The Shape of Your Diamonds to Come

Round
Known for their brilliance and fire, round cut diamonds are by far the most popular. Brilliant round cut diamonds, as they are called, are the perfect choice for engagement and wedding rings. They usually cost more per carat than other shapes, because the demand is high and the yield from rough stone is low.

Princess
Shapes other than round are known as fancy cuts, or fancies. One of the most popular of these is the princess cut. Among the square-shaped fancies, this one is considered to be the most brilliant and fiery.

Oval
This modified brilliant cut diamond reflects light very well. It’s a good choice for those who want something like a round, but just a bit more unusual. The elongated shape helps give it a large appearance. The shape makes the wearer’s finger appear longer and slimmer.

Marquise
Another modified brilliant cut, the marquise gets its name from the Madame de Pompadour, also known as the Marquise of Pompadour. Legend tells us that a diamond was made to resemble the shape of her lips. With its large crown surface area, it makes a large appearance.

Pear Shaped
Another modified brilliant cut, the pear shaped diamond combines features of the round and marquise shapes, with a tapered point on one end. The shape appeals to those seeking the brilliance and fire of the round cut in something a bit more unusual.

Cushion
This shape reflects white light less brilliantly than a round, but often excels round shapes when it comes to fiery color. It’s classic cut, popular for two centuries, that combines a square cut with rounded corners. These rounded corners make it appear like a pillow, giving it its name.

Emerald Cut
The quietly elegant, unassuming look of the emerald cut appeals to many. It’s noted for its step cuts and large, open table. It is name the emerald cut because its shape was originally used in the cutting of emeralds. This cut varies in shape from rectangular to nearly square.

Asscher
This shape resembles a square cut emerald, but usually has a smaller table and higher crown. These aspects give it greater brilliance than an emerald cut. This cut embodies the style of elegance of the 1920’s, when streamlined geometric jewelry was at the height of fashion.

Radiant
The radiant is noted for its rectangular or squarish shape and trimmed corners. A bright and sparkling look is created by the brilliant-cut facet pattern that is applied to both the crown and pavilion in a radiant cut stone. It stands in style somewhere between the princess and cushion cut.

Heart
This symbol of love is used in rings, necklaces, and matching earrings. In looking for a well-made heart, be sure the two lobes of the heart are distinct and symmetrical. Flat cut hearts tend to show less brilliance than broader cut stones.

Trilliant
This shape derives its name because it combines a triangle shape with a modified brilliant cut. The cut enables this shape to reflect light very well, while providing lively and fiery color at the same time. With the trilliant cut, even a smaller stone can give a large appearance.