inspired jewelry.
Explore CollectionMarquise Diamond Shape
The marquise diamond has an elongated shape with pointed ends, creating the illusion of a larger diamond size. This shape enhances finger length and delivers a bold, dramatic appearance with excellent surface area.
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Pear Diamond Shape
Pear-shaped diamonds combine the brilliance of a round diamond with the elegance of a marquise cut. Featuring one rounded end and one pointed tip, this diamond shape is versatile, flattering, and popular in drop earrings and statement rings.
Explore CollectionOval Diamond Shape
Oval diamonds offer a brilliant sparkle similar to round diamonds while appearing larger due to their elongated shape. This cut is ideal for those seeking maximum brilliance with a softer, more unique outline.
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Heart Diamond Shape
Heart-shaped diamonds symbolize love and romance. With a distinctive cleft at the top and rounded curves, this shape requires precise cutting to achieve symmetry, brilliance, and a well-defined heart silhouette.
Asscher Diamond Shape
The Asscher cut diamond features a square shape with step-cut facets and a vintage-inspired design. Known for its geometric symmetry and depth, this diamond shape highlights clarity and delivers an elegant, architectural look.
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Cushion
Diamond Shape
The cushion cut diamond features a softly square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and larger facets. Known for its pillow-like silhouette and romantic appeal, this diamond shape offers a blend of vintage charm and modern brilliance. Cushion diamonds are admired for their depth, fire, and ability to showcase exceptional sparkle while maintaining a timeless, elegant look.
Explore CollectionRadiant Diamond Shape
The radiant cut diamond features a rectangular or square shape with cropped corners and brilliant-cut facets. Known for its bold geometry and intense sparkle, this diamond shape combines the elegance of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round cut. Radiant diamonds are celebrated for their vibrant fire, durability, and contemporary, statement-making appearance.
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