A diamond's shape is the first thing anyone notices — and the most personal choice you'll make. Each shape catches light differently, wears differently on the hand, and carries its own character. Here's a clear guide to the most popular diamond shapes and who each one suits.
Round brilliant
The classic, and by far the most popular. With 57–58 precisely angled facets, the round brilliant is engineered for maximum sparkle — it returns more light than any other shape. Timeless, and it flatters every hand. Because demand is highest and cutting wastes more rough, rounds also carry the highest price per carat.
Oval
The round brilliant's elongated cousin. Ovals deliver nearly the same fire as a round but look larger for the same carat weight and lengthen the finger beautifully. Enormously popular right now, and often a smarter value than a round.
Emerald
A rectangular step-cut with long, clean facets that create a "hall of mirrors" effect rather than sparkle. Elegant, understated, architectural. Because the cut is so open, clarity matters more — inclusions are easier to see, so this is a shape where the grade earns its keep.
Cushion
A soft, pillow-shaped square with rounded corners. Romantic and vintage-feeling, with excellent fire. It hides color and inclusions well, making it a forgiving, warm choice.
Princess
A sharp, contemporary square with brilliant faceting. Plenty of sparkle, a modern edge, and typically better value per carat than a round.
Pear
A teardrop — round on one end, pointed on the other. Distinctive and elongating, it blends brilliance with a graceful silhouette. Traditionally worn with the point toward the fingertip.
Marquise, radiant & asscher
- Marquise — a long, pointed oval that maximizes apparent size and slims the finger.
- Radiant — a brilliant-faceted rectangle: the sparkle of a round with the outline of an emerald.
- Asscher — a square step-cut, like a cropped emerald; vintage, geometric, refined.
How to choose
There's no "best" shape — only the one that speaks to you. A few guides: rounds and ovals maximize sparkle; emerald and asscher favor clean elegance; ovals, pears and marquises make the most of your carat and elongate the hand. Whatever you choose, the 4Cs and an independent grading report matter more than the shape alone.
Common questions
Which diamond shape sparkles the most?
The round brilliant — its faceting is optimized for maximum light return. Oval, radiant and princess also sparkle brilliantly.
Which shape looks biggest for the carat?
Elongated shapes — oval, marquise, pear and emerald — look larger for the same weight than a round.
Find your shape: browse our certified diamonds in the full collection.