Diamond Shapes

Round

The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape used in jewellery today. When we think of love, marriage and proposals it is usually the round diamond engagement ring that comes to mind.

Best known for its brilliance (light reflected up from the surface of the diamond) and fire (flashes of coloured light reflected back from the diamond), the round cut diamond has 58 angular facets divided amongst its crown, girdle and pavilion. Based on mathematical calculations to optimize the dispersion of light throughout the diamond, this number of facets was chosen to ensure unbelievable brightness and sparkle. To get a good balance of brilliance and fire, select one of the two highest cut grades (Excellent or Very Good).

Iconic and timeless, the round brilliant cut diamond is a versatile shape that suits all styles and metals making it an ideal choice for an engagement ring.

Princess

The angular and impressive princess cut diamond is the most popular non-round cut used in engagement rings today. Traditionally square in shape, this unique cut features four sides of equal length with pointed corners.

Typically composed of 57 or 76 facets, the princess cut displays similar fire and brilliance to the brilliant round cut, maximising sparkle. When compared to other rectangular cuts like the Asscher and emerald, the princess’ extra facets allow more light to be dispersed throughout the stone, minimising the appearance of inclusions. When selecting a colour grade, stones of lower grades may show the colour more visibly in their corners.

With its clean lines and exceptional sparkle, the princess cut is an elegant choice for those after a modern engagement ring.

Emerald

Originally created to enhance the colour of emeralds, the sophisticated and enduring emerald cut has become one of the most desired diamond shapes since its inception.

The emerald diamond cut is striking - long, straight facets create flashes of dazzling light, making it stand out against traditional brilliant cuts and its elongated shape is incredibly slimming on the finger. A large open table showcases the clarity of the diamond, drawing your eye to its mesmerising centre. To optimise appearance it is advisable to choose an emerald cut with a higher clarity grade(above SI).

Unique, commanding and timeless, an emerald cut diamond offers a huge range of versatility, making it a popular choice in both traditional and contemporary engagement ring designs. If you prefer an emerald cut with a more squared outline, consider an Asscher cut diamond.

Asscher

The glamourous Asscher cut was developed in the early 20th century by diamond cutter Joseph Asccher. Coinciding with the birth of Art Deco, the Asscher cut features the bold, clean lines associated with this movement.

Square in shape, the Asscher, like the emerald cut, features a pavilion of rectangular facets that create an elegant step cut drawing your eye to the centre of the stone. Due to its linear, straight facets (72 in total), instead of the sparkle you’re used to seeing in round or cushion cut stones, the Asscher dazzles with flashes of light. To optimise appearance it is advisable to choose an Asscher cut with a higher clarity grade such as VS. When selecting a colour grade, diamonds of lower grades may show the colour more visibly in their corners.

Oozing old world charm, the Asscher cut diamond is a versatile shape perfect for use in vintage pieces or to add a timeless quality to a more contemporary design.

Marquise

Steeped in historical romance, the stunning marquise cut diamond has a strong presence. The shape dates back to the 18th century, when King Louis XV commissioned a jeweller to design a cut resembling the lips of his lover, Marquise de Pompadour.

Marquise cut diamonds feature 58 facets in an elongated elliptical shape, with pointed ends. This long narrow shape creates the illusion of a much larger diamond than its carat weight suggests, and its length makes fingers appear long and slender. When selecting a colour grade, stones of lower grades may show the colour more visibly in the points of a marquise.

The striking marquise cut diamond looks beautiful set with round or pear shaped side stones and is an excellent choice for a contemporary engagement ring that will stand out from the crowd.

Oval

If you love the curved edges and sparkle of a round diamond, but want a stone with more character, an oval diamond makes a stunning choice.

As the name suggests, oval cuts are symmetrical elongated round shapes that possess brilliance similar to a round diamond. Their length means that oval cuts often appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight, making them an impressive and economical choice. This length is also very flattering, making fingers appear longer and slender.

Oval cut diamonds, with their delicate beauty, are an ideal choice for a classic engagement ring.

Radiant

A relatively new diamond shape, the radiant cut was developed in the 1970’s by combining the best elements of emerald and round shaped cuts to create a diamond of unmatched fire and sparkle.

Octagonal in shape, with cropped corners and 70 facets, the radiant cut is one of the most brilliant diamond shapes available today - true to its name, this cut is truly radiant!

Available in a variety of ratios, the radiant cut is a very versatile shape. Ideal for those loving the geometric lines of an emerald cut but craving the sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond, the radiant diamond brings Hollywood glamour to a classic design. Set with either baguette or round side diamonds to create a stunning looking engagement ring.

Pear

The pear, also called a teardrop because of its single point and rounded end, is unlike any other diamond cut. Its unique silhouette is instantly recognisable, making it very popular in diamond jewellery.

Similar in faceting structure to a round brilliant cut, the pear exhibits that coveted fire and brilliance that makes a diamond sparkle. When selecting a colour grade, stones of lower grades may show the colour more visibly in the point of a pear. If you choose an elongated pear shape, the length of the diamond can create a slimming illusion on the fingers.

An exquisite choice for an engagement ring, the pear cut makes a bold but classy statement.

Heart

The ultimate symbol of love and romance, the heart is one of the most popular fancy cuts for use in jewellery. This diamond, as its name suggests, is in the shape of a heart. It features 56 facets that capture and reflect the light, resulting in visible brilliance. When selecting a colour grade, stones of lower grades may show the colour more visibly in the points of the heart.

A popular gift for lovers, the heart cut diamond is a meaningful choice for the hopeless romantic.

Cushion

Cushion cut diamonds, also known as pillow cut diamonds, have had a resurgence in popularity in recent years, fast becoming one of the most popular shapes for engagement rings. True to its name, a cushion cut is square in shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. 58 large facets, create a vibrant and dynamic appearance similar to that of a round cut diamond. The larger facets highlight the diamond's clarity and, therefore, it is advisable to choose a cushion cut with a higher clarity grade (above SI) to optimise the diamond’s appearance.

Generally square in shape, cushion cuts are available in a variety of ratios including more elongated rectangular shapes making them a versatile choice for an engagement ring.