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Diamond Shape Guide

Explore our diamond shape guide! Discover the top 10 diamond shapes and understand the key difference between shape & cut for perfect brilliance.

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In This Guide
  • What is Diamond Shape?
  • Shop Diamonds by Shape
  • How to Choose the Perfect Shape
  • Diamond Shape FAQs

What is Diamond Shape?

Have you ever found yourself shopping for a ring—maybe for yourself or someone you love—and thinking, “What shape should I get?” You’re definitely not alone. Diamond shape is often the first thing people notice because it sets the mood for the entire piece.

Simply put, diamond shape is the outline you see when you look straight down at the stone. The shape is the essence that gives each diamond its personality; whether it’s the classic circle of a round brilliant diamond, the soft curves of an oval, or the clean angles of an emerald cut.

The Difference between Diamond Shape and Diamond Cut

So before we get started, let’s clear up one of the most common questions people have when they start shopping for a diamond: What’s the difference between shape and cut? They sound pretty similar, but in actuality, they are two very different things.

Diamond shape is all about the outline you see when you look down at the diamond. Examples of shapes would be round, princess, emerald, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, radiant, asscher, and heart. The shape is what gives a diamond its character and personality, and helps to establish the style, whether that is classic, modern, vintage, or entirely unique.

Diamond cut, on the other hand, is about craftsmanship. It’s how the diamond’s facets are proportioned, polished, and aligned to reflect light. A well-cut diamond doesn’t just sparkle—it comes to life, catching the eye with its brilliance and fire. So while shape sets the mood, cut is what makes it shine its brightest.

Top 10 Diamond Shapes

Every diamond shape has its own story, sparkle, and style. Whether you’re dreaming of something classic, modern, or something completely unique, there’s a shape that feels just right for you. Here’s a closer look at the most popular diamond shapes and what makes each one special.

Round Shaped Diamonds

If you picture a diamond in your mind, chances are you’re thinking of a round shape. The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular, loved for its incredible sparkle and timeless appeal. With 58 expertly arranged facets, this shape is designed to reflect the maximum amount of light, creating that eye-catching unparalleled brilliance everyone admires.

Round diamonds are perfect for just about any style, from a classic solitaire to a vintage-inspired setting. They are also great with any metal, and can fit with side stones as well. If you’re looking for a shape that never goes out of style, the round shaped diamond is the ultimate classic.

Oval Shaped Diamonds

Oval diamonds offer all the brilliance of a round shape but with a more elongated, fresh twist. Their graceful outline makes fingers appear longer and slimmer, which is one reason so many people are falling in love with this shape. Ovals have a soft, romantic feel that looks beautiful in both simple solitaire settings and more detailed designs.

With a larger surface area, oval diamonds are able to appear larger per carat than round diamonds which is a bonus. They’re perfect if you want a classic sparkle with a little extra flair and a modern edge. Ovals are wonderfully versatile and are a striking shape with an elegant allure for any occasion from engagement rings to pendants.

Emerald Shaped Diamonds

Emerald shaped diamonds stand out with their sleek, elegant lines and unique hall-of-mirrors effect. Unlike brilliant cuts with their many tiny flashes of light, emerald cuts have long open facets that create bold flashes of light and showcases exceptional clarity. It’s a shape that feels refined, vintage-inspired, and a little bit glamorous all at once. 

This diamond shape is perfect for someone who appreciates understated beauty and clean design. The elongated rectangle of the emerald cut can also make the diamond appear larger and flatter the finger with its sophisticated proportions. If you want a diamond that is timeless and distinct, the emerald cut is a compelling option.

Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pear shaped diamonds bring together the beauty of a round cut with the unique silhouette of a marquise, creating a graceful teardrop shape that’s truly one of a kind. This design is loved for its soft curves and delicate point, which together create a flattering, elongated look on the hand.

Pear shaped diamonds are often chosen for their romantic and slightly unconventional character. They catch the light beautifully and look stunning whether worn with the point facing up or down. If you want a diamond that feels both classic and a little unexpected, the pear shape is a beautiful way to stand out.

