Diamond Shape Guide

An emerald cut diamond is a sophisticated shape born out of the 1920’s. It is admired for it’s transparency and depth rather than it’s brilliance. Looking down into the top of a diamond is like looking into a hall of mirrors as you can see all the way in. Sparkle can be seen from the edges of this cut.

• Pros: Emerald shaped diamonds are one of the cheapest of all the shapes which can leave you with some budget to spend on higher colour or clarity grades to make the ‘hall of mirrors’ even more stunning
• Cons: Because of its depth, translucency and large table (top), imperfections are easily spotted by a keen eye. The best way to make sure this shape works for you is to go and see it in person
• Cost: Low
• Ideal for: Fans of vintage and art deco

Increasingly popular and very cute, the heart shape is for true romantics. The heart diamond is derived from the pear shape and requires a highly skilled diamond cutter to make sure the heart ‘lobes’ are perfect. We recommend a heart that is at least 0.5 carats or higher to get the best out of the shape.

• Pros: The biggest pro is of course that it’s a love heart! This means it has a lot of applications, valentine’s day, sorted, engagement, no problem, romantic sentiment, easy!
• Cons: It can be tricky to buy this shape to get a clear outline and symmetrical ‘lobes’. Often they are cut to maximise their size rather than their radiance and beauty. Keep a sharper eye open for grading of heart diamonds
• Cost: Low/medium
• Ideal for: Sentimental romantic types

Famed for its standout shape, this diamond is long and pointed at each end making it one of the rarer cuts to get your hands on. It’s definitely not for everyone and can’t boast the same popularity as round cuts but it’s shape looks excellent on a ring finger.

• Pros: A flattering effect, slimming the ring finger. The shape also looks much larger when compared to other shapes of the same carat weight due to it's long surface area making it appear more expensive than it is
• Cons: The sharp tips at each end are susceptible to chipping if not protected by the best setting. The narrow shape at each end can also cause a loss of colour in the center so choosing a well-cut marquise is recommended
• Cost: Medium
• Ideal for: Those that love to grab attention

Princess cut diamonds are still considered a stylish and contemporary cut created in the 1960’s. It is a delicate and feminine shape which became famous for its ability to produce beautiful brilliance which rivals the traditional round shaped diamond in popularity.

• Pros: Similar to round cuts, princess cuts produce so much brilliance that they can often hide a multitude of flaws in a diamond, meaning they almost always look great however big or small!
• Cons: The sharp corners of a princess cut can chip or snag on clothing, bear this in mind if your significant other does a lot with their hands
• Cost: High
• Ideal for: The fashion conscious

Asscher cuts are a modern vintage shape from around the art deco era. Asscher is one of the most popular square cuts. Like the emerald cut, square cuts also create the beautiful ‘hall of mirrors’ illusion.

• Pros: It has the same appeal and depth as the emerald cut diamond but with more neatness, brilliance and sparkle
• Cons: It has a small surface area when compared to other shapes and, like the emerald cut, it is easier to spot some flaws in this shape
• Cost: Medium/high
• Ideal for: Those who enjoy a vintage look but still want the sparkle

Round cut diamonds are shaped the way they are to allow for maximum refraction and reflection of light and sparkle. They are by far the most researched diamond shape going back to the 1700’s. They are a timeless classic and are found in half of all engagement rings, you can’t go wrong.

• Pros: The shapes intense brilliance and sparkle can hide a multitude of flaws which, despite it’s price tag, can help you get the best for a good price
• Cons: On average, round diamonds do cost 30-40% more than other diamond shapes because the most raw material is lost in the process of shaping them, keep that in mind when you go and see one
• Cost:High
• Ideal for: Those with classic traditional taste but round is a true all-rounder for style

The cushion or ‘pillow’ cut diamond has become arguably the third most popular cut after the round and princess. It’s rounded corners, curved edges and square shape give a unique style and depth.

• Pros: The cushion cut has gone through many transformations since the 1900’s to help maximise it’s light dispersion despite its softer more romantic shape
• Cons: This cut isn’t renowned for its brilliance as they can often be cut poorly due to the round edges
• Cost:Medium
• Ideal for: Those with traditional tastes but what something a little different

The pear or ‘teardrop’ cut is a unique and hybrid combining the brilliance and design style of both the round and marquise that results in a shape with a single point and rounded end to create a truly elegant shape.

• Pros: Much like the marquise, the pear cut has a slimming effect on the ring finger, especially when warn with the pointed end towards the finger nail
• Cons: Like oval shaped diamonds, pear cuts can suffer from darkness in the centre. It can also appear yellow in places as the diamond tapers. This is another diamond that you need to see in person before you buy
• Cost:Low
• Ideal for: Those who are considered glamorous by nature

The first radiant cut diamond was made in 1977 with its distinctive trimmed edges and square/rectangular top. Radiant combines the brilliance and depth of the round, emerald and princess cuts making it a popular choice as an all-rounder for all types of jewellery.

• Pros: Radiant, as its name suggests is all about sparkle. If you like the style of square or emerald but don’t want to compromise on the flash, radiant cut diamonds are an ideal choice - it's often described as 'similar the princess without sharp corners'
• Cons: More expensive than princess cuts of the same carat because of the loss of more raw material. Having said this it’s a better choice if sharp corners are unsuitable
• Cost:High
• Ideal for: The fashion conscious who work with their hands

The oval shape is a modern classic born out of the 1960’s. The shape maximises it’s carat weight meaning it can appear larger than round stones of a similar carat. It’s a simple shape that is unique enough to stand out without being over the top.

• Pros: Oval cuts are great way to elongate shorter fingers, the cut is also considered a ‘modified round’ cut so it also has similar brilliance and sparkle
• Cons: Can exhibit some darkness in the center of the stone. Another stone that needs to be seen in person. Make sure the setting compliments the effect in the center of the stone
• Cost:Low/mediumh
• Ideal for: Those that express their individuality but appreciate traditional style