Diamond Shapes: How to Choose the Perfect Cut

When you shop for a diamond, the shape is the first thing you notice. It changes the way the stone catches light, how it looks on your hand, and even how much it costs. Below you’ll find the most common cuts, what they look like, and quick tips to match a shape with your style.

Popular Diamond Cuts and Their Look

Round – The classic round brilliant is the most popular because it maximizes sparkle. It works well with any setting and suits most finger shapes.

Princess – A square or rectangular face with pointed corners. It offers a modern vibe and a lot of brilliance, but the corners can look sharp on slimmer fingers.

Oval – An elongated round that makes the finger appear longer. It’s a good choice if you like a softer look than a rectangle.

Cushion – A pillow‑shaped cut with rounded corners. It gives a vintage feel and a gentle glow, perfect for relaxed, romantic styles.

Emerald – A rectangular shape with stepped facets. It shows the diamond’s clarity more than its sparkle, so choose a clear stone for this cut.

Pear – Looks like a teardrop. It adds a graceful drop effect and can elongate a short hand.

Marquise – A long, narrow oval with pointed ends. It creates a dramatic, finger‑lengthening effect but can look heavy if the setting is too thick.

Radiant – A hybrid of round and rectangular shapes. It offers brilliance like a round but a unique outline.

Asscher – Similar to emerald but square. It has a vintage appeal and highlights clarity.

Heart – A romantic shape that works best when the diamond is very clear and well‑cut.

Choosing the Right Shape for You

First, think about your finger shape. If you have short fingers, pick a cut that adds length – oval, marquise, or pear work well. For wider fingers, a round or cushion can balance the look.

Second, consider the setting. A six‑prong setting shows more of a round or princess cut, while a low‑profile bezel works nicely with emerald or asscher shapes.

Third, match your budget. Round and princess cuts usually cost a bit more because they waste less rough diamond. Shapes like cushion, emerald, and pear often give you a larger stone for the same price.

Finally, trust your eye. Look at the stone in natural light, rotate it, and notice how it reflects. If it feels right, that’s the shape you’ll enjoy wearing every day.

Remember, the perfect diamond shape is the one that makes you smile when you see it. Use these quick pointers, compare a few stones, and you’ll find the cut that fits your hand, budget, and style without any guesswork.