Diamond Shapes

Although often referred to as ‘cut’, diamond shape is not to be confused with the term diamond cut.

Whereas diamond cut refers to the manner in which the diamond cutter has turned a rough diamond into a polished diamond, the shape of a diamond is something determined by nature when the diamond was formed millions of years ago beneath the earth’s surface.

Usually the shape of the rough diamond will dictate the shape of the polished diamond derived from the original rough diamond.

For example a rough diamond which is approximately shaped like a triangle might become a Heart shape diamond, or perhaps a Trilliant shape diamond. Similarly a long oblong rectangular rough diamond could result in an Oval shape diamond or and Emerald shape diamond, or even a Marquise shape diamond.

A rough diamond which is shaped like soccer ball, or like a perfect octahedron could very well result in a Round Diamond or perhaps a Princess diamond, or even a Radiant or Cushion shape diamond.

The Different Diamond Shapes (Click Blue Headings for More Detail)

Round Brilliant Cut

Most classic and preferred diamond shape. Approximately 75% of all diamonds are Round diamonds. 

Princess

Princess diamonds can be square or rectangular in shape. Most are square. Princess diamonds are the second most popular shape after Round diamonds. 

Emerald

Referred to as a ‘step cut’ because of concentric broad, flat planes that resemble stair steps they are rectangular in shape with cut-off corners. 

Asscher

Looks a lot like a square Emerald diamond because it too is a step cut. Often referred to as a ‘square emerald cut’ and also has cut-off corners. 

Marquise

A Marquise diamond is a stretched out oval like shape with pointed ends. 

Oval

Also stretched out, this shape is ‘fatter’ than a Marquise, and has rounded, versus pointed ends. 

Radiant

Radiant diamonds can be square or rectangular in shape. They posses similar brilliance to Princess diamonds. 

Pear

A mixture between an Round and a Marquise diamond, shaped like a tear-drop. 

Heart

Literally shaped like the symbol of love (a heart) this shape is quite beautiful when well cut. 

Cushion

The Cushion shape is a little like a cushion and has remnants of the "Old Mine Cut". It is fairly deep cut with some large facets. 

Trilliant

Trilliants are completely triangle in shape. Usually Trilliants have equal sides and sometimes the points or corners are cut-off.