Most Popular Diamond Shapes

Diamonds are symbolic of glitz and glamor. You probably picture a round, shiny stone when you think of diamonds. However, they come in a wide range of shapes and cuts. The differences in the cut determine the stone’s beauty.

Here is an overview of the most popular diamond shapes and insights into everything they offer.

Round

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Round cut diamonds are timeless and classy. Round is also the most popular shape among diamond enthusiasts. The shape is so popular that round diamonds make up about 75% of the entire diamond market’s stock. Thus, round diamonds are more expensive than the rest.

Round diamonds exhibit the most brilliance. Marcel Tolkowsky saw this in the 1900s when he increased the number of facets to 58. When cut perfectly, these many facets optimize light refraction and reflection.

Pros of Round Diamonds

• Brilliance

Exceptional brilliance and fire are the major advantages of round diamonds. They are flashy and guaranteed to attract anyone’s attention. Unsurprisingly, round diamonds are the top choice for engagement and wedding rings.

Natural diamonds often feature minor flaws that add to their uniqueness. However, most people do not appreciate or like these flaws. Thankfully, the brilliance and luster of round diamonds help to mask these flaws. To this end, lower-quality round diamonds look just as good as higher-quality diamonds cut into other shapes.

• Versatility

The brilliance and luster of round diamonds allow compatibility with a wide range of metals, colors, and styles. The cut pairs well with white, rose, and yellow gold metals. Lately, stylists have devised creative ways of mounting the stones on platinum, tungsten, and wooden engagement ring settings.

• Smooth Corners

As mentioned, round diamonds have 58 facets. Unlike other cuts, such as emeralds, these diamonds have smooth, rounded edges that make them less prone to chipping and other minor inconveniences.

The smooth corners also make round diamonds compatible with a variety of settings. You can get the prong or bezel of your choice. They also go well with a tension setting for a unique appearance.

Cons of Round Diamonds

• Expensive

A lot of work goes into cutting and shaping a round diamond. They are costlier than diamonds of other shapes. However, they are well worth every penny in terms of glamor and convenience.

• Mostly Small

It takes many cuts to get 58 facets on a diamond. A stone loses up to 50% of its size and mass in cutting. Hence, finding a large-carat round diamond is difficult–even; if you do, it will be stupidly expensive.

Princess

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Princess cut diamonds are contemporary, dainty, and feminine. They are nearly as brilliant as round diamonds, and their shape resembles an inverted pyramid.

The popularity of princess diamonds lies in their shape and unique color display. Most diamonds display their colors in the center. However, the colors of princess diamonds emanate from the center and corners. You will see different diamond colors depending on how the diamond faces the light.

Pros of Princess Diamonds

• Flashy

Princess diamonds come second in terms of brilliance and luster. The brilliance increases with the number of cuts and facets. Besides brilliance, these diamonds also flash diverse color varieties depending on the angle of the facets against the light. Some people argue that they are flashier than round diamonds.

The princess shape is also relatively modern compared to other shapes. It also has a classic look that fits well with the contemporary world.

• Hide Blemishes

Due to their versatile colorations, it is difficult to observe any color tinting or inclusions in princess diamonds. Low-quality diamonds are more likely to have inclusions, but no one can tell if your princess diamond is high-quality because it looks good.

• Affordable

The number of facets determines the price of a princess diamond. But these diamonds are affordable compared to most other shapes, and given that the shape hides inclusions, you can buy a low-quality princess diamond and still turn heads.

• Solitaire Perfection

The princess diamond looks good and stylish enough to stand on its own. You do not need to complement it with other diamonds or gems. However, it will not hurt to add diamond surrounds as they would make it look even better and flashier.

Cons of Princess Diamonds

• Sharp Corners

The biggest flaw in princess diamonds is sharp corners, which make them prone to chipping. The edges also limit prong and setting options–if not set well, the stone can easily fall off the ring. You must exercise extreme caution; alternatively, you can have a jeweler chamfer the stone by refining the edges.

• Rare

Princess diamonds are rare. Surprisingly, their scarcity has not affected their prices, unlike round diamonds, which are common but expensive.

Oval

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Bold and contemporary are the best words to describe oval cut diamonds. The oval diamond is relatively new, first appearing in the mid-1900s. This diamond holds a special place since the most expensive diamond to sell at auction was an oval; it was a 59.6-carat diamond that sold for over $70 million.

Oval diamonds are elaborate. Jewelers describe them as having three sections: two heads, which are rounded ends; a flat belly at the center; and shoulders. Each of these sections should be in perfect symmetry.

