Shape of Diamonds – How to Choose the Right One?

S.No.	Diamond Shape	Description
1.	Classic Round Cut Diamonds	Classic, exceptional brilliance with 58 or 57 facets
2.	Pear Shape Diamonds	Combination of round and marquise, tapered and rounded
3.	Oval Cut Diamonds	Similar to round brilliant but elongated
4.	Princess Cut Diamonds	Square or rectangular, modern and contemporary
5.	Cushion Cut Diamonds	Square or rectangular with rounded corners
6.	Emerald Cut Diamonds	Rectangular with cut corners, elegant step-cut facets
7.	Heart Shaped Diamonds	Romantic and distinctive, symbol of love
8.	Marquise Cut Diamonds	Elongated with pointed ends, creates a slender look
9.	Asscher Cut Diamonds	Square with cropped corners, vintage appeal
10.	Radiant Cut	Square or rectangular with trimmed corners

1. Classic Round Cut Diamonds

A classic round brilliant diamond is one of the most popular and timeless diamond cuts around. Known for its classic, bright sparkle and versatility, the round brilliant diamond is an excellent choice for any engagement ring or special piece of jewelry. These have a round shape with 58 facets that are arranged to maximize their brilliance and sparkle.

Pros of Round Cut Diamonds

1. They are incredibly versatile and go well with any style of setting.
2. They have the greatest potential for sparkle and brilliance.

Cons of Round Cut Diamonds

1. They are more expensive than other cut diamonds.
2. Sometimes looks smaller in size in comparison to others.

How to Choose the Perfect Round Diamonds?

When it comes to buying diamonds, choosing the perfect round-cut diamonds can be a challenge. The length-to-width ratio of Round cut diamonds should be around 1:1. In order to pick out the perfect round diamond for your special someone, you need to ask yourself a few important questions:

Tip #1: Choose a round diamond with an “Excellent” cut
The “cut” of a diamond is the most important factor in determining how much light it reflects and how sparkly it appears. A round diamond with an “Excellent” rating will reflect the lightest, giving it maximum sparkle.
Tip #2: Choose the right setting
Choose among the popular settings for round diamonds that include a four-prong, bezel, pave, and halo. They influence the overall appearance of your jewelry.
Tip #3: Consider your budget
When shopping for a round-cut diamond, it is important to keep your budget in mind. Although these are expensive but tempting, be sure to stay within your budget.
Tip #4: Ask for a certificate of authenticity

Make sure that the diamond you purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity. This will prove the quality and grade of the diamond. All GIA and HRD-certified diamonds are considered to be the best and most desirable diamonds for all occasions. Here is a complete guide on diamond certification.

2. Pear Shape Diamonds

Next on the list is the pear-shaped diamond. The pear shaped diamonds, much like the oval and marquise cuts, have a flattering effect on the finger as they elongate it, particularly when the pointed end is worn toward the nail. These diamonds are characterized by precise symmetry and are particularly stunning when set in halo designs.

Pros of Pear Diamond Shape Diamonds

1. They can excellently hide inclusions
2. The unique and eye-catching shape

Cons of Pear Diamond Shape

Due to their elongated shapes, and pointed edges, they often have higher chances of snagging and chipping. Therefore, they must be carefully protected by prongs.

How to Select the Perfect Pear Diamond Shapes?

Tip #1: When purchasing a pear diamond shape ring, consider length to width ratio of 1.55 to 1.75. However, you may also find a more narrow or broader shape depending on your preferences.

Tip #2: Don’t forget to check for the level of the bow tie prominence.

Also Read: Ways to Spot Fake Diamond

3. Oval Cut Diamonds

If you’re looking for a diamond cut that’s both classic and contemporary, then the oval cut diamond might just be the perfect option for you. As the name suggests, the oval-shaped diamond is a type of diamond that has an elongated oval shape, with 56 to 58 facets that maximize its brilliance and fire.

One of the defining characteristics of an oval-cut diamond is its symmetry. When viewed from above, an oval diamond should appear perfectly symmetrical, with both ends of the oval being equally rounded. This symmetrical shape makes the oval cut a versatile choice for many different types of jewelry settings, from a solitaire engagement ring to delicate pendant necklaces.

