Diamond Shape

Diamond shape refers to the overall silhouette or outline of a diamond when viewed from above — think round, oval, cushion, princess, and so on. It’s the first impression of a diamond’s style and personality, and one of the biggest factors that influence the look and feel of a piece.

Shape is not just about aesthetics. It also subtly impacts how large a diamond appears, how it sparkles, and even how well it suits your hand. While some shapes are classic and timeless, others feel bold, romantic, or unique — your choice reflects your personal taste.

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Shape refers to the outline or form of a diamond when viewed from the top — like round, oval, pear, or emerald. Cut, on the other hand, refers to how well the diamond's facets are angled and proportioned to maximize sparkle, fire, and brilliance.

The confusion comes from names like emerald cut or princess cut — even though they’re technically shapes (with a specific facet style). In short: shape is what you see, cut is how it performs.

Round brilliant diamonds are the most classic and universally beloved. Known for their unmatched sparkle and optimal light return, they’re also the most standardized in terms of cut quality and grading.
Because they waste more rough during cutting and are in higher demand, round diamonds are also the most expensive shape per carat.

Fancy shapes refer to all non-round diamonds: Oval, cushion, princess, emerald, pear, marquise, heart, etc. Each has its own personality and charm, and many offer better value per carat than round. Fancy shapes can appear larger at the same weight, and some — like oval or emerald — elongate the finger beautifully. However, they’re more variable in terms of cut quality and sparkle, so selection matters.

Diamond shape plays a major role in how visible inclusions are. Step cuts—especially emerald and Asscher—have large, clear tables that act almost like windows, making even small inclusions easier to spot. In contrast, brilliant cuts like round, princess, or oval have so many facets that they can effectively camouflage imperfections, even in slightly lower clarity grades. 

Your diamond shape can flatter your hand shape and finger length. Elongated shapes like oval, marquise, or pear can make fingers look longer and more slender. Round and square shapes like princess or Asscher offer balance and symmetry, great for wider fingers. Choosing a shape that complements your hand can enhance not just the diamond—but how you wear it.