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Ultimate Diamond Shapes Guide β€” Compare, Learn & Choose

Discover every diamond shape's brilliance, style, and personality β€” explained by certified Stienhardt gemologists.

What Is Diamond Shape?

A diamond shape refers to the outline or silhouette of the stone when viewed from above. It's one of the first visual decisions you make when choosing an engagement ring because it sets the overall aesthetic.

Learn more about the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut β†’

Top view outlines of different diamond shapes

Diamond Shape vs Diamond Cut β€” What's the Difference?

Although often used interchangeably, shape refers to the visual silhouette (e.g., round, pear), while cut refers to how well the diamond's facets interact with light. Shape influences style, and cut determines brilliance.

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Expert Insight: Cut quality can elevate even less expensive shapes β€” brilliance matters more than shape alone.

Quick Diamond Shape Comparison

Shape Sparkle Size Illusion Style Best For
Round
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Medium Classic All settings
Princess
β­β­β­β­β˜† Medium Modern Contemporary designs
Cushion
β­β­β­β­β˜† Medium-Large Vintage Halo & antique
Emerald
β­β­β­β˜†β˜† Large Sophisticated Minimal & classic
Oval
β­β­β­β­β˜† Large Elegant Elongating effect
Pear
β­β­β­β­β˜† Large Feminine Unique solitaires
Marquise
β­β­β­β­β˜† Largest Dramatic Maxi size look
Radiant
β­β­β­β­β˜† Medium Bold All-around brilliance
Heart
β­β­β­β˜†β˜† Small-Medium Romantic Symbolic styles

Detailed Shape Guide

round brilliant diamond close up

Round

The most popular and brilliant shape with 57–58 facets β€” classic and timeless. Familiar and versatile in every ring style.
Shop Round Diamonds
princess cut diamond on white

Princess

Square silhouette with sharp corners and excellent sparkle β€” a modern classic that flatters contemporary settings.
Shop Princess Diamonds
cushion cut diamond halo engagement ring

Cushion

Soft, rounded corners with vintage charm and romantic sparkle.
Shop Cushion Diamonds
emerald cut diamond on plinth

Emerald

Elegant step facets give a "hall of mirrors" look, ideal for clarity lovers.
Shop Emerald Diamonds
oval cut diamond on finger

Oval

Elongated silhouette makes fingers appear longer with brilliant sparkle.
Shop Oval Diamonds
pear shaped diamond close up

Pear

Teardrop shape blending classic brilliance with modern silhouette.
Shop Pear Diamonds
marquise cut diamond on black

Marquise

Elongated points maximize perceived size and elegance.
Shop Marquise Diamonds
radiant cut diamond engagement ring

Radiant

Combines emerald shape with brilliant sparkle β€” bold and versatile.
Shop Radiant Diamonds
heart shaped diamond against velvet

Heart

Romantic and symbolic, requiring precise symmetry to shine.
Shop Heart Diamonds

How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape

Start Here
Find your perfect diamond shape based on your preferences
What's Your Style?
Consider your personal aesthetic and lifestyle
Classic
↓
Hand Shape
Slender fingers? Round or oval shapes elongate beautifully
Modern
↓
Budget
Princess and emerald cuts offer great value per carat
Unique
↓
Setting Choice
Pear, marquise, and heart shapes make stunning solitaires
Round or Oval
Timeless brilliance with maximum sparkle and versatility
Princess or Emerald
Contemporary elegance with clean lines and exceptional value
Pear, Marquise, or Heart
Distinctive beauty that makes a bold personal statement

Best Ring Styles for Each Shape

Round

  • Solitaire
  • Halo
  • Vintage

Princess

  • Modern
  • Cathedral set

Oval

  • Halo
  • Three-stone

Emerald

  • Solitaire
  • Bezel

Pear

  • Teardrop pendants
  • Solitaire

Marquise

  • East-west
  • Vintage

Radiant

  • Halo
  • Modern

Heart

  • Bezel
  • Three-prong

Lab-Grown Diamonds in Every Shape

Lab-grown diamonds offer identical shape performance to mined diamonds, often with superior symmetry and value options.

Lab-grown diamond benefits

FAQ's

Expert answers to common diamond shape questions

Round brilliant diamonds offer the highest sparkle due to their ideal facet structure.

Oval, marquise, and pear shapes appear larger per carat.

Yes. Oval, cushion, and radiant shapes typically offer better value than round diamonds.

Brilliant cuts like radiant and princess conceal inclusions effectively.

Absolutely. Shape reflects personal style more than any other diamond characteristic.