DIAMOND SHAPES
WHY SHAPE MATTERS
Diamond shape influences much more than outline alone. It affects how large the stone appears face-up, how light travels through it, how elongated or compact it feels on the hand, and how it works with different setting styles. Proportions and length-to-width ratio can also change the personality of the same shape dramatically.
ROUND BRILLIANT.
The round brilliant is the most recognized diamond shape and is designed to maximize light return. Its symmetrical outline and carefully arranged facet pattern create strong brilliance, fire and scintillation. Because its proportions are highly standardized, the quality of the cut has a major influence on how lively and bright the diamond appears.
OVAL
The oval diamond combines the brilliance of a round-style facet pattern with an elongated silhouette. Its length can create a graceful, lengthening effect on the finger and often gives the impression of greater face-up size for its carat weight. Because oval diamonds can vary significantly in proportion, length-to-width ratio and bow-tie visibility are important considerations when evaluating the overall appearance.
EMERALD CUT
The emerald cut is defined by its long, clean lines and distinctive step-cut facets. Rather than emphasizing intense sparkle, it produces broad flashes of light and a sophisticated hall-of-mirrors effect. Its open facet structure makes clarity and proportion especially important, while its elongated rectangular outline creates an elegant, architectural appearance.
ELONGATED RADIANT
The elongated radiant combines a refined rectangular outline with a brilliant-style facet pattern designed for strong sparkle. Its clipped corners give the shape durability and a distinctive geometric character, while the elongated profile creates an elegant presence on the finger. Length-to-width ratio, facet pattern and bow-tie visibility can all influence how balanced and lively the diamond appears.
CUSHION CUT.
The cushion cut is known for its soft, rounded corners and balanced blend of classic character and brilliant-style sparkle. Cushion diamonds can range from nearly square to distinctly elongated, and their facet patterns can produce very different visual effects—from broader, softer flashes of light to a more intricate, crushed-ice appearance. Proportion and facet structure are especially important when choosing the right cushion.
PEAR SHAPE
The pear shape combines the brilliance of a round-style facet pattern with the elegance of a tapered point. Its asymmetrical silhouette creates a distinctive, graceful appearance and can visually elongate the finger when worn with the point oriented outward. Balance between the rounded end and the point, overall symmetry, length-to-width ratio and bow-tie visibility are important when evaluating the beauty of a pear-shaped diamond.
MARQUISE
The marquise is defined by its elongated silhouette and pointed ends, creating a dramatic shape with strong visual presence. Its length can make the diamond appear larger face-up for its carat weight, while its tapered outline can create an elegant lengthening effect on the finger. Symmetry, length-to-width ratio and bow-tie visibility are especially important when evaluating a marquise
ASSCHER CUT
The Asscher cut is a square step-cut diamond distinguished by deeply trimmed corners, concentric facet patterns and a striking hall-of-mirrors effect. Its geometric symmetry creates a bold, architectural appearance, while the open step facets make clarity and precision especially important. A well-proportioned Asscher should show a balanced pattern, strong symmetry and clean depth through the center of the stone.
PRINCESS CUT
The princess cut is a square brilliant-style diamond known for its sharp corners, strong sparkle and modern geometric appearance. Its facet pattern is designed to produce lively brilliance, while the square outline gives it a clean, contemporary presence. Because of its pointed corners, careful setting is important to protect the stone, and proportion plays a major role in how balanced and bright the diamond appears.
HEART SHAPE
The heart shape is one of the most distinctive diamond silhouettes, combining brilliant-style faceting with a clearly defined cleft and balanced rounded lobes. Because the shape depends heavily on symmetry, proportion is especially important. A well-cut heart should appear balanced from side to side, with a centered cleft, graceful curves and a defined point.
PROPORTIONS & LENGTH-TO-WIDTH RATIO
Within the same diamond shape, proportion can dramatically change the overall appearance. Length-to-width ratio describes the relationship between a diamond’s length and width and helps determine whether a stone appears more compact, balanced or elongated. There is no single perfect ratio for every client—the ideal proportion depends on the shape, the setting and the visual character you prefer.