Different Types of Diamond Cuts
Diamonds may be forever – but the cut you choose makes all the difference. From classic round brilliant cuts to vintage-inspired cushion cuts, the types of diamond cuts available today offer something for every style and story.
Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a special gift, or a piece of custom diamond jewellery just for you, understanding the different cuts of diamonds and shapes can help you find the perfect match. This guide will break down the most popular diamond cuts, what makes each one unique, and how to choose the right diamond cut for your style and budget.
Ready to find a cut that feels like you? Explore Jewlr’s collection of customizable engagement rings and personalised fine jewellery designed to shine your way.
What Is a Diamond Cut or Shape?
When people talk about diamonds, it’s easy to get caught up in carats or clarity – but cut? Cut is where the magic happens.
A diamond’s cut refers to how well the stone has been shaped and faceted from its original rough form. It’s the craftsmanship behind the sparkle – how every angle, facet, and polished surface is designed to catch the light and reflect it back.
Cut is one of the famous 4 Cs of diamonds (along with colour, clarity, and carat), but it might just be the most important when it comes to wow-factor. The right cut can make a diamond look bigger, brighter, and full of life.
Why Is Diamond Cut Important?
Think of diamond cut as the ultimate light performance hack. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully – that’s what gives it its signature brilliance and fire. On the flip side, a poorly cut diamond can look dull, even if it has perfect colour or clarity.
Here’s why diamond cut matters:
- It affects sparkle, brightness, and overall appearance.
- It can impact how large a diamond looks on your finger.
- It plays a big role in price – better cut grade often means higher cost, but also a more stunning appearance.
Bottom line? Diamond cut doesn’t just shape the stone – it shapes the entire vibe.
Different Types of Diamond Cuts & Shapes
Diamonds come in all shapes and styles – from timeless classics to modern favorites. Each diamond shape has its own unique features that bring out distinct elements of light and sparkle. Here’s your guide to the most popular diamond cuts, and what makes each one special.
Round Brilliant Cut — The Ultimate Classic
Shape: Circular
Best For: Engagement rings, heirloom pieces, jewellery that never goes out of style.
Why Choose It: The round brilliant cut is the gold standard of diamonds – and for good reason. Featuring 58 expertly placed facets, this cut is engineered for unmatched sparkle and light reflection. It’s a timeless choice that suits any style, making it the most popular diamond cut in the world. If you’re looking for a forever piece with enduring elegance, round brilliant is the way to go.
Princess Cut — Modern edge, endless sparkle
Shape: Square or rectangular with sharp corners
Best For: Engagement rings with a contemporary vibe.
Why Choose It: Clean lines meet dazzling brilliance. The princess cut offers a fresh, modern alternative to the round cut, while still delivering exceptional sparkle. Bonus: it often costs less per carat than a round brilliant diamond, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on wow-factor.
Cushion Cut — Soft, romantic, and vintage-inspired
Shape: Square with rounded corners (like a plush pillow)
Best For: Fans of antique or vintage styles.
Why Choose It: The cushion cut has an old-world charm with a modern twist. Its large facets catch light beautifully, giving off a soft, romantic glow that feels warm and intimate. It’s a perfect choice for those who love a bit of vintage flair in their jewellery.
Oval Cut — Elegant, flattering, and chic
Shape: Elongated oval
Best For: Those who want a diamond that looks bigger and elongates the finger.
Why Choose It: The oval cut is all about graceful proportions and eye-catching sparkle. Its elongated shape flatters the hand and creates the illusion of a larger stone – perfect for maximizing your diamond’s visual impact.
Emerald Cut — Understated Glamour
Shape: Rectangular with step-cut facets and cropped corners
Best For: Lovers of clean lines and sophisticated style.
Why Choose It: The emerald cut favors clarity over sparkle, giving it a sleek, hall-of-mirrors look that’s undeniably chic. It’s a favourite for those who appreciate architectural lines, vintage vibes, and effortless elegance.
Marquise Cut — Maximize your sparkle per carat
Shape: Football or boat-shaped, with pointed ends
Best For: Those who want a diamond that looks larger than life.
Why Choose It: The marquise cut’s dramatic shape makes fingers appear longer and slimmer while creating the illusion of a larger stone. It’s a bold, glamorous choice that turns heads.
Pear Cut — Unique and effortlessly elegant
Shape: Teardrop-shaped, combining round and marquise styles
Best For: Statement jewellery and romantic looks.
Why Choose It: The pear cut is playful yet elegant, combining soft curves with a pointed tip for extra sparkle and personality. It’s a standout shape that feels both delicate and daring.
Heart Cut — The Ultimate Symbol of Love
Shape: Heart-shaped (obviously)
Best For: Romantic gifts, sentimental jewellery, or a playful engagement ring.
Why Choose It: Nothing says romance like a heart-shaped diamond. Sweet, symbolic, and completely unique – it’s perfect for those who wear their heart on their sleeve (or finger).
Radiant Cut — The Best of Both Worlds
Shape: Square or rectangular with cut corners
Best For: Anyone who wants the sparkle of a round cut in a more unique shape.
Why Choose It: Radiant cuts combine the brilliance of a round diamond with the shape and presence of an emerald or princess cut. It’s bold, bright, and perfect for those who want maximum sparkle with a modern twist.
Asscher Cut — Vintage glam with a twist
Shape: Square with step-cut facets and a deep pavilion
Best For: Fans of art deco style or unique engagement rings.
Why Choose It: The Asscher cut draws the eye inward with its mesmerizing geometric pattern. It’s sophisticated, distinctive, and full of vintage appeal – perfect for someone who loves making a statement.
How to Choose the Right Diamond Cut for You
Personal Style
Do you love timeless classics or edgy modern designs? Vintage glamor or minimalist vibes? Think about the overall vibe you're going for and whether you prefer a bold, eye-catching look or something more understated. Your diamond's cut should reflect your unique taste.
Size and Shape Preferences
Think about how the shape will look on your finger or in your jewellery setting. Consider how features like corners, symmetry, and cut grade impact the diamond’s appearance and how well the stone complements your finger and overall look. Elongated cuts (like oval or marquise) can make fingers look longer. Round cuts are universally flattering.
Budget
Round brilliant cuts tend to be the most expensive due to demand and craftsmanship. Princess and cushion cuts often offer a little more size for your spend. Set a budget before you start shopping and be open to exploring cuts that may offer more size or brilliance within your price range. You might find that diamonds with slightly different cuts still provide that perfect sparkle you desire.
Sparkle vs. Simplicity
Think about how much shine you want. If you prefer a radiant, attention-grabbing sparkle, focus on cuts that reflect the most light. Alternatively, if you enjoy more subtle elegance, a cut with fewer facets and a sleek design may be a better fit.
Find Your Sparkle at Jewlr
Choosing the right type of diamond cut isn’t just about looks – it’s about finding a style that feels like you.
Whether you’re shopping for traditional diamond engagement rings, exploring lab diamond engagement rings, or creating custom wedding jewellery, knowing the different types of diamond cuts and shapes will help you shop with confidence – and maybe fall a little more in love along the way.
Want to learn more about getting that perfect sparkle? Check out our guide to lab grown vs natural diamonds.
Sources
- Diamonds Shape by Shape. (2014). Gemological Institute of America. https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/about-diamond-shape/
- Fancy These Four Fancy Shape Diamonds. (2019). American Gem Society. https://www.americangemsociety.org/fancy-these-four-fancy-shape-diamonds/