A Full Guide to 10 Common Diamond Ring Shapes

Sep 25,2023

"Diamond shape" and "diamond cut" might sound similar, but they're entirely different. Shape defines a diamond’s silhouette — like round or oval — while cut refers to how its facets are crafted for sparkle. When choosing an engagement or wedding ring, the diamond ring shape becomes your visual signature and how the design mirrors your personality.

To simplify your search, Darry Ring breaks down 10 iconic diamond shapes for rings, from the classic brilliant round cut to the romantic heart shape. Discover which diamond ring shape maximizes brilliance, flatters your hand, and aligns with your story. Ready to find your match? Let's explore!

1. Round Shape Diamond

The round shape diamond — also called the brilliant cut diamond — boasts a flawless circular silhouette with a broad table and pointed culet. Its iconic status comes from its precision: 57 or 58 facets, with 33 on the crown, 24 on the pavilion, and either 1 or none on the culet.

This cut proportion is angled to trap light and refract it into vivid rainbows, making it the top 1 diamond ring shape for engagement rings and heirloom jewelry. But compared to fancy diamond shapes like pear or marquise, round shape ring diamonds are less unique and have a higher price per carat due to ideal facet symmetry.

>> Explore Round Shape Diamond Rings

2. Oval Shaped Diamond

The oval-shaped diamond is an elongated diamond ring shape, which has recently become a popular choice for engagement rings. With 57 or 58 facets, its optical performance is similar to that of a round diamond. Better yet, the unique length-to-width ratio (typically 1.3:1 to 1.5:1) can enhance visual effects, making the fingers appear longer. However, the downside is oval shaped diamonds easily show a shadow resembling a black bowtie, known as the "bowtie effect," which can only be minimized with a highly skilled diamond cut.

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3. Marquise Shaped Diamond

The marquise diamond shape resembles a ship's bow or elongated olive. Its symmetrical and tapered ends stretch the finger's silhouette, while the 56-58 facets amplify light return for fiery brilliance. With a wider table than most types of diamond shapes, marquise diamonds appear larger per carat.

The marquise's daring curves make it a statement-maker. Among diamond ring shapes, few blend historical charm and modern edge as effortlessly. But please be aware, at the same time, that vulnerable tips require protective settings and bowtie effect may also be seen if cut poorly.

>> Explore Marquise Shaped Diamond Rings

4. Pear Shaped Diamond

The pear-shaped diamond, a harmonious blend of the round brilliant's sparkle and the marquise's elongation, features a teardrop silhouette with 56-58 facets. Its unique 1.4:1 to 1.75:1 length-to-width ratio creates a feminine, delicate profile, and the curved-to-pointed design amplifies light refraction for dazzling brilliance. As one of the most sought-after diamond ring shapes, it's a favorite in modern engagement ring trends and demands exceptional symmetry.

>> Explore Pear Shaped Diamond Rings

5. Princess Shaped Diamond

The princess-shaped diamond delivers sharp angles and dazzling brilliance with 58 precisely aligned facets. As the most popular square diamond ring shape, its fire rivals the round brilliant cut while offering a bold, contemporary aesthetic.

The princess cut's deep pavilion and wide table make it appear larger per carat than many types of diamond shapes, but It is prone to chipping at the girdle if poorly set and requires expert cutting to avoid 'windowing,' where light passes through the diamond instead of reflecting back up to the eye.

>> Explore Princess Shaped Diamond Rings

6. Emerald Shaped Diamond

The emerald shaped diamond is inspired by the cutting style of emeralds, featuring a step-cut design in a rectangular or square shape. It typically has 25 to 30 facets. All of these contribute to its simple and elegant appearance, along with good transparency and light refraction. However, when selecting an emerald ring shape, it is crucial to pay close attention to the clarity of the diamond's 4Cs, ensuring it has no inclusions or only very minor ones.

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7. Radiant Shaped Diamond

Radiant and emerald shapes are similar. However, 70-74 facets are created thanks to its hybrid cut, which is more than most types of diamond shapes and combines the emerald's clean lines with extra sparkle. Meanwhile, its clipped corners boost durability, making it a top diamond ring shape choice for active lifestyles.

Opinions may vary from the perspective of traditionalists. They believe that radiant-cut diamonds are not as classic as round or princess cuts and require frequent cleaning to maintain their fire.

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8. Heart Shaped Diamond

As the name suggests, the heart-shaped diamond has a heart outline and is rich in symbolism of love and commitment. Therefore, this diamond shape is often used in engagement rings and requires high craftsmanship to maintain perfect symmetry. But please be aware that despite the strong visual impact, pointed ends are prone to damage. so it is recommended to choose a protective setting such as a bezel or prong setting.

>> Explore Heart Shaped Diamond Rings

9. Cushion Shaped Diamond

While some diamond ring shapes prioritize maximum sparkle, the cushion cut thrives in subtlety. It is a timeless fusion of vintage charm and modern versatility, featuring a square shape with rounded corners that resemble a soft pillow.

Inspired by the princess cut, this diamond shape blends step cuts and brilliant cuts, using 58 large facets to scatter light with a warm, romantic glow. Its hybrid design is perfect for Victorian or Art Deco settings but can appear smaller per carat due to deeper pavilion.

10. Asscher Shaped Diamond

The Asscher-shaped diamond, crafted in 1902 by the Dutch Asscher brothers, is a masterpiece of geometric precision. Its octagonal silhouette and step-cut facets mirror the emerald cut's elegance but with a bolder, Art Deco flair. As a timeless diamond shape, it features rectangular stepped facets and softened corners. Set it in platinum for a vintage vibe or in yellow gold for warmth. Usually, asscher-shaped diamonds require high clarity, but they create a striking contrast when paired with pavé or micro-pavé rings.

FAQs About Types of Diamond Shapes

Which diamond shape is the best?

In fact, there is no such thing as the "best" diamond shape. It all depends on your personal preference and style. Try exploring different options to find what suits you best. Additionally, when making a purchase, pay close attention to the cutting quality of different diamond shapes. A well-executed cut is key to creating the most brilliant and sparkling diamond.

What diamond shape looks the biggest?

At the same carat weight, round, marquise, cushion, and emerald-shaped diamonds tend to appear larger. This is because they have advantages in cut, table proportions, and visual impact. If your preferred diamond shape is not among these, consider choosing a smaller setting and a narrow band. This can enhance the diamond's visual impact.

Which diamond shape is the most affordable?

Princess-shaped diamonds are usually the most affordable. Compared to other diamonds, they waste the least amount of rough stone during cutting, resulting in lower production costs. They are also highly efficient to produce. However, keep in mind that the 4Cs of diamonds also affect the overall price. Even for a specific shape, prices can vary based on these quality factors.