Diamond Shape
Diamonds are universally adored, but when the time comes to pick one, it can be difficult to know where to start. This is because there are so many shapes to choose from. Should you go for a unique cushion diamond? Perhaps an elegant Asscher diamond is more your style? Or, what about a pear cut? The options are endless, and it is up to you to decide what diamond shape is best suited to you.
In short: Round brilliant dominates the UK market at 60-70% of engagement-ring sales, followed by oval (15-20%), cushion (5-8%), and princess (3-5%). Shape changes price per carat: rounds command a 25-40% premium over fancy cuts at identical 4Cs because rough yield is lowest. Length-to-width ratios matter — 1.30-1.45 for oval, 1.40-1.50 for marquise, 1.50-1.75 for emerald. Mohs 10 throughout.
This is not a decision that should be rushed. You need to take the time to know about diamond shapes so that you can confidently choose the right one. The last thing you want to do is select a diamond ring only to wish you had got a different shaped diamond later down the line. With that being said, we’ve put together a guide on all diamond shapes below.
Round Brilliant
This shape accounts for more than 50 per cent of diamonds that are sold today, making it an extremely popular choice. The round diamond boasts a classic style and offers more brilliance than any other shape. Its versatility makes it a foolproof option, which is ideal if you are struggling to pick an engagement ring for the lucky lady in your life.
Princess
The Princess diamond strikes the perfect balance between contemporary and classic design. It is a fairly modern style, having been created in the 1970s, and its very name resonates class and romance. It boasts an elegant shape, which will never go out of fashion, yet the sharp corners give it a striking and modern edge.
EMERALD
If the Emerald cut is good enough for Grace Kelly; it is good enough for any vintage lover. This is one of the oldest cuts of jewellery, and thus also one of the most desirable. The uniqueness of this cut comes from the large, open table and the step cuts of the pavilion. Emerald diamonds also produce the stunning ‘hall of mirrors’ effect.
ASSCHER
The Asscher diamond turns heads thanks to a stunning optical illusion, which is known as the ‘hall of mirrors’ effect, and an incredible lustre. It is similar to the emerald cut, but it is in a square shape with a smaller table, a higher crown, and larger step facets, which leads to more brilliance being produced.
Pear
Feminine, elegant, and unique, the Pear cut is truly one of a kind. This diamond is beautiful and delicate, and it can sometimes be called a Teardrop cut because of the rounded end and single point. This is the ideal cut for someone seeking a diamond that is simple, stunning, and sophisticated.
Radiant
If you are looking for a dramatic choice of diamond, the Radiant cut is one to consider, as it is the most brilliant out of all of the rectangular cut diamonds. In fact, it is the first square diamond to boast a full brilliant-cut facet pattern on the pavilion and crown. The result is a lively and vibrant diamond.
Oval
The Oval cut gives you the ability to savour the stunning fire and sparkle of a Round Brilliant cut diamond, however, in a more elongated and rarer form. Because of this, an Oval diamond can create the illusion that it is bigger in size than it is. They are perfect for those who would like a slightly contemporary take on the Round Brilliant diamond.
Cushion
The shape of a Cushion diamond is pretty self-explanatory; it is a square diamond that has rounded edges, just like a cushion would have. Although this cut has been around for almost 200 years, it is one of the most rare options. These diamonds can also be known as Pillow cut diamonds.
Heart
This is the perfect choice for the ultimate romantic. This is an unmistakeable symbol of love. You are advised to go for a Heart shape in a rather large diamond, as the shape can be hard to perceive in those less than .50 carats, especially once the diamond has been set in prongs.
Marquise
The Marquise diamond is breathtakingly beautiful. The elegant and classy style of this diamond is assured to impress. It also presents you with a great way of elongating the finger and optimising carat weight, allowing you to create the illusion of a bigger sized diamond.
Trillion
Trillion diamonds have a tendency to be used as an accent stone or side stone, yet this does not stop them being used as a striking centre diamond. They have a beautiful fire and brilliance, and they are ideal for anyone that appreciates dramatic and bold jewellery. This is one of the most intriguing shapes.
UNUSUAL SHAPES
If you are someone who likes to stand out from the crowd and be a bit different, you will love the array of unusual diamond shapes that are available at Reve Diamonds. While Emerald, Oval, and Princess diamonds are well-known and widely adored, not everyone wants to have the same thing as others.
