A Guide to Diamond Shapes & Cuts

The round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape, accounting for more than half of all diamonds sold today. With 58 carefully cut facets, it offers maximum brilliance and light reflection, producing the most sparkle of any shape. Its versatility makes it the top choice for engagement rings across all styles.

The princess cut is the most popular fancy shape, recognised for its sharp square outline. Developed in the 1960s, it is essentially a square version of the round brilliant, usually cut with 57 facets to deliver exceptional sparkle. Modern and elegant, the princess cut is a striking alternative to the round.

First created for emerald gemstones, the emerald cut is known as a step cut, featuring long, parallel facets that highlight the clarity of the stone. Its rectangular shape with cropped corners produces flashes of light rather than a traditional sparkle, giving it an elegant, vintage appeal. For best results, we recommend clarity grades of VS2 or above.

The marquise cut was commissioned by Louis XIV of France and inspired by the smile of his mistress. Perfected in the 20th century, it features pointed ends and an elongated shape that flatters the hand by making fingers appear longer. Beautiful as a solitaire or accented by smaller stones, it offers a bold and distinctive style.

Also called the “teardrop,” the pear shape combines the brilliance of the round with the elegance of a point. Ideally cut with a length-to-width ratio between 1.5 and 1.7, it offers a full, balanced silhouette. With up to 58 facets, it delivers stunning sparkle and, being slightly shallower, gives more spread per carat than many other shapes – making it excellent value.

Part of the brilliant cut family, the oval cut stretches the round into an elongated shape. Introduced in the 1960s, it provides excellent sparkle with 58 facets and a graceful outline. Ovals often display a unique “bow-tie” effect across the centre, which adds character. They are a flattering choice, appearing larger for their carat weight compared to rounds.

The cushion cut combines a square or rectangular outline with soft, rounded corners, resembling a pillow. Popular since the 19th century, it remains a timeless engagement ring choice, often offering better value per carat than other shapes. Typically cut with 58 facets, it can display a “crushed ice” effect, and is available in both square and elongated forms.

The heart cut is the ultimate symbol of love, used in jewellery for centuries and first seen as early as the 1600s. With 56 to 58 facets, it delivers sparkle along with its romantic outline. Whether set as a solitaire or accented with side stones, the heart shape is a bold and sentimental choice for those seeking something truly distinctive.