Diamond Guide
Most common diamond shapes
People often say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but it's less frequently noted that there's a diamond to suit every type of "girl." Each diamond tells its own story, and it's up to you to decide which one will tell yours.
From the classic and versatile round brilliant, which makes up more than half of all diamonds sold today, to the unique and eccentric Marquise cut, reminiscent of the opulence of the age d’or, choosing a diamond can be as intricate a task as selecting the man who will give it to you. This time, however, it’s not about who you know, but what you know. Understanding diamond shapes can guide you through one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make.
Each shape not only caters to personal tastes but is also meticulously and mathematically cut to highlight a diamond’s best features. After all, which girl wouldn’t want the best for her best friend?
Round Brilliant
Clean, classic, and versatile, with more fire and brilliance than any other shape, it's no wonder this choice is so popular—it accounts for over half of all diamonds sold today. For men looking to surprise their ladies and unsure of their preferences, this option is almost always a safe bet.
Cushion
As its name implies, the cushion cut features a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. This unique and less common choice boasts large facets that allow for excellent light dispersion, creating a wide range of spectral colors and resulting in a highly scintillating stone.
Princess
Similar to the round brilliant, the Princess cut is a classic and elegant shape. However, its sharp corners give it a contemporary edge. This shape is perfect for capturing the brilliance and simple elegance of the round cut while staying fashionable and modern.
Oval
The oval cut lies between the round brilliant and the pear shape, making it an ideal choice if you want to enjoy the sparkle of a round brilliant in a slightly rarer and more elongated form.
Pear
Famously given to Elizabeth Taylor by her two-time husband Richard Burton, the pear, or teardrop, is a unique and feminine shape. With one rounded end and one pointed end, it makes for a delicate and stunning choice.
Emerald
Exuding vintage glamour and old-world charm, the emerald cut has been favored by style icons like Grace Kelly and Jackie O. As one of the first cuts used in jewelry design, its broad, flat plane showcases the clarity and natural crystalline structure of a diamond to an unparalleled degree.
Heart
A timelessly romantic choice, this rare and symbolic cut allows you to wear your heart on your finger rather than your sleeve. There’s no better way to be both in love and in style simultaneously.
Radiant
A square or rectangular hybrid cut, the radiant combines the brilliance and depth of the round, emerald, and princess cuts. As the most brilliant of all squared shapes, it is both a stunning and dramatic choice.
Asscher
Brimming with timeless elegance and Art-Deco sophistication, the Asscher cut features a rectangular shape similar to the more famous emerald cut. It offers prismatic brilliance, exceptional luster, and a captivating optical illusion known as the "Hall of Mirrors" effect.
Marquise
Commissioned in 18th century Paris by King Louis XV to mimic the smile of his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, the Marquise cut harks back to the glory of the age d’or. This cut is also ideal for optimizing carat weight and elongating the finger.