Diamond Shape

Round

The round brilliant is the most recognized and available shape. It has a circular outline and 58 facets. This shape is the most studied and has the most mathematically-guided symmetry and parameters. The yield for blue and white diamonds is highest for a round brilliant.

Princess

A princess is the second most popular shape. The faceting gives it a brilliant appearance with a square outline. Princess cuts carry more weight in the depth of the diamond and depths of 70% or more are common. Colors are usually concentrated more in the edges of a princess cut, giving them a more saturated appearance. Due to the pointed corners, yield in blue and white diamonds is 20-35% lower than other shapes.

Radiant

A radiant cut combines the outline of an emerald with the brilliance of a round. The faceting pattern is quite similar to a round brilliant, though the outline is either square or rectangular, with the corners cut. Similar to a princess cut, radiants carry more weight in the depth of the diamond, and have higher color concentration than other shapes.

Asscher & Emerald

Asscher and emerald share a very distinct look through their long rectangular facets. Their faceting is nearly identical and both have cut corners. Emeralds are rectangular, while asschers are square. Their faceting style provides more large scintillation and less fire.

Cushion

Cushion is a classic shape from the early 20th century. It has a unique rounded box outline and larger facets, and is sometimes referred to as a “pillow cut”. It is available in both square and rectangular ratios.

Elongated Shapes

Mined diamonds are cut to maximize the weight of the rough diamond, which are found in countless shapes and sizes. Lab-grown rough diamonds are relatively consistent in shape, which is best suited for the above shapes. Elongated and non-traditional shapes have characteristics that provide less optimal yields from lab-grown rough, so are less commonly available.

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Oval

An oval is very similar to a round brilliant, though it is elongated, giving it an oval outline. Ovals are less common than rounds. The ratio can vary from almost-round to a long, skinny shape. High ratio ovals have lower yields than round brilliants.

Heart

A heart shaped diamond is considered by many as the most romantic shape. The heart has an obvious outline, with brilliant faceting similar to a pear shape. Colors are usually concentrated more in the edges, giving hearts a slightly more saturated appearance. The ratio of a heart can vary from “short and wide” to “tall and skinny”.

Pear

Pear is a brilliant cut, similar to a round, though it has a teardrop or almond shaped outline, with a point at one end. This point requires the rough to be long in one dimension. A half carat pear could also possibly be cut into a one carat round.

Marquise

The shape of a marquise is very distinct and can maximize the appearance of a diamond. It has points at both ends, with rounded edges between. The facets are brilliant cut and requires a long rough. A half carat marquise could also possibly be cut into a 1.5 carat round.

Other Shapes

Diamonds are cut in various other shapes including: trillion, baguette, trapezoid, european and others. D.NEA focuses on the most common and popular shapes. If you would like an unavailable shape, please contact us.