Different Diamond Shapes for Jewellery

Diamonds come in many different shapes (a.k.a cuts); when shopping for diamond jewellery, it is a good idea to experiment with a variety of diamond cuts and choose the one that suits you best. Here is a guide to the seven most popular diamond shapes.

Round cut diamond: Also known as brilliant cut diamond, this is the most classic and popular diamond cut. A round cut diamond has the maximum dazzle because its facets allow for very high light refraction through the top of the stone. This cut flatters every hand and is very versatile when it comes to settings.

Oval cut diamond: Symmetrical and beautiful, oval cut diamonds are very popular with women who have shorter fingers because the stone gives the illusion of length. Be sure to check the length-to-width ratio of these stones, between 1.33 and 1.66 is usually considered ideal.

Princess cut diamond: The princess cut is very trendy at the moment, especially for solitaire rings, and is a hit with women who have long and slender fingers. Princess cut diamonds look best in a three-stone setting. Make sure that the length-to-width ratio is about 1 to1.05 (square) or more than 1.10 (rectangle).

Emerald cut diamond: Unlike a princess cut diamond which has pointed corners, an emerald cut diamond has cut corners. This cut is rectangular and has a unique look. But, since inclusions are easily visible in this cut, it is important to select a high-quality diamond. A length-to-width ratio of about 1.40 is ideal.

Radiant cut diamond: Radiant cut diamonds have a stunning dazzle and look like princess cut diamonds with cut corners, but they reflect light differently. This cut is shaped to allow light to enter the stone from many angles, looks best in prong settings and has a soft look. Go for a length-to-width ratio of about 1 to 1.05.

Marquise cut diamond: A marquise cut diamond is reminiscent of a smile due to its elongated shape and pointed corners. This shape is known to maximise the carat weight of the stone and so marquise cut diamonds often look bigger than they are! They look best in side stone settings and a length-to-width ratio of about 2.

Pear cut diamond: A winning combination of the marquise and oval cuts, pear shaped diamonds remind you of teardrops (tears of happiness, of course!). In a ring, this shape complements shorter fingers; ideally though, it looks best in pendants and earrings. Go for a length-to-width ratio of about 1.5.

When shopping for a diamond, do not just stick to the tried and tested; try many different diamond shapes and cuts and ask the salesperson about complementary settings.