When it comes to selecting a diamond, shape is often the first decision that defines the entire personality of the piece. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a pendant, or a pair of stud earrings, the shape of your diamond dramatically influences the overall aesthetic, brilliance, and style of your jewelry. In this guide, we’ll take you through the most popular diamond shapes, their characteristics, and what makes each one uniquely special.
What Is a Diamond Shape?
Diamond shape refers to the geometric appearance of the stone when viewed from the top. It’s different from a diamond cut, which deals with how well the diamond's facets interact with light. The shape is the outline, while the cut is the craftsmanship behind the sparkle.
Top Diamond Shapes Explained
Here are the most popular diamond shapes that dominate the world of fine jewelry:
1. Round Cut Diamond
Timeless. Brilliant. Iconic.
The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, accounting for more than 60% of all diamonds sold. With 58 perfectly symmetrical facets, it offers unmatched brilliance and fire.
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Ideal for: Engagement rings, solitaire pendants, stud earrings
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Best features: Maximum sparkle, classic appeal
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Celebrity pick: Blake Lively, Mila Kunis
2. Oval Cut Diamond
Elongated elegance. Feminine and flattering.
Oval-shaped diamonds provide similar brilliance to round cuts but with a unique, elongated silhouette that creates the illusion of longer fingers.
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Ideal for: Solitaire rings, drop earrings
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Best features: Slimming effect, soft edges
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Celebrity pick: Hailey Bieber
3. Cushion Cut Diamond
Soft. Romantic. Vintage charm.
Cushion cuts have rounded corners and larger facets, giving them a soft, pillow-like appearance. They’ve been a favorite for over a century.
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Ideal for: Halo rings, vintage designs
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Best features: Old-world glamor, excellent light dispersion
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Celebrity pick: Meghan Markle (her center diamond has a cushion cut)
4. Emerald Cut Diamond
Bold. Architectural. Sophisticated.
With step-cut facets and a large open table, emerald-cut diamonds emphasize clarity and elegance over sparkle. Their elongated shape delivers a sleek, art-deco vibe.
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Ideal for: Statement rings, cocktail rings
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Best features: Clean lines, mirror-like reflections
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Celebrity pick: Beyoncé, Amal Clooney
5. Princess Cut Diamond
Modern. Geometric. Brilliant.
This square-shaped diamond offers the brilliance of a round cut but with a contemporary square profile. It's the second most popular diamond shape after round.
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Ideal for: Engagement rings, three-stone rings
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Best features: High sparkle, modern look
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Celebrity pick: Hilary Duff
6. Pear Cut Diamond
Unique. Elegant. Eye-catching.
Also known as the teardrop shape, pear diamonds combine the best of round and marquise cuts. They’re distinctive and flattering on the hand.
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Ideal for: Solitaire pendants, statement rings
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Best features: Graceful tapering, vintage appeal
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Celebrity pick: Ariana Grande
7. Marquise Cut Diamond
Regal. Vintage. Elongated.
This boat-shaped diamond maximizes carat weight and creates a bold look. Its elongated body gives the illusion of longer fingers and a larger diamond.
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Ideal for: Engagement rings, east-west settings
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Best features: Long silhouette, dramatic appeal
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Celebrity pick: Victoria Beckham
8. Radiant Cut Diamond
Vibrant. Versatile. Sparkly.
Radiant cuts blend the elegance of an emerald shape with the sparkle of a round cut. With trimmed corners and 70 facets, they shine intensely.
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Ideal for: Contemporary rings, three-stone settings
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Best features: Brilliant sparkle, durability
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Celebrity pick: Jennifer Aniston
9. Heart Cut Diamond
Romantic. Bold. Symbolic.
The heart shape is a clear symbol of love and affection. It’s rare, unique, and usually chosen for deeply sentimental jewelry pieces.
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Ideal for: Promise rings, pendants
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Best features: Symbolic shape, standout appearance
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Celebrity pick: Lady Gaga
10. Asscher Cut Diamond
Vintage. Elegant. Understated.
Asscher diamonds have a square shape with step-cut facets, offering a similar look to the emerald cut but with a more square silhouette.
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Ideal for: Vintage-style rings, geometric jewelry
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Best features: Art Deco appeal, dramatic depth
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Celebrity pick: Elizabeth Taylor
11. Trillion Cut Diamond
Modern. Edgy. Bold.
Triangular in shape with curved or straight sides, trillion diamonds are unique and striking, often used as side stones or bold centerpieces.
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Ideal for: Modern rings, edgy designs
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Best features: Unconventional shape, eye-catching brilliance
12. Hexagon & Fancy Cuts
Geometric. Contemporary. Rare.
Fancy cuts like hexagon, kite, and shield shapes are perfect for those looking for something completely different. They are favored in custom and avant-garde jewelry designs.
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Ideal for: Custom rings, fashion-forward pieces
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Best features: Unique personality, architectural appeal
Tips for Choosing the Right Diamond Shape
Choosing the right shape depends on personal preference, style, and occasion. Here are a few tips:
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For timeless elegance: Choose round, oval, or cushion
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For bold sophistication: Opt for emerald, radiant, or marquise
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For something unique: Explore pear, heart, or fancy shapes
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For a vintage vibe: Try Asscher or cushion cuts
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For modern minimalism: Go with princess or hexagon cuts
Shape vs Cut: What's the Difference?
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Shape: Refers to the outline (round, oval, heart, etc.)
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Cut: Refers to how well the diamond is faceted, which affects brilliance
A round diamond can have an excellent cut or a poor cut, even though the shape remains the same.
Final Thoughts
Your diamond shape says a lot about your style and personality. Whether you're drawn to the timeless sparkle of a round brilliant or the sleek sophistication of an emerald cut, choosing the right shape is all about what speaks to you. At Variation, we offer a wide range of IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds in every shape imaginable—crafted with care, sustainability, and stunning design.
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