Choosing the right diamond shape isn’t just about aesthetics. It defines the style, sparkle, and presence of every piece. The right shape makes a statement, flatters the wearer, and often determines the best value for your investment.
We understand that choosing the right diamond shape is one of the most personal decisions in jewelry selection, especially for engagement rings.
After working with countless jewelry retailers and witnessing thousands of proposals come to life, we've learned that the perfect diamond shape is where technical excellence meets personal preference. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you and your customers navigate the fascinating world of diamond shapes with confidence.
Diamond Shape vs. Diamond Cut: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into our shape chart, let's address one of the most common misconceptions in the diamond world. Many people, including some in our industry, use "shape" and "cut" interchangeably, but they're actually quite different.
Diamond Shape refers to the geometric outline or form of the diamond when viewed from above. It can be anything such as round, oval, princess, or heart-shaped, as shown in the image below.
Diamond Cut, on the other hand, refers to how well the diamond has been faceted, the angles, proportions, and quality of craftsmanship that determine how brilliantly the stone sparkles. Cut grades like "Excellent", "Very Good", or "Good" describe this technical aspect.
Here's a simple way to remember it: Shape is what you see, cut is how it shines.
What are the Different Diamond Shapes?
Understanding each shape's unique characteristics helps both retailers and customers make informed decisions. Here's our comprehensive breakdown of the most popular diamond shapes:
- Round Brilliant
- Princess
- Cushion
- Emerald
- Oval
- Pear
- Marquise
- Radiant
- Asscher
- Heart
Diamond Shapes Chart
Below is a straightforward visual chart of popular diamond shapes, each with its own personality, light performance, and style appeal.
From classic round brilliance to dramatic marquise and vintage cushion cuts, each shape offers unique charm. Browse our full collection by shape to see what fits your vision.
Let’s know more about these diamond shapes in detail.
1. Round Brilliant
The round brilliant remains the industry standard, representing approximately 75% of all diamond sales globally. Developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919 and refined over subsequent decades, the round brilliant's 58-facet design is mathematically optimized for maximum light return.
Key Features:
- Superior brilliance and fire performance
- Most forgiving shape for inclusions and lower color grades
- Highest market demand ensures strong resale value
- Compatible with all setting styles and design aesthetics
Best for: Traditional customers who value classic elegance and maximum sparkle. Perfect for those who appreciate timeless design that never goes out of style.
Retailer Note: While round diamonds typically command premium pricing, their popularity makes them easier to sell and reorder.
Check out our Round Brilliants.
2. Princess
The princess cut represents the most successful fancy shape introduction in modern diamond history, combining contemporary geometric appeal with impressive optical performance.
Key Features:
- Brilliant-cut faceting provides excellent light performance
- Square profile offers modern aesthetic appeal
- Typically priced 15-25% below comparable round diamonds
- Sharp corners require protective setting considerations
Best for: Modern couples who want sparkle with a contemporary edge. Ideal for customers seeking value without compromising on brilliance.
Expert Tip: Always prefer protective setting options, including V-prongs or bezel settings, to prevent corner damage.
Read more: Cushion vs. Princess: Which is Best?
3. Cushion
The cushion shape, historically known as the "old mine cut", combines traditional charm with contemporary cutting techniques. This shape offers romantic appeal through its pillow-like appearance and distinctive light patterns.
Key Features:
- Modified brilliant cut with larger crown facets
- Excellent fire dispersion and distinctive scintillation patterns
- Effective at masking inclusions
- Available in square to rectangular proportions
Best for: Customers drawn to vintage aesthetics or those who appreciate a softer, romantic look with substantial presence.
4. Emerald
The emerald diamond exemplifies sophisticated elegance through its step-cut faceting and clean architectural lines. This shape emphasizes clarity and color over maximum brilliance.
Key Features:
- Step-cut faceting creates "hall of mirrors" optical effect
- Large table and open facets require higher clarity grades
- Rectangular outline creates elegant finger coverage
- Sophisticated, understated light performance
Best for: Sophisticated customers who appreciate understated elegance. Perfect for those who value cut quality and clarity over maximum sparkle.
Important: Emerald cuts demand VS2 or higher clarity grades due to the visibility of inclusions through the large table. Color requirements may also be more stringent depending on customer sensitivity.
Check out our Emerald Shape Diamonds.
5. Oval
The oval shape has experienced significant market growth, combining the brilliance of round cuts with an elongated silhouette that offers superior finger coverage and flattering proportions.