Pros of Oval Diamonds

• Intense Brilliance

Oval diamonds are cut in the same way as round diamonds. They rank among the brightest diamonds, alongside round and princess diamonds.

• Large Appearance

The ovular shape of these diamonds makes them look larger than they are. A one-carat oval diamond looks considerably larger than a round diamond of the same size. Setting oval diamonds on wide rings further amplifies their size–oval diamonds look better on wide rings due to their wide shape.

• Smooth Edges

Oval diamonds are just as smooth as round diamonds. There is no risk of chipping or getting the diamond entangled in hair or fabric. Consequently, they are also compatible with a wide range of settings. However, some jewelers worry that a bezel setting on an oval diamond may block light from its underside.

• Affordable

Although oval diamonds are rare and more brilliant than most others, they are incredibly affordable. A one-carat oval diamond goes for a fraction of the price of a one-carat round diamond.

Cons of Oval Diamonds

• Bowtie Effect

Oval diamonds share this trait with marquise and pear diamonds, owing to their elongated shape. However, this trait is less pronounced in oval diamonds.

• Show Flaws

Oval diamonds are terrible at hiding inclusions and other flaws. As such, you should look for a high-quality and high-clarity diamond.

Cushion

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Cushion diamonds are classic and romantic and inspire a soft feeling. They quickly rose in popularity; Prince Harry chose this diamond for Meghan Markle’s engagement ring.

Cushion cut diamonds are not as brilliant as most of the rest. However, fire and luster compensate for the cushion diamond’s mild brilliance. Their facets can spark most or all of a rainbow’s colors.

Pros of Cushion Diamonds

• Trendy Vintage

Cushion diamonds are not as popular as most other diamonds on the list. However, they are making a comeback, and celebrities and royalty are spearheading the new trend. Celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston own and often wear cushion diamonds. Now would be the time to get in on this trend and stand out before everyone else catches on!

• Excellent Light Dispersion

Cushion diamonds come second only to princess diamonds in light dispersion. The large facets reflect and refract light in all directions. At the right angle, these diamonds can disperse all the light in a rainbow.

• Smooth Edges

Thanks to its smooth edges, you do not have to worry about your diamond getting chipped. You can wear your diamond anywhere, even in the bathroom, without worrying about it getting banged up or entangled in hair or fabric.

• Excellent Choice for Colored Diamonds

Most diamond shapes and cuts do not go well with colored diamonds. However, the cushion cut is excellent. The large facets are great at reflecting and refracting light. They work well with colored diamonds because they have a wide range of bright colors.

• Affordable

Cushion diamonds are affordable, owing to their average popularity. Cushioncut colored stones are cheaper than white and clear ones.

Cons of Cushion Diamonds

• Mild Brilliance

Cushion diamonds are not as brilliant as diamonds of other shapes. However, they compensate for this with their wide range of brilliant rainbow colors.

• Large Facets

The large facets on cushion diamonds may be great for dispersing light, but they bear the entire stone’s blemishes and inclusions. Diamonds larger than one carat in size exhibit more blemishes and inclusions than smaller diamonds. Thus, expert jewelers recommend crystal clarity for cushion diamonds unless you do not mind the blemishes.

• Limited Settings

Cushion diamonds are not compatible with some settings. They are mostly compatible with 4-prong, 6-prong, and double-claw prong settings.

Emerald

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Emerald cut diamonds are sophisticated and glamorous. They feature step-cut rectangular facets that run around their pavilions, while a large rectangular table is at the top. Emerald diamonds are all about symmetry and glamor.

Pros of Emerald Diamonds

• Unique Design

Most women prefer trendy and flashy diamond designs. To them, emerald diamonds are too plain for their liking. However, one factor sets this shape apart from the rest. It is unique and classy. It is popular among celebrities, such as Beyonce, and royalties, such as Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, who often wear this diamond to glamorous events.

• Smooth Surfaces and Edges

Apart from the edges around its pavilion, an emerald diamond is mostly smooth and flat. Tapering the edges makes them smooth so that you do not have to worry about them chipping. This diamond is also compatible with all settings.

• Versatile

An emerald diamond goes well with all styles and settings. It is compatible with a variety of rings and color andis also good-looking enough as a solo diamond. Pairing this diamond shape with other diamonds and gems is also possible – emerald diamonds with tapered baguettes look incredible.

• Vividly Flashy

Emerald diamonds are not popular with most women because of their suppressed brilliance. They are not as flashy as most other diamonds. However, they can emanate dazzling colors when angled just right against the light.

