Diamonds Shape

Round

Round diamonds are the most popular of all the shapes, perhaps because their circular proportions display the most "fire" and reflect more light back to the observer than any other shape. Round diamonds require that more rough be removed during cutting and polishing than with other shapes. The combined popularity of round diamonds and the significant weight loss during cutting are the two main contributing factors to the relatively higher price of these stones.

Princess

The Princess cut is a square cut with sharp edges. It has very good fire and a high degree of brilliance. The princess cut utilizes most of the original shape of the rough diamond and the weight loss from cutting is low. As a result, its price is usually more attractive than a comparative round cut with the same weight. A princess cut with a length to width ratio of less than or equal to 1.05:1 will appear square to the observer. While a squarer diamond is the preference of many, some people prefer a slightly rectangular-shaped princess diamond.

Oval

The Oval cut is elliptical in shape and is a variation of the round brilliant cut diamond. The oval shaped diamond gives a flattering illusion of length to the finger and hand, and is popular among women with small hands or short fingers. It can also accentuate long, slender fingers. An oval cut with a length to width ratio of approximately 1.40 - 1.60 (the average of 1.50 is shown in blue) is the preference of most diamond buyers. For those who prefer a rounder look, choose a ratio closer to 1.15:1. For those who prefer a more elongated shape, look for a ratio of 1.70:1

Pear

The Pear cut is a tear-drop shape and is a variation of the round brilliant cut diamond. This attractive diamond is also extremely well-suited to pendants and earrings. Many of the largest stones ever discovered have been cut and faceted into magnificent pear-shapes. Most people prefer a pear-shaped diamond to have a length to width ratio of approximately 1.65:1. More elongated pear-shapes extend to a ratio of 1.80:1, whereas a more compact look is achieved with a ratio closer to 1.20:1

Emerald

Emerald cuts are sleek and elegant. The Emerald cut is rectangular with cut corners. It is a step cut - its facets being broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair. Higher quality Emerald cuts are preferred because its cut makes inclusions and lower color grades more noticeable than with other cuts. An emerald cut with a length to width ratio of approximately 1.35:1 is generally the most prized. However, in recent years, square emerald cuts have become extremely popular.

Heart

The ultimate symbol of love, the romantic Heart shape is a variation of the round brilliant cut diamond. A heart-shaped stone is usually proportioned with equal length and width, approximating a ratio of 1:1. A length to width ratio of between 0.90:1 and 1.15:1 is preferred. The ratio should not fall below 0.80:1 or exceed 1.20:1

Marquise

The Marquise cut is boat shaped and is a variation of the round brilliant cut diamond. Marquise cuts are often chosen by woman who wish to display an independence of style. Its elongated form can create the illusion of longer, narrower fingers. A marquise cut with a length to width ratio of approximately 2:1 is the norm. For those who prefer a rounder look, choose a ratio closer to 1.5:1. For those who prefer a more elongated shape, look for a ratio of 2.25:1

Cushion

The cushion cut is an antique-style diamond cut that has recently come back into fashion. It is a cross between an Old Mine Cut (a deep cut with a high crown and large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries), and a modern oval cut. The cushion shaped diamond is squarish with rounded corners and sides. This cutting style has a slightly softer brilliance compared with newer modern cuts. The cushion cut diamond has grown in popularity for its "old-world" femininity and elegant appeal. Squarer-looking cushion cuts (Ratio of 1:1) tend to be prefered to more rectangular ones (Ratio of 1.2:1). Cushion cuts should not exceed a ratio of 1.2:1

Radiant

This is a modified or combination cut - a brilliant cut square or rectangle shaped diamond with clipped-off corners like the emerald cut. It melds the elegance of the emerald cut diamond with the brilliance and sparkle of the round diamond. A radiant cut with a length to width ratio of less than or equal to 1.05:1 will appear square to the observer. While a squarer radiant-cut diamond is the preference of many, some people prefer a slightly rectangular diamond.

Asscher

The Asscher cut is a variant of the emerald cut and provides a uniquely regal and elegant look to its wearer. Its art-deco styling combines old-world charm with modern cutting and faceting techniques to produce a dazzling example of brilliance. Very Square Asscher cuts (Ratio of 1:1) are prefered to even slightly more rectangular looking ones. Asscher cuts should not exceed a ratio of 1.1:1.

Trilliant

This is a brilliant-cut triangle diamond - a wedge shape with fiery brilliance. It can be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners, or a more rounded triangular shape. Trilliants (also called Trillions) are often used as diamond accents in three stone rings and other jewelry settings, but may also be chosen to be set as solitaire diamonds. An equilateral triangle is prefered in a trilliant diamond. Variance in the ratio of length to width should not deviate considerably.