The round brilliant cut is engineered with 57–58 facets, mathematically optimized to reflect light. No shape outperforms it for brilliance and fire. The round is the only shape that GIA assigns an official cut grade to, making it easier for buyers to compare quality. Roughly 70% of all diamonds sold are round. It's the classic, timeless choice that never goes out of style. Because demand is strongest, round diamonds typically hold value better than fancy shapes.

Round diamonds sparkle like no other, but that brilliance comes at a price. Expect to pay 10–30% more than fancy shapes. If you want the most iconic, timeless look (and the strongest resale value), go round. If you want better value per carat and a more distinctive style, consider fancy shapes.

Created in the 1960s, the oval brilliant was designed to give buyers the sparkle of a round with a more elongated, elegant silhouette. Like the round, it typically has 57–58 facets, offering excellent brilliance and fire. Its stretched shape creates the illusion of greater size, making it a favorite for those wanting maximum finger coverage without paying round premiums.

The oval's biggest quirk is the "bow-tie effect," a shadow across the center caused by light leakage. Well-cut stones minimize it, but every oval has some degree of bow-tie. Ovals are also flattering on the hand, elongating fingers and appearing larger for their carat weight.

Oval diamonds are a smart choice if you want brilliance close to a round, but with more style and value. You'll often pay less per carat compared to round, while getting a stone that looks bigger. Just be selective with cut to avoid an overly dark bow-tie.

The cushion cut traces its roots back over 200 years, making it one of the most historic diamond shapes. Once known as the "old mine cut," it has evolved into today's cushion brilliant, with 58 facets that blend vintage charm with modern sparkle. Its softened square or rectangular outline, paired with rounded corners, gives it a romantic, timeless appeal.

Cushion cuts can vary in look. Some are squarer and chunkier with larger facets (great for fire), while others are elongated and more brilliant (closer to a round in sparkle). This versatility is part of their charm, but it also means shoppers should compare different cushion styles to see what fits their taste.

For buyers, cushion cuts often represent strong value. They typically cost less per carat than round diamonds and can hide inclusions well due to their facet pattern. The trade-off is that cushions face up slightly smaller than some other shapes because more of the weight sits in the depth.

Cushion diamonds are perfect if you love a blend of vintage and modern. They offer softness, character, and excellent value, making them one of today's most popular fancy shapes for engagement rings.

Introduced in the 1970s, the princess cut quickly became the most popular square-shaped diamond. With its sharp corners and modern geometry, it offers a contemporary alternative to round while still delivering exceptional brilliance. Typically cut with 57–76 facets, the princess is engineered to maximize sparkle in a square silhouette.

One of its biggest advantages is efficiency: princess cuts use more of the rough diamond crystal, which means less waste compared to rounds. That efficiency often translates into better value per carat. The crisp, clean lines also help hide inclusions, making them more forgiving in lower clarity grades.

Buyers should take care with settings, since the pointed corners of a princess cut are more prone to chipping. A protective setting, such as prongs at each corner or a bezel, keeps the diamond secure for daily wear.

Princess cuts are ideal for those who want modern style, bold geometry, and dazzling brilliance at a more approachable price point than round. They strike the perfect balance between contemporary fashion and enduring sparkle.

The emerald cut is one of the oldest diamond shapes, dating back to the 1500s when stonecutters refined emeralds with long, step-like facets to prevent breakage, hence the name. Its elegant rectangular shape, cropped corners, and hall-of-mirrors effect, where rows of parallel facets reflect back and forth like facing mirrors, give it a refined, sophisticated look unlike any other cut.

Unlike brilliant cuts, which are designed for sparkle, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity and luster. Its broad, open table and step facets create flashes of light rather than fiery scintillation, showcasing a diamond's transparency and natural beauty. This means higher clarity grades are often preferred, since inclusions are easier to spot.

Emerald cuts also create the illusion of elongation, making fingers appear slimmer and longer. They usually face up larger than cushions or princess cuts of the same carat weight, giving strong presence for the price.

The emerald cut is perfect for buyers who value understated elegance, clean lines, and vintage-inspired glamour. It's less about sparkle and more about sophistication, a choice that feels quietly confident and timeless.

The marquise cut has royal roots. It was first commissioned in 18th-century France by King Louis XV, said to be inspired by the shape of his mistress's smile. Its elongated, tapered form with pointed ends gives it a distinctive, regal flair. With 56–58 facets, the marquise can offer brilliance comparable to a round, but in a far more dramatic outline.

One of its biggest advantages is the illusion of size. Because of its length, a marquise often looks larger than other shapes of the same carat weight, giving maximum finger coverage. Like the oval, it also flatters the hand by making fingers appear longer and slimmer.

Buyers should watch for the "bow-tie effect," a dark shadow across the center, which varies depending on cut quality. Settings also matter. Protective prongs on the pointed ends help prevent chipping.

The marquise is a bold, distinctive choice for those who want maximum presence, vintage romance, and a diamond that stands out from the crowd.

The pear cut, also called the teardrop, blends the brilliance of a round with the elegance of a marquise. With one rounded end and one pointed tip, it creates a graceful, elongated silhouette that feels both romantic and distinctive. Its 56–58 facets deliver lively sparkle while its shape naturally draws the eye.

Pear diamonds are known for looking larger than their carat weight suggests, thanks to their elongated form. They also slim and lengthen the appearance of fingers, much like ovals and marquises. Orientation matters: the point can be worn up or down, offering two different looks in the same ring. Or choose a more avante-garde approach and set the pear shape east to west.

Like other elongated shapes, pears often show a "bow-tie effect," and the quality of the cut determines whether it enhances or detracts from the stone's beauty. Protective prongs are key for securing the delicate tip.

For buyers, the pear offers a romantic twist on tradition: brilliance with a touch of individuality. It's perfect if you want a diamond that feels unique, expressive, and full of personality.

The Asscher cut was created in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam, blending the elegance of the emerald cut with a square shape and dramatic step facets. Its cropped corners and concentric, layered facets create a mesmerizing "hall of mirrors" effect, offering subtle sparkle and deep clarity.

Asscher cuts emphasize clarity and quality over fire, so higher-clarity diamonds are recommended. Their geometric, vintage-inspired look gives them an art deco appeal, perfect for those who appreciate classic design with a modern edge.

Buyers should note that Asschers often appear smaller face-up than most other shapes of similar carat weight, so the length-to-width ratio matters for visual balance. Their cropped corners are structural as well as stylish: unlike a sharp-cornered square such as a princess cut, an Asscher has no exposed points, so it holds up well to everyday wear without corner-protective prongs.

Asscher diamonds are ideal for lovers of symmetry, timeless elegance, and distinctive vintage style. They make a statement without being flashy, a refined choice for discerning tastes.

The radiant cut was developed in the late 1970s as a hybrid between the emerald and round brilliant cuts. Its cropped corners and 70+ facets combine the elegance of a step cut with the brilliance of a round, resulting in a fiery, versatile diamond shape.

Radiants are particularly good at hiding inclusions, thanks to their intricate facet pattern, making them a strong choice for slightly lower clarity grades without sacrificing sparkle. The square or rectangular outline gives a modern, bold appearance, while the brilliance ensures maximum life and fire in the stone.

Buyers should consider proportions carefully. Too shallow or too deep can affect the diamond's face-up size and sparkle. Protective settings for the corners are recommended to prevent chipping, especially in rings worn daily.

The radiant cut is perfect for those who want bold brilliance with a contemporary edge. It's a versatile, statement-making choice that blends sparkle, durability, and style.