• Affordable

Emerald diamonds are cheaper than most other diamonds because of their simple styling and low popularity. You can get a large-carat diamond at a fraction of the cost of other diamonds.

• Large Appearance

The flat shape of emerald diamonds makes them look larger than they are. They are especially flattering on women with slim fingers.

Cons of Emerald Diamonds

• Less Flashy

Emerald diamonds are not as flashy as the rest. You must set them at a perfect angle against the light to see them dazzle. However, they compensate for their lack of brilliance with a large appearance. Complementing them with tapered baguettes can also help improve their brilliance and luster.

Radiant

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The best words to describe radiant cut diamonds are daring and complex. The radiant cut is relatively modern as it was first unveiled in the 70s by Henry Grossbard, a master jeweler. It combines the cut designs of round and emerald diamonds. A radiant diamond has 70 facets and is symmetrically square, even with its round edges.

Pros of Radiant Diamonds

• Intense Brilliance

The numerous facets, coupled with the deep cut of a radiant diamond, give it an intense brilliance rivaled only by round and princess diamonds. It also packs more fire and luster than most other diamonds.

• Smooth Edges

Despite the square shape, a radiant diamond’s edges are as smooth as a round diamond's. You can always wear this diamond without worrying about inconveniences such as getting it entangled in your hair or clothes.

The smooth edges of this diamond also eliminate the risk of chipping. It is compatible with all prong settings, meaning it will be difficult for the stone to come off your ring.

• Versatile

Radiant diamonds look good enough as solitaires. They are also easy to couple with other diamonds and gems of varying shapes and sizes.

• Hides Flaws

The 70 facets of a radiant diamond reflect and refract light brilliantly. The brilliance is so intense that it is difficult to observe any flaws in the stone at a glance. You can buy a low-clarity and low-quality diamond and it will still outshine high-quality diamonds of other shapes and cuts.

• Affordable

Radiant diamonds are not cheap, though they offer several ways to save money. First, the fact that they hide inclusions means that you can buy a low-clarity stone and still enjoy the brilliance of a high-clarity diamond. Second, you can buy a large-carat diamond with low clarity for a fraction of the price of a high-clarity diamond of a similar size.

• Fancy Colors

Most diamond shapes are best suited for crystal-clear diamonds. However, the radiant diamond shape goes well with a wide range of colors. Its intense brilliance brings out the best in these colors for a fancy light show.

Cons of Radiant Diamonds

• Rare

Radiant diamonds are not rare in a literal sense–there are plenty of white and clear radiant diamonds. However, colored radiant diamonds are hard to come by. As explained above, the most beautiful radiant diamonds are colored, which is a cause for concern among radiant diamond enthusiasts.

• Deep Cut

One of the factors behind a radiant diamond’s brilliance is its deep cut. However, it cuts both ways, as jewelers cut off significant portions of the stone to achieve this deep cut. A one-carat stone will come out smaller in a radiant shape compared to most other shapes.

Pear

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Delicate, elegant, and flirtatious are the best words to describe pear-shaped diamonds. Pear-cut diamonds are a cross between marquise and round diamonds. They are also called teardrop diamonds.

Pear-shaped diamonds have been around for decades. However, jewelers have found a way to add more cuts and facets in the recent past. The additional facets have added to the brilliance and fire of these diamonds.

Pros of Pear Diamonds

• Versatile Shaping

Not all pear-shaped diamonds look alike. Some are shorter and wider, while others are elongated and slim. It all depends on your tastes and preferences.

• Versatile Appearance

Besides different shapes, pear-shaped diamonds can also adopt different appearances. If you wear the diamond with the sharp edge pointed towards you, it will resemble a pear. Switch directions, and the diamond will look like a teardrop. Again, it depends on your preference.

• Versatile Compatibility

Pear-shaped diamonds go well with a variety of styles and settings. It is possible to set these diamonds on various metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. They are also compatible with virtually all prong settings. Finally, they look good as solitaires but can also look good when paired with other diamonds and stones of varying shapes and sizes. The options are limitless!

• Affordable

Interestingly, despite the beauty and elegance of pear-shaped diamonds, demand for these beauties is relatively low. Therefore, they are cheaper and more affordable than most other diamonds.

Cons of Pear Diamonds

• Bowtie Effect

Similar to marquise diamonds, pear diamonds also have a bowtie effect due to the pointed edge. The bowtie effect is lighter in these diamonds as there is only one pointed edge.