Pros of Oval Cut Diamonds

1. They are versatility
2. They work well with a variety of different styles and settings

Cons of Oval Cut Diamonds

1. bow-tie effect: It is a dark area that can appear in the center of some oval cut diamonds, detracting from the diamond’s overall beauty and sparkle.

How to Choose The Perfect Oval Shape Diamond?

1. The length-to-width ratio of Oval Shape Diamonds should be around 1.35 – 1.50.
2. Look for a well-proportioned cut that minimizes the bow-tie effect.

Diamond size, carate, and design depend on your preference and budget.

4. Princess Cut Diamonds

If you are searching for a modern, elegant, and timeless diamond all at once, then the princess-cut diamonds may be just what you’re looking for. Unlike round cut diamonds, princess cut diamonds have a square or rectangular shape, with pointed 45-degree corners and generally 58 facets – 21 on the crown, 4 on the girdle, and 33 on the pavilion. This gives them a distinctive and modern look, with plenty of sparkles.

Pros of Princess Cut Diamonds

1. It offers a lot of versatility in terms of design.
2. It works well with both modern and traditional settings and can be paired with other gemstones for a unique and personalized look.

Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds

1. They are more prone to chipping and damage, due to their pointed corners.
2. They are thinner and more fragile.

How to Choose the Perfect Princess Cut Diamonds?

Consider the following factors when selecting your princess-cut diamond:

Shape: Princess cut diamonds are usually square or rectangular in shape. The length-to-width ratio of the diamond should be as close to 1:1 as possible..

Symmetry: Due to the large number of facets found in princess cut diamonds, it is important to see if the facets on the right and left halves have the same shape and size.

Symmetry refers to the alignment of the facets and having well-aligned facets will mean that your diamond will reflect light more effectively. Due to the large number of facets found in princess cut diamonds, look for perfectly aligned corners, straight sides, and even faceting.

Scintillation: Scintillation refers to the sparkle of a diamond that is produced by the interplay of light and the diamond’s cut. To judge a princess cut diamond’s scintillation, it’s best to view it in various lighting conditions and from different angles to see how it sparkles and shines.

Also Read: Diamond Jewelers in Dubai

5. Cushion Cut Diamonds

Looking for a diamond cut that’s both elegant and vintage-inspired? Then a cushion cut diamond may be just what you’re looking for. With its soft, rounded edges and angles, this cut is made for those flashes of colored light. Over the years, the cushion cut has regained popularity as a choice for engagement rings and other occasion jewelry.

Also known as a pillow cut diamond, it has a square or rectangular diamond shape with rounded corners and more significant facets. This gives it a romantic and elegant look, with a soft appearance that’s both warm and inviting.

Pros of Cushion Cut Diamonds

1. It offers a lot of versatility in terms of design.
2. It works well with both vintage and modern settings.
3. It can be paired with other gemstones or halo settings for a unique and personalized look.

Cons of Cushion Cut Diamonds

1. Easy to see the flaws within it because of its broader faceting structure.
2. They appear smaller than other cuts of similar weight.

How to Choose the Perfect Cushion Diamond?

1. Look at the length-to-width ratio (L/W) for cushion cuts. The length-to-width ratio of Cushion cut diamonds should be around 1.00 to 1.05.
2. The soft corners of the cushion shape make it look like a cross between a square and an oval. It has fewer facets than other diamond cuts, giving it a unique sparkle that many people find desirable. If the shape appears off, don’t buy it.
3. To ensure the best performance of diamonds, aim for depth and table percentages lower than 70%.

6. Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds are well known for their understated glamor and eye-catching depth. These types of diamond shapes offer a large table surface that allows abundant reflections through its straight steps and gives a beautiful mirror effect.

Additionally, the elongated shape of the emerald cut diamonds, makes it appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.

Pros of Emerald Cut Diamonds

1. Emerald shape diamonds have a timeless look, unique faceting, and the ability to make the diamond appear larger than it actually is.
2. Makes Fingers Appear Slim
3. Less expensive than other diamond shapes

Cons of Emerald Cut Diamonds

1. It is more expensive and harder to find.
2. Inclusions are more visible.
3. Shows more color.

How to Select the Perfect Emerald Cut?

Tip #1: The length-to-width ratio of Perfect Emerald Cut Diamonds should be around 1.30 to 1.50.

Tip #2: Look for shallower diamonds: The angles in an emerald diamond shape don’t impact its beauty, so a shallow stone can still look stunning on your finger!