Cushion Shaped Diamonds

Cushion shaped diamonds are all about soft edges and vintage charm. This shape blends a square or rectangular outline with gently rounded corners, resembling a plush pillow—hence the name. Cushion cuts have been around for centuries, and they’re beloved for their warm, romantic sparkle.

Since cushion cut diamonds have larger facets, they display a unique combination of brilliance and generally deeper reflections of light, creating flashes of light that feel classic and modern. They look beautiful in a halo setting and definitely took over a vintage design but would also look stunning in a simple solitaire. If you gravitate towards classic elegance with just a hint of old-world charm, a cushion cut is just right for you!

Princess Shaped Diamonds

Princess shaped diamonds are the go-to choice if you love clean lines and modern sparkle. With their sharp, square corners and brilliant-cut facets, princess cuts deliver exceptional brightness that rivals the classic round diamond. They’re bold, contemporary, and always eye-catching.

This shape is especially popular in engagement rings because it combines a sleek geometric look with impressive fire. Whether set in a simple solitaire or accented with side stones, a princess shape feels fresh and sophisticated. If you like the crisp, confident, and fun style, the princess is an ideal diamond shape!

Marquise Shaped Diamonds

Marquise shaped diamonds have a dramatic, elongated silhouette that instantly sets them apart. Their pointed ends combined with a graceful arch make hands appear longer and slimmer, as well as maximizing the carat weight of the diamond, making it look impressively large.

Originally designed for royalty, marquise diamonds carry an air of vintage glamour and sophistication. They sparkle beautifully and look striking in both classic solitaire settings and more intricate designs. If you are looking for a shape that is classy, bold, and slightly regal, the marquise diamond is a great choice.

Radiant Shaped Diamonds

Radiant shaped diamonds are the best of both worlds: the clean lines of an emerald cut combined with the brilliant sparkle of a round. This shape features a rectangular or square outline with trimmed corners and a dazzling facet pattern that catches light from every angle.

Radiants are perfect for anyone that prefers maximum brilliance in a modern structured look. They are very versatile, and look great in solitaire settings, as well as with halos and side stones. If you love a diamond that feels lively, bold, and full of energy, the radiant shape is sure to impress.

Asscher Shaped Diamonds

Asscher shaped diamonds offer a wonderful vintage feel and are easily recognizable. This elegant shape is like an emerald cut in style, but with a square shape and larger step-cut facets create an eye-catching "hall of mirrors" effect when the diamond is viewed from above.  

First introduced in the early 1900s, Asscher cuts are loved for their Art Deco style and sophisticated sparkle. They have a refined, timeless beauty that feels both glamorous and understated. If you love clean lines and geometry with a subtle old-world charm, an Asscher cut diamond is a stunning option.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart shaped diamonds are the quintessential embodiment of love and romance. Their familiar shape is unmistakable and undeniably bold, and carries so much sentimentality. The diamonds sophisticated curves and pointed tip create a unique design that is not only embraces passionate love but is also playful yet elegant.

Heart shaped diamonds are ideal for someone who wants their jewelry to tell a story and hold personal expression. Whether it is a solitaire ring, pendant, or special occasion piece, the heart shape is a tribute to love in all its forms. If you are searching for a unique diamond that represents your story, the heart shape is a stunning way to show it.

Diamond Shapes Chart

Choosing the perfect diamond shape is easier when you can see how they compare side by side. Use this chart to explore the unique qualities of each shape.

Shape Style Personality Features Facets
Round Timeless, classic Maximum sparkle and versatility 58
Oval Elegant, modern Elongates the finger, larger face-up look 56–58
Emerald Sophisticated, vintage Hall-of-mirrors effect, clean lines 57
Pear Romantic, distinctive Unique teardrop shape, flattering length 56–58
Cushion Vintage-inspired, cozy Soft corners, antique feel 58–64
Princess Modern, bold Sharp corners, strong sparkle 50–58
Marquise Dramatic, regal Maximizes carat appearance, elongates finger 58
Radiant Bold, contemporary Mix of sparkle and clean lines 70
Asscher Art Deco, sophisticated Vintage charm, step-cut clarity 58
Heart Romantic, expressive Ultimate symbol of love, unique silhouette 56–58

How to Choose the Perfect Shape

Choosing the right diamond shape isn’t just about what’s trending. It’s about finding the look that feels true to you. Here are a few things to think about as you explore your options:

Think About Your Hand and Finger Shape

Yes—your hand’s shape really does matter. If you have longer fingers, you might love an elongated diamond like an oval, emerald, radiant, or pear. Marquise cuts are also great for creating extra coverage and a graceful look.

