Understanding
Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant

Diamond shape refers to the overall outline and appearance of a diamond when viewed from above. It is often confused with diamond cut, but they are different. Shape describes the diamond’s design or form, while cut refers to how well its facets are arranged and polished to interact with light.

The most popular diamond shape is the Round Brilliant, known for its excellent sparkle and balanced appearance. It is designed with carefully arranged facets that reflect a large amount of light back to the viewer.

Other popular shapes include Princess, Cushion, Oval, Pear, Marquise, Emerald, and Radiant. Each shape has its own style and visual characteristics.

Princess cut diamonds have a square or rectangular outline with sharp corners and strong brilliance.
Oval diamonds have an elongated shape that can make the finger appear longer and slimmer.
Pear shaped diamonds combine a rounded end with a pointed tip, creating an elegant teardrop appearance.
Marquise diamonds are long with pointed ends and can also create the impression of greater length.
Emerald cut diamonds have a rectangular shape with stepped facets. Instead of producing intense sparkle like a round brilliant, they create broad flashes of light and allow viewers to see more deeply into the stone.
Cushion cut diamonds have soft, rounded corners and a classic appearance.
Radiant-cut diamonds combine a rectangular or square outline with brilliant-style faceting.

The choice of diamond shape is mainly a matter of personal style and preference. Shape can also influence how large a diamond appears, how it reflects light, and how it looks when set in jewellery.

Understanding different shapes helps buyers choose a diamond that matches their personality, lifestyle, jewellery design, and budget.