Diamond Shapes
The shape of the main diamond can change the entire look of a ring, creating an effect that’s vintage or modern, subtle or extravagant. Diamond cuts also affect the way light moves through the stone, meaning there’s a lot more to consider than first meets the eye – if you’ve chosen a raw diamond, it’s worth familiarising yourself with how its clarity and colour will work in conjunction with your favourite shape before committing.
Round
As the oldest and most popular of all the diamond shapes, the Round diamond cut has been intensively researched over many years as cutters strive to achieve the most brilliant play of light possible in the stone. This perfectly circular cut is designed to optimise the fire and brilliance of any diamond. Shop Round
Cushion
Cushion or Pillow cut diamonds feature rounded corners and large facets designed to reflect light more brilliantly. Cushion cut diamonds may be square or rectangular, and are a popular choice for antique-style rings. Shop Cushion
Oval
A lengthened version of the Round cut, the Oval cut is highly brilliant and can accentuate fingers by making them appear longer and slimmer. A variety of length-to-width ratios are available, from almost-round to a narrow, highly-pronounced oval. Shop Oval
Princess
Traditionally square with pointed corners, the Princess diamond is another very popular cut for engagement rings. Any colour in the diamond is likely to be visible at the corners of a Princess cut stone. Shop Princess
Radiant
The Radiant cut combines the rectangular or square shape of an Emerald cut with the brilliance of the classic Round cut. There are 53-70 facets in a Radiant cut, which create sparkle and highlight the colour of the stone. This makes it a popular choice for fancy coloured diamonds. Shop Radiant
Emerald
The base or pavilion of an Emerald cut diamond is cut with rectangular facets to create an unusual and elegant appearance. Because this shape is so open, the clarity of the stone takes on even greater importance than it does with most other shapes. Emerald cut diamonds are always rectangular, with diagonally-cut corners. Shop Emerald
Asscher
The Asscher has a lot in common with the Emerald cut, but is square where the Emerald is rectangular. As with the Emerald, the clarity of the stone becomes very important where this cut is used. Shop Asscher
Pear
The Pear or Teardrop is a brilliant cut that combines elements of the Marquis and the Round cut. Some of the largest diamonds in history were Pear cut, including the Taylor-Burton diamond. Depending on the length-to-width ratio, it can create a subtle slimming effect on the finger. Shop Pear
Marquise
Like the Oval, the boat-like shape of a Marquise cut diamond can make fingers look longer and slimmer. This shape also maximises the perceived size of the diamond. If opting for a Marquise cut main diamond, consider pairing it with Round or Pear cut side stones. Shop Marquise
Heart
The romantic Heart cut is essentially a doubled-up Pear cut Different length-to-width ratios will create different styles of heart, from slightly squat to elongated. For a classic love heart shape, opt for a length-to-width ratio from .90 to 1.10. Any colour in the diamond may be visible in the corners of a Heart cut. Shop Heart
The shape of the main diamond can change the entire look of a ring, creating an effect that’s vintage or modern, subtle or extravagant. Diamond cuts also affect the way light moves through the stone, meaning there’s a lot more to consider than first meets the eye – if you’ve chosen a raw diamond, it’s worth familiarising yourself with how its clarity and colour will work in conjunction with your favourite shape before committing.
Round
As the oldest and most popular of all the diamond shapes, the Round diamond cut has been intensively researched over many years as cutters strive to achieve the most brilliant play of light possible in the stone. This perfectly circular cut is designed to optimise the fire and brilliance of any diamond. Shop Round
Cushion
Cushion or Pillow cut diamonds feature rounded corners and large facets designed to reflect light more brilliantly. Cushion cut diamonds may be square or rectangular, and are a popular choice for antique-style rings. Shop Cushion
Oval
A lengthened version of the Round cut, the Oval cut is highly brilliant and can accentuate fingers by making them appear longer and slimmer. A variety of length-to-width ratios are available, from almost-round to a narrow, highly-pronounced oval. Shop Oval
Princess
Traditionally square with pointed corners, the Princess diamond is another very popular cut for engagement rings. Any colour in the diamond is likely to be visible at the corners of a Princess cut stone. Shop Princess
Radiant
The Radiant cut combines the rectangular or square shape of an Emerald cut with the brilliance of the classic Round cut. There are 53-70 facets in a Radiant cut, which create sparkle and highlight the colour of the stone. This makes it a popular choice for fancy coloured diamonds. Shop Radiant
Emerald
The base or pavilion of an Emerald cut diamond is cut with rectangular facets to create an unusual and elegant appearance. Because this shape is so open, the clarity of the stone takes on even greater importance than it does with most other shapes. Emerald cut diamonds are always rectangular, with diagonally-cut corners. Shop Emerald
Asscher
The Asscher has a lot in common with the Emerald cut, but is square where the Emerald is rectangular. As with the Emerald, the clarity of the stone becomes very important where this cut is used. Shop Asscher
Pear
The Pear or Teardrop is a brilliant cut that combines elements of the Marquis and the Round cut. Some of the largest diamonds in history were Pear cut, including the Taylor-Burton diamond. Depending on the length-to-width ratio, it can create a subtle slimming effect on the finger. Shop Pear
Marquise
Like the Oval, the boat-like shape of a Marquise cut diamond can make fingers look longer and slimmer. This shape also maximises the perceived size of the diamond. If opting for a Marquise cut main diamond, consider pairing it with Round or Pear cut side stones. Shop Marquise
Heart
The romantic Heart cut is essentially a doubled-up Pear cut Different length-to-width ratios will create different styles of heart, from slightly squat to elongated. For a classic love heart shape, opt for a length-to-width ratio from .90 to 1.10. Any colour in the diamond may be visible in the corners of a Heart cut. Shop Heart
