Ring Guidance Diamond Guidance Jewellery Guide

Diamond Shape Guide

A diamond shape guide explains how different shapes affect a diamond’s look and sparkle. Round diamonds are the most popular, representing about 70% of sales due to their maximum brilliance. Princess cuts account for 15-20%, offering a modern, sharp appearance. Other shapes like oval, pear, and cushion are increasingly popular and can appear 5-10% larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight, making shape an important factor in choosing a diamond.

Round

Represents approximately 60-65% of global diamond demand, making it the most trusted and recognisable shape.
Cut with 58 precisely aligned facets, engineered specifically to maximise brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Typically priced 10-20% higher per carat than fancy shapes because they require more diamond material to achieve perfect symmetry.
Holds resale and upgrade value better than any other shape because of sustained market demand.

Oval

An elongated silhouette makes the diamond appear up to 10% larger than a round diamond of equal carat weight.
Creates an optical illusion of longer, slimmer fingers, making it highly flattering on the most hand types.
Demand for oval diamonds has increased by over 25% in the past decade, driven by modern and minimalist trends.
Requires expert cutting to minimise the “bow-tie” shadow effect

Princess

Accounts for around 15% of diamond sales, making it the second most popular shape, especially for modern engagement rings.
Square outline with sharp corners require protective settings such as V-prongs, delivers a bold, contemporary appearance.
Brilliant-cut faceting provides strong sparkle and lively light return, though it typically shows slightly less brilliance than round diamonds.
An efficient cutting process makes princess diamonds more affordable per carat compared to round.

Pear

Combines the brilliance of a round with the elegance of a marquise.
An elongated form makes the diamond appear 8-12% larger than a round diamond of equal weight.
Creates a flattering, slimming effect on fingers, especially in north-south orientations that enhances stone’s elongated shapes.
Requires protective prongs at the pointed tip for long-term durability, as well as excellent symmetry to ensure balanced light performance.

Cushion

Features rounded corners and larger facets that create a softer, glowing sparkle rather than sharp brilliance.
Popular in vintage and halo designs due to its antique-inspired appearance.
Typically appears 5-8% smaller face-up compared to round diamonds of the same weight, due to its deeper cut and softly rounded corners.
Available in square and rectangular variations, offering flexibility in design.
Ideal for vintage lovers and those seeking a warm, romantic aesthetic.

Emerald

Step-cut facets emphasise clarity and symmetry rather than sparkle, offering a sophisticated “hall-of-mirrors” effect with long flashes of light.
Faces up larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight due to its broad table, often chosen by buyers who appreciate understated luxury.
Inclusions are more visible, making higher clarity grades (VS2 and above) preferable.
Ideal for elegant solitaires and minimal designs, appealing to buyers who appreciate luxury.

Heart

Represents less than 1% of diamonds sold globally, making it highly distinctive. Well-cut heart diamonds display balanced curves and centre.
Performs best at 0.75 carat and above, where the heart shape becomes clearly defined.
Ideal for romantic buyers who want a bold, personal statement rather than a traditional diamond shape.
Popular in solitaire and halo settings, which help enhance every brilliance while protecting the delicate point of the heart.

Marquise

One of the most efficient shapes for visual size, appearing up to 15% larger than a round diamond.
An elongated silhouette enhances finger length and protective prongs help safeguard pointed ends.
Historically favoured in royal jewellery, the marquise cut is now regaining popularity in modern designs, appreciated for its distinctive shape and elegant, elongated appearance.
Precision cutting is critical to avoid bow-tie shadows.

Radiant

Combines the dazzling sparkle and light reflecting qualities of brilliant cuts with the structured outline of step cuts.
Faceted corners increase durability compared to emerald cuts and offer intense brilliance and fire, which helps make internal inclusions less visible.
Performs exceptionally well in both square and rectangular designs.
Increasingly popular for engagement rings that require a balance of durability and maximum sparkle.

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