Diamond shape is the single most visible choice you make when buying a diamond. It determines the stone's personality, how large it appears for its carat weight, and how it interacts with light. Here is every major shape, honestly compared.

Round Brilliant

The most popular diamond shape (over 60% of all diamonds sold). 58 facets engineered for maximum light return. Produces the most brilliance and fire of any shape. The benchmark against which all other shapes are measured.

Pros: Maximum sparkle, most forgiving of slight color or clarity imperfections, timeless. Cons: Most expensive per carat (high demand + more rough diamond lost during cutting). Best for: Solitaire engagement rings, stud earrings, classic pendants.

Oval

An elongated brilliant cut that appears 15–20% larger than a round of the same carat weight due to its extended surface area. Oval diamonds have excellent brilliance and create a flattering finger-elongating effect.

Pros: Looks larger per carat, excellent brilliance, flattering on all hand shapes. Cons: Can show a "bow-tie" shadow across the center in poorly cut stones. Best for: Engagement rings, especially for those who want maximum visual size.

Princess (Square)

A square or slightly rectangular shape with pointed corners. Second most popular for engagement rings. Produces strong brilliance from its chevron-shaped faceting pattern.

Pros: Modern look, good brilliance, typically 20–30% less expensive than round per carat. Cons: Pointed corners can chip if not protected by prongs. Best for: Contemporary solitaire settings with corner prongs.

Emerald

A rectangular step cut with cropped corners. The large open table creates a "hall of mirrors" effect — long, dramatic flashes of light rather than the tiny sparkles of a brilliant cut. Elegant and understated.

Pros: Sophisticated art-deco aesthetic, looks large face-up. Cons: Inclusions and color are more visible due to the open table — requires higher clarity (VS2 minimum) and color (G or better). Best for: Buyers who prefer elegance over flash.

Cushion

A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners — like a pillow. Available in "crushed ice" (small, scattered sparkles) or "chunky" (larger, bolder light return) faceting patterns.

Pros: Romantic vintage feel, soft corners, good brilliance. Cons: Face-up area slightly smaller than round at the same carat weight. Best for: Halo settings, vintage-inspired designs.

Pear (Teardrop)

A hybrid of round and marquise — one pointed end, one rounded end. Versatile: can be set with the point up (elongates the finger) or down (creates a classic teardrop pendant).

Pros: Unique, flattering, good brilliance. Cons: Asymmetric — the point can chip if unprotected. Bow-tie shadow possible in poorly cut stones. Best for: Pendants, statement rings, drop earrings.

Marquise

An elongated shape with two pointed ends. Has the largest face-up area of any shape for a given carat weight — a 1ct marquise can look as large as a 1.5ct round from above.

Pros: Maximum visual size per carat, dramatic. Cons: Both points are vulnerable to chipping, pronounced bow-tie in many stones. Best for: Buyers who want the biggest possible visual presence.

Radiant

A rectangular or square shape with trimmed corners and brilliant-style faceting. Combines the shape of an emerald cut with the sparkle of a round brilliant.

Pros: Excellent brilliance for a rectangular shape, durable corners. Cons: Less available than round or princess. Best for: Those who want emerald-cut proportions with round-cut sparkle.

Which Shape Should You Choose?

For maximum brilliance: round brilliant. For maximum visual size per carat: marquise or oval. For vintage elegance: cushion or emerald. For modern edge: princess or radiant. For something unique: pear.

See our diamond shapes in engagement rings — all IGI certified VVS1 with Excellent cut grades.