• Sharp Pointed Edge

The pear-shaped diamond's sharp, pointed end is prone to banging and chipping. It also causes a range of inconveniences, such as getting entangled in hair and fabric. You must be cautious about how and where you wear these diamonds. However, adding a V-shaped prong to the pointed edge helps solve this problem.

• Exposes Flaws

If you desire a pear-shaped diamond, do not settle for anything less than the best quality. Low-clarity diamonds fashioned in this shape will exhibit their inclusions easily.

Marquise

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Known for their elegance, Marquise cut diamonds are elongating and flossy. The marquise shape emphasizes the stone's size and makes fingers look longer and slenderer.

Marquise diamonds, like round diamonds, also feature 58 facets. The crown features 33 facets, while the sides and pavilions feature 25 facets each. All these facets combine to make for the brilliant illumination of light.

Pros of Marquise Diamonds

• Brilliant and Flattering

The 58 facets of a marquise diamond make it shine brightly even when exposed to dull light. Depending on the stone’s clarity, a marquise diamond can look just as bright as a round or princess diamond.

A marquise diamond’s design is very stylish. It makes the fingers look long and slender. To this end, it is especially suitable for people with short or slim fingers.

• Large Appearance

The marquise shape appears larger than all other shapes, including the emerald cut. The elongated design makes this diamond impossible to miss. You can buy a small-carat stone and pass it off for a large-carat one.

• Unique Design

Marquise diamonds are rare. These diamonds are especially popular with celebrities and the elite in society. Wearing one is a sure way to get noticed and turn heads.

• Hides Flaws

The marquise diamond’s intense shine and brilliance help to hide minor flaws and inclusions in the stone. It is convenient because you can buy a low-clarity diamond, and no one would suspect a thing.

• Relatively Affordable

The keyword here is ‘relatively affordable.’ As mentioned before, these diamonds appear larger than they are, so you can buy a small-carat stone and save money. Moreover, these diamonds help hide blemishes and inclusions, implying that you can save money on a low-clarity stone and pass it off as a high-clarity one.

Cons of Marquise Diamonds

• Bowtie Effect

The shape of a marquise diamond exhibits a flaw known as the bowtie effect. This flaw is caused by the diamond's shape and uneven light distribution. A dark or gray shadow at the diamond’s center characterizes this effect. The shadow can be detrimental to the diamond’s beauty.

• Sharp Edges

The two sharp tips at each end of a marquise diamond are prone to chipping and banging. You must take extra caution when wearing this diamond. However, you can solve this problem by opting for V-shaped prongs to protect the sharp edges.

• Yellow Tips

Marquise diamonds reflect and refract light brilliantly. However, the sharp tips at the ends predominantly trap yellow light, which overshadows other colors and distracts the eye.

Asscher

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The Asscher cut diamond is a vintage diamond with a modern twist. It is a 21st-century version of the emerald diamond and is elegant and bold in every aspect.

The Asscher diamond is square with rounded corners. Its top is a large table, and the sides feature large steps of facets. The combination of distinct facets and a large table maximize light absorption, giving off an intense shine and brilliance.

Pros of Asscher Diamonds

• Brilliant and Flashy

The Asscher cut diamond is designed to maximize light absorption, which maximizes its illumination and flash. The large flat table at the top allows you to look right into the diamond’s core, where all the light is concentrated.

• Excellent for Colored Diamonds

Most diamond shapes are suited for white and clear diamonds. However, the Asscher cut is excellent for colored diamonds as its brilliance helps to amplify these colors. The most popular colors for Asscher diamonds are yellow, blue, and green. The Asscher cut is also excellent for other colored gems.

• Smooth Edges

The Asscher diamond is square, but its edges are smooth and rounded. It will not get banged up or chipped. Better yet, you can wear this diamond at all times without worrying about it getting entangled.

Cons of Asscher Diamonds

• Shows Flaws

The Asscher cut is excellent for maximizing brilliance and flash. However, it also amplifies flaws, blemishes, and inclusions. It is only suitable for high-quality and high-clarity diamonds, regardless of whether they are clear or colored.

• Small Appearance

The deep cut of an Asscher diamond eats away a significant portion of the stone. A one-carat Asscher diamond will appear smaller than most other diamonds of a similar size.

Final Word

Shape matters just as much as size when it comes to diamonds. According to expert jewelers and stylists, these are the most popular diamond shapes, each having a unique trait and appeal.

Your taste and preferences should determine the shape of your desired diamond. However, please remember the different traits, benefits, and shortcomings of various diamond shapes.

Whether for personal style, an engagement, or a wedding, your diamond will stay with you for a long time. Be prudent in your choice, and let this review be your guide.