Have shorter or wider fingers? You can still get that elegant length by choosing a shorter oval. The ratio of the stone makes all the difference—a 1.45 ratio has a more slender, elongated appearance, while a 1.35 ratio feels a little chubbier and fills out the finger beautifully.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can help you decide which shapes will hold up best over time. If you’re very active—think lots of hands-on work or hobbies—shapes with pointed corners (like princess or marquise) might be more prone to bumps and chips. Rounded shapes like round, oval, or cushion tend to be a little more durable for everyday wear.

Think About the Setting You Want

The setting you choose can completely change the way a diamond shape looks. Love a classic solitaire? Almost any shape will look stunning. Prefer a three-stone ring? Elongated shapes like oval or emerald create beautiful coverage. And if you want your diamond to look even bigger, a halo or double halo setting can add visual impact and make your center stone appear up to a carat larger.

Decide on Brilliance vs. Clean Lines

Some shapes are famous for their sparkle, like round, oval, and cushion cuts. Others, like emerald and Asscher, show off clean lines and a more subtle, mirror-like shine. Think about which look speaks to you—brilliant fire or understated elegance.

Balance Your Budget and Carat Goals

Different shapes can impact how big a diamond looks for the same carat weight. For example, ovals and marquise diamonds often look larger per carat than round stones. If you want the biggest look for your budget, shape can be your secret advantage.

Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, the right shape is the one you can’t stop thinking about. Maybe it complements your hand perfectly. Maybe it matches your favorite bracelet or the style of your wedding band. Or maybe it’s just the shape that makes your heart skip a beat the moment you see it.

And remember—your taste might evolve over time. What you love today could be different in five or ten years. Choose a shape that feels true to who you are right now, and you can’t go wrong.

Diamond Shape FAQs

What is the most popular diamond shape?

The round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape worldwide. Its perfect symmetry and 58 facets are designed to reflect maximum light, creating exceptional sparkle and fire. It’s a timeless choice that never goes out of style, which is why so many couples choose it for engagement rings.

Which diamond shape sparkles the most?

Round diamonds usually sparkle the most because their facet pattern is optimized for brilliance. Cushion, oval, and princess cuts offer excellent sparkle and fire; however, round diamonds remain the standard of maximum sparkle.

What diamond shape looks the biggest?

Elongated shapes such as marquise, oval, and pear often look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. Their stretched outline provides more finger coverage and creates the illusion of a bigger stone without needing a higher carat.

What is the best diamond shape?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—“best” depends on your taste and lifestyle. Round is the most classic and versatile, oval is modern and flattering, emerald has a sleek, elegant look, and cushion feels vintage and romantic. Choose the shape that feels most like you.

What diamond shape elongates fingers?

Oval, marquise, pear, and emerald cuts all create an elongated look that can make fingers appear longer and slimmer. These shapes are perfect if you love a graceful, lengthening effect on your hand.

What are fancy cut diamond shapes?

Fancy cut diamonds include any shape that isn’t round. This group covers princess, cushion, emerald, radiant, pear, marquise, Asscher, heart, and more. Each fancy cut has its own character and sparkle pattern. If you have a particular shape you love, you can always choose Lucenjuri Sculpt Cut to bring your vision to life.

What is diamond length-to-width ratio?

The length-to-width ratio is a measurement that shows how long a diamond is compared to how wide it is. For example, an oval with a higher ratio looks more elongated, while a lower ratio feels shorter and wider. This detail affects the diamond’s overall appearance.

Can you change the shape of a diamond?

Yes, it’s possible to re-cut a diamond into a different shape, though this process usually reduces the carat weight and can change the value. People sometimes do this to refresh an older diamond or repair damage.

How do you know which ring shape suits you?

Start by thinking about your hand shape, your style, and how you’ll wear your ring every day. Try on different shapes if you can. The one that feels comfortable, flattering, and instantly catches your eye is usually the perfect fit.