Diamond Shapes: 10 Most Popular Diamond Shapes

1. Round Cut Diamond

The round cut diamond is by far the most popular of all diamond shapes. Round cut diamonds account for more than 70% of all diamonds sold worldwide. The shape was developed by Marcel Tolkowsky, a Mathematician during the 1900s. The round cut diamond shape, when cut to the most ideal proportions, allows for the greatest brilliance and light dispersion of any other diamond shape.

2. Princess Cut Diamond

The princess cut diamond, also known as square modified brilliant, provides a unique alternative to the round cut diamond. The princess cut diamond was created by Arpad Nagy in the 1960s, as a way to more efficiently cut a diamond, while allowing the diamond to retain the brilliance and light dispersion similar to the round cut.

3. Oval Diamond

The oval diamond has gained in popularity in recent years. Not only does the oval diamond provide an alternative to the ever popular round cut diamond, but it has a key advantage that many diamond cuts do not offer. The oval diamond, with its elongated shape, allows women’s fingers to appear longer and slimmer in shape; which is perfect for women who have smaller hand sizes or shorter fingers.

4. Marquise Cut Diamond

The marquise cut diamond is similar in shape to an American football. The marquise cut diamonds can vary in length and width ratios. While this shape offers unique beauty, you must be sure to protect the 2 pointed tips with V-prongs as they are vulnerable to damage.

 

5. Pear Shaped Diamond

The pear shaped cut diamond offers a best of both worlds shape. It has the combined look of the popular round cut diamond with the unique marquise cut; giving it almost a tear drop appearance that has a hard to resist sparkle. This design has been around since 1458, when it was created by a diamond cutter named Lodewyk Van Berquem.

6. Cushion Cut Diamond

The cushion cut diamond, also known as the pillow cut diamond, offers a vintage appearance that has become increasingly popular among diamond buyers. Though the cushion cut diamond of yesteryear differs from the modern version, you can still recognize the cushion cut diamond by its curved corners.

7. Emerald Cut Diamond

The emerald cut diamond shape is perfect for those seeking a diamond from the Art Deco period. The emerald cut was originally created for the emerald gemstone, but was adapted for diamonds due to high demand. Emerald cut diamonds have a more prominent rectangular shape, and thus do not bend and reflect light as much as round cut diamonds.

 

8. Asscher Cut Diamond

Asscher cut diamonds were named after their founder, Joseph Asscher in 1902. He has been known as one of the pioneers of the Art Deco movement. The Asscher cut shape is very similar to the emerald cut diamond, however the Asscher cut diamond offers a trademark “windmill” pattern across the center of the diamond.

 

9. Radiant Cut Diamond

The radiant cut diamond combines the uniqueness of three popular diamond shapes. The brilliance of the round cut diamond, the cut corners of the Asscher cut diamond, and the “openness” of the emerald cut diamond. These three traits give it a more contemporary appearance. This diamond shape closely resembles the princess cut diamond shape, except for the cut corners; and it’s predominately found in a rectangular or square shape.

10. Heart Shaped Diamond

The heart shaped diamond invokes thoughts of romance and love with its heart shape. The heart shape diamond is a popular choice for anniversary and engagement rings. When purchasing a heart shaped diamond size is crucial, as smaller heart shaped diamonds can be less visually appealing.