Key Features:
- Modified brilliant cut maintaining excellent light performance
- Appears 8-12% larger than round diamonds of equivalent carat weight
- Flattering elongated silhouette suits most hand shapes
- Potential for bow-tie effect requires careful selection
Best for: Customers wanting something unique but not too unconventional. Excellent choice for those seeking maximum visual impact.
6. Pear
The "teardrop" diamond combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise. It's a distinctive choice that stands out beautifully.
Key Features:
- Unique, eye-catching silhouette
- Appears larger than its actual carat weight
- Flattering when worn with the point toward the fingertip
- Sharp point requires protective setting
Best for: Bold, confident customers who aren't afraid to stand out. Perfect for those seeking a truly unique engagement ring.
Important: The pointed end requires careful setting selection, and proper stone orientation (typically point toward fingertip).
7. Marquise
The marquise shape maximizes visual impact through its elongated boat-shaped silhouette, offering superior finger coverage and perceived size advantages.
Key Features:
- Can appear 15% larger than round diamonds of equivalent weight
- Requires protection for both pointed ends
- Length-to-width ratio significantly affects appearance
- Challenging to cut properly, requiring careful sourcing
Best for: Customers seeking maximum visual impact and dramatic presence. Ideal for those with smaller budgets who want impressive size.
Check out our Marquise Cut Shape Diamonds.
8. Radiant
The radiant shape represents an innovative hybrid approach, combining emerald cut elegance with brilliant cut performance through its unique faceting pattern.
Key Features:
- Brilliant-cut faceting with rectangular or square outline
- Cropped corners enhance durability
- Excellent brilliance and fire performance
- Versatile shape compatible with various design styles
Best for: Customers seeking brilliance in rectangular form, buyers attracted to contemporary designs, and clients requiring versatile stones for various setting styles.
9. Asscher
The square version of an emerald cut, featuring step-cut facets and deeply cropped corners. This Art Deco favorite has experienced a major revival.
Key Features:
- Step-cut faceting creates distinctive windmill pattern
- Deep pavilion and high crown create exceptional depth
- Requires high clarity and color grades
- Square outline with deeply cropped corners
Best for: Vintage enthusiasts and customers who appreciate architectural, geometric beauty over maximum sparkle.
10. Heart
The heart shape represents the ultimate romantic symbol in diamond cutting, requiring exceptional skill to achieve proper symmetry and proportions.
Key Features:
- Complex brilliant-cut faceting in heart silhouette
- Requires minimum 0.50 carat for proper shape definition
- Symmetry critical for aesthetic success
- Point requires protective setting
Best for: Customers making a bold declaration of love. Perfect for milestone anniversaries or particularly sentimental proposals.
Need help? Read our in-depth guide: How to choose and buy best Lab Grown Diamonds in NYC at best price?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most timeless diamond shape?
Round brilliant remains the most classic choice, but oval and cushion cuts are gaining ground as "modern classics".
Which shape appears largest for the carat weight?
Marquise, followed by pear and oval, due to their elongated shapes and excellent spread.
Does diamond shape affect durability?
Yes. Shapes with pointed corners (marquise, pear, heart) are more vulnerable to chipping and require protective settings.
Which shapes are trending now?
Oval cuts have seen tremendous growth, while cushion cuts and vintage-inspired shapes like asscher are also gaining popularity among younger customers.
Which shape offers the best value proposition?
Fancy shapes typically provide 15-30% cost savings compared to rounds while offering distinctive aesthetics and often superior perceived size.
How do market trends affect shape selection?
While trends influence customer awareness, personal preference and lifestyle compatibility should drive final selection decisions.
Which shapes require specialized inventory management?
Marquise, heart, and trillion cuts have limited demand requiring careful inventory planning, while rounds, princess, and ovals maintain consistent turnover.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Shape?
At Solitaire Lab Diamond, we understand that every customer has a unique vision, and every retailer needs reliable access to quality stones in every popular shape. Our extensive inventory includes all the shapes covered in this guide, each one cut to exacting standards and available with full certification.
Whether your customers are drawn to the timeless elegance of a round brilliant or the distinctive appeal of a trillion cut, we're here to support your success with consistent quality, competitive pricing, and the expertise that comes from years of specializing in lab-grown diamonds.
Explore our diamond collection by shape, or speak with a Solitaire Lab Diamond specialist for expert guidance on cuts and settings.
Looking for specific guidance on rare cuts or custom shapes? Our diamond experts are always available to discuss special requests and help you find the perfect stone for even the most discerning customers.