Diamond Shapes
ROUND CUT
The most preferred diamond shape as it is most classic and most sparkly shape. The round-brilliant cut is the most visually brilliant because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape and has the most facet count (57 facets: 58 with a culet) than other shapes, therefore it reflects most of the lights that goes in from more angles. Round-brilliant diamonds are the only shape to have this ideal proportion defined. Stone in this highest cut grade exhibit a perfect "Hearts & Arrows" pattern. With other diamond shapes, having lower color grade and clarity usually means giving up some of the beauty of the stone. Because a round-cut diamond gives out higher levels of brilliance and fire, it will offer much of the same pleasant appeal even if it has a lower color, clarity, or cut.
PRINCESS CUT
The second most popular shape next to round. This cut is the best option to have a square shape diamond but still having the same brilliance as round shape. To protect the 90 degree pointed corners of princess cut diamonds, V-shaped prong is used as its setting. In choosing Princess cut diamonds, you have to consider how square or rectangular the stone to ensure the outline of the stone when it is set on a setting. Some are perfect 1.00 or 1.10 ratio (length to width). For rectangular shape the ratio would be 1.50 to 2.00. In terms of value, the square is more expensive than rectangular princess cut.
EMERALD CUT
Diamond can be rectangular or square in shape and have beveled corners and step-cut facets. This shape really shows off the clarity of a diamond and can vary in the rectangularity. The length to width ratio will allow you to find the shape you are looking for.
OVAL CUT
Diamond has stunning brilliance, due in large part to its facets, which are similar to those in a round diamond. The length can accentuate long, slender fingers. It was invented in the early 1960s.
MARQUISE CUT
Diamond is elongated with pointed ends. It was inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and created for France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. The length of the marquise can also make fingers appear longer and more slender.
RADIANT CUT
Diamond is cut in the shape of a rectangle with beveled corners. Radiant cut diamonds facets are cut into a pattern that gives this diamond the unique appearance of cracked ice. Radiant cut diamonds can vary in their degree of rectangularity.
CUSHION CUT
Diamond is an antique cut and is also referred to as Pillow cut or the Candlelight diamond. Cushion cut diamonds have larger facets and rounded corners than most cuts so as to increase their sparkle under candlelight.