7. Heart Shaped Diamonds

The heart-cut diamonds are diamond shapes that are often associated with love and romance. As the name suggests, it looks like a heart, with a curved top and pointed bottom. It has a unique and distinctive shape that is sure to catch the eye.

One thing that attracts people to a heart-shaped diamond is its symmetry. Ideally, the two lobes of the heart should be perfectly even, and the cleft should be sharp and distinct. If the symmetry is off, it can affect the overall beauty of the diamond.

Pros of Heart-Shaped Diamonds

1. Very trendy
2. Rare but incredibly appealing

Cons of Heart-Shaped Diamonds

1. They need to be cut perfectly.

How to Choose the Perfect Heart Shape Diamond?

Tip #1: Consider length-to-width ratio: The ideal ratio for a heart cut diamond is between 0.85 and 0.92, which will give you a well-proportioned heart shape.

Tip #2: If you’re considering a heart cut diamond, choose one with excellent symmetry and a well-proportioned shape to maximize its beauty.

8. Marquise Cut Diamonds

Marquise cut diamonds are elongated oval-like diamond shapes with two pointed ends. Worn by royals in the Middle Ages, marquise diamonds are currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity as a fancy shape with brides and bridal designers. Jewelers also refer to this cut as navette-cut.

This type of fancy shape is still a popular shape preference among designers, brides, and the elite market, thanks to its stunning broad crown and elegant narrow body shape.

Pros of Marquise Cut Diamonds

1. Two prongs that hold the pointed ends hide any possible inclusions near the diamond tips
2. Brilliant style
3. Looks large for its carat weight
4. Makes Fingers Appear Slim

Cons of Marquise Cut Diamonds

Just like pear-shaped diamonds, you must ensure that the tapered points of a marquise cut diamond are protected by prongs to prevent chipping and snagging.

How to Choose the Perfect Marquise Cut Diamond?

1. The standard length-to-width ratio of a marquise diamond is 1.85 to 2.1.
2. While choosing a marquise cut diamond, you must pay attention to symmetry. So, the best piece would have pointed tips.
3. Choose a diamond with great shape appeal.

Make sure the wings are not too bulging or flat.

Also Read: Diamond Rate in Dubai

9. Asscher Cut Diamonds

An asscher cut diamond is another vintage and glamorous diamond, with a striking square shape and distinctive step-cut facets. It is a popular choice for fine jewelry as they have a mesmerizing windmill pattern, great for an Art Deco look. An asscher cut diamond has octagonal outlines, making them perfect for geometrical styles as well.

Moreover, they have a square or rectangular diamond shape with truncated corners, similar to emerald cut diamonds. However, they have a more brilliant cut, with smaller facets that give them a unique and striking appearance.

Pros of Asscher Cut Diamonds

1. They work well with both modern and vintage settings.
2. It can be easily paired with various other types of gemstones

Cons of Asscher Cut Diamonds

1. They are not as effective in hiding the flaws or inclusions as other cut diamonds.

How to Choose the Perfect Asscher Diamond?

1. The length-to-width ratio of Asscher Cut Diamonds should be around 1.00 – 1.05 : 1.
2. Keep in mind that the color of the diamond will not be disguised by this cut, so it is recommended to select a diamond with at least an H color grade.
3. Asscher cut diamond has exceptional sparkle due to its high crown and 58 facets. So, choose the diamond wisely.

Which is the Most Popular Diamond Shape?

The most popular diamond shapes and diamond cuts vary depending on a number of factors, including personal preference, fashion trends, and cultural traditions. However, one shape that consistently ranks among the top in popularity is the round brilliant diamonds.

The round cut diamond has been popular for centuries due to its classic and timeless look. It has a total of 58 facets, which work together to create a stunning display of light and color.

Other popular diamond shapes include the oval diamond cut and pear shaped diamond, among different shapes of diamonds. Both of these shapes have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer a more modern and unique look compared to traditional round diamonds.

Conclusion

Selecting the right cut of diamonds is essential for creating a beautiful and sparkling piece of jewelry. The cut of a diamond is determined on the basis of its overall brilliance, fire, and scintillation, so it’s important to consider a variety of factors when making your decision. With the right shape of a diamond, you can create a piece of jewelry that will sparkle and shine for years to come.