Understanding Diamond Shapes

Shape describes the outline of the diamond, such as round, oval or pear. Cut usually refers to how well the facets are proportioned and finished, which controls brightness and sparkle, though the word is also used loosely for shape names like 'emerald cut'.

Round brilliants are generally the most consistently bright because their facet pattern is designed to return as much light as possible. Brilliant-style fancy shapes like oval, cushion and radiant can also sparkle strongly, while step cuts such as emerald and Asscher show broader flashes rather than glitter.

Elongated shapes such as oval, marquise and pear tend to have a larger face-up area per carat than rounds or cushions. How deep the stone is cut also matters, as extra depth adds weight without adding visible size.

Fancy shapes vary widely in outline and faceting, so numbers that look excellent in one stone can look dull in another. Grading labs give cut grades for round brilliants, but fancy shapes are best judged by looking at their light performance, symmetry and outline.

Yes. Brilliant-style shapes with lots of small facets, like round, cushion and radiant, tend to mask small inclusions and slight tints better. Step cuts like emerald and Asscher have open, clear facets that make both inclusions and body colour easier to see.

Points and sharp corners are more vulnerable to chipping, so they're usually protected with V-prongs or a bezel. Princess and other square-cornered shapes benefit from similar corner protection.