A diamond’s shape refers to its physical form. It is clearly not a part of the 4Cs but is one of the most important factors when choosing a diamond. The distinction between the diamond cut and the diamond shape might be confusing at first. The shape of the diamond is its physical appearance but its cut refers to its ability to reflect light, its facets, and angles. The most common shapes of diamond include asscher, brilliant, cushion cut, emerald cut, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess cut, and radiant cut.
A brilliant cut diamond is a round cut diamond and is by far the most popular diamond shape. It is superior to other shapes in terms of proper reflection of light, maximising the brightness potential, etc. due to its cone shape.
The oval cut is a modified version of the round-cut diamond and is made for those who want the brilliance of the round-shaped diamond in an unusual shape. Oval cut diamonds create an illusion of length and elongation.
The princess cut is the fanciest and the most popular diamond shape amongst all others. Like round shape diamonds, princess cut diamonds are compatible with any style of rings. The princess cut diamonds are exquisitely shaped in order to get top brilliance.
A pear-shaped diamond is a combination of the round and marquise cut diamond with a tapered point at one end. A pear-shaped diamond should be perfect in terms of symmetry. The point of the tapered end should match with the apex of the rounded end. The diamond contains 58 facets, allowing light to pass through it in the same way as the round shaped diamond.
This is a popular style known for its precision and beauty. The emerald cut is named so because it is cut in a shape that was originally a style for emeralds. It might not possess the brilliance of the diamonds cut in a kite or triangular shape but its pure ice-like clarity makes up for the brilliance. This style of cut is also called the step-cut.
The asscher cut is also called the “Square Emerald-Cut”. It has cropped corners because of which it appears to be octagonal at first glance. Asscher cut diamonds are bright, shiny and clear in appearance but allow the inclusions to be visible to the naked eye, if there are any.
The cushion cut is a combination of two shapes, square and the round cut. It is called a cushion cut because of its rounded corners and its resemblance to a pillow. It gives the diamond an antique look and a romantic appeal. The cushion cut diamond contains 58 facets.
It is a modified version of a brilliant cut diamond only with a cleft at the top. A heart-shaped diamond is unique and a symbol of love, popular in forms of solitaire pendants and diamond rings. Symmetry is an essential factor while selecting a heart-shaped diamond. The division between the two lobes should be evident. If you want a bigger stone, avoid going for heart-shaped diamonds that weigh less than 0.50 carat as they appear small and even smaller when set in prongs.
It is a modified brilliant cut diamond, long and narrow in shape considered ideal for engagement rings. Its long and narrow boat-like shape creates an illusion of it being greater in size. Marquise-shaped diamonds have one of the largest surface areas, which is a great option when one wants to magnify the appearance of a diamond.
A radiant-cut diamond is square shaped but still has a complete brilliant cut facet pattern on its crown and pavilion.It combines the round cut and the emerald cut to create an uconventional and brilliant diamond shape.
