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Round brilliant
The round brilliant cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape. When properly cut, it is the epitome of brilliance. This has been the most researched diamond shape, having evolved from the old mine cut and european cut predecessors. For almost one hundred years, diamond cutters have used advanced theories of light behavior and precise mathematical angles to optimize fire and brilliance in a round diamond. Due to the symmetry of the equal-length facets, joining at a central point in the stone's center, brilliance is better than in any other cut. In addition to being the most popular cut of stone, the round brilliant diamond will typically give more flexibility and allow a balance of cut, color and clarity to fit any budget. |
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Princess
The princess cut is most similar to the round diamond in its brilliance, but it has a square or slightly rectangular shape with pointed corners. This shape more closely follows the natural lines of the diamond crystal. This results in higher weight retention after cutting. Its stunning brilliance and unique cut make it a favorite for engagement rings, pendants and earrings. |
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Radiant
The radiant cut diamond is almost the same cut as a princess, the difference being the cut corners. Radiant cuts have been described as a cross between a princess cut and an emerald cut. With high brilliance and a square or rectangular, durable shape. Radiants are a favorite in many aspects of jewelry. |
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Emerald
Emerald cut diamonds possess a much more subdued, cooler brilliance with less flash than other brilliant cut diamonds. This is due to its step cut facet arrangement. This cutting method means parallel rectangular facets on top and bottom of the stone create less light reflection than the smaller, triangular facets on brilliant cut diamonds. Due to a larger open table, emerald cuts highlight diamond clarity. Most emerald cuts are VS clarity or better. |
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Pear
The pear brilliant-cut diamond is also called a teardrop for its single point and rounded end. The unique look of the pear shape helps make it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. The shape in particular portrays a more feminine slender shape. If you choose an elongated pear shape, the length of the diamond creates a subtle slimming effect on the fingers. |
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Oval
An oval diamond has beautiful brilliance that's similar to a round diamond. Oval diamonds are also very popular as their length can accentuate long, slender fingers. |
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Briolette
A drop-shaped stone with triangular or diamond-shaped facets all the way around. There is no table, crown or pavilion. The more facets, the more brilliant the stone appears. The facets on a Briolette are all triangular in shape. Briolette diamonds necklace Briolette diamonds are found in antique and estate jewelry from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Briolettes are one of the earliest diamond cuts.Almost all briolettes dangle from some jewelry attachment. |
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Cushion
This unique shape has been popular for more than a century. Cushion-cut diamonds (also known as "pillow-cut" diamonds) have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. These larger facets highlight the diamond's clarity. Cushion-cut diamonds are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular. |
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Asscher
The asscher cut diamond is a close cousin to the emerald cut. Asscher cuts are almost always perfectly square with corners slightly larger than on a normal emerald cut, this in turn creates a more octagonal appearance with even more brilliance. Asscher and emerald cuts are popular with those who like a more tailored looking or subdued brilliance. |
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Marquise
The shape of a marquise diamond can maximize carat weight, giving you a much larger-looking diamond. This brilliant-cut diamond looks beautiful set with round or pear-shaped side stones, and the length of the marquise makes fingers appear long and slender. |
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Triangle
It is possible to cut diamonds into quite a large number of different and interesting shapes. One of the more unusual shapes is the triangle shape. The one we show at the top right of this page is a pure triangle shape with sides which are almost straight lines. Other three-sided cuts include trillions, which have slightly bowed sides, more commonly used in modern jewelry.
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