Round Diamonds
The round brilliant cut diamond has always been the most popular diamond shape. For almost 100 years, diamond cutters have been using theories of the way light is reflected along with advanced mathematical calculations to maximize the brilliance of round diamonds.
Pear Shape
This is a hybrid cut, taking the best of the oval and the marquise shapes, and it has the shape of a sparkling teardrop. The design complements a hand with small or average-length fingers, and is ideal for pendants or earrings.
Oval
This shape is generally not as popular for solitaire rings, but is very popular for three-stone anniversary rings with two matching diamonds on the sides.
Heart Shape
The symbol of romance, this shape is really a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. With this shape, the skill of the cutter is critical.
Marquise
As with the emerald-cut, the marquise is a traditional shape, and is widely considered to be the fourth most popular shape after the round, princess and oval shapes.
Cushion
This antique style of cut resembles a cross between an Old Mine Cut, which is a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, and a modern oval cut.
Asscher Cut
This unique shape is almost the same as the emerald cut, except that it is square. In addition, the lower part of Asscher cut diamonds have rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald-cut.
Radiant
This square or rectangular cut takes the elegance of the emerald-shape with the brilliance of the round. Its 70 facets enable the maximum effect of its color refraction. The cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to bring out the most brilliance.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut has rectangular facets that lead to a unique optical look. The emerald cut highlights the clarity of the gem.
Princess Cut
The Princess Cut is the most popular shape after the round cut. Its brilliance and unique shape makes it a favorite for engagement rings. The princess cut has pointed corners and is traditionally square.
