What are Diamond Shapes?

Diamond terminology gets a little confusing sometimes. So, let’s look at what are the most common diamond shapes? What is the difference between a diamond’s cut and its shape? And does a diamond’s shape make a difference to how brilliant aka sparkly or even how big it looks?

Different diamond shapes have unique attributes and cut specifications that all play a role in the appearance of the stone. The gem cutter chooses to cut the diamond into a particular shape based on the original rough shape and the inclusions in the stone.

Preference for one shape over another is a purely aesthetic and very personal choice. Many diamond shoppers start by picking a diamond shape first, which can make choosing the right diamond ring quicker and easier. So, which one do you like best?

JNCY Diamond Shape Chart

There are many different diamond shapes. Here at JNCY, the four most popular diamond shapes are:

• Round Brilliant Diamonds
• Oval Diamonds
• Emerald Diamonds
• Pear Shape Diamonds 

Round Brilliant Diamonds

Round diamonds are most certainly the most popular shape. About 3 out of 4 of all the diamonds purchased worldwide are round because the circular shape maximizes the light so well. More light makes for a more aesthetically appealing stone.  

Oval Diamonds

Oval-shaped diamonds were introduced in the 1960s and became immensely popular very quickly. They come in several proportions, ranging from almost round ovals to very long, slim ovals. Longer, slimmer diamonds often flatter the finger, making the hand appear more delicate and feminine.

Emerald Diamonds

Emerald cuts have a large rectangular table and step cuts. This classic shape dates back to the 16^th century.

Pear Shape Diamonds

Teardrop pear shape diamonds are challenging for gem cutters to cut well. So, high-quality pear-shaped diamonds are harder to find. Pear-shaped diamond rings are usually worn with the pointed side outwards toward the fingertips.

What is the Difference between Diamond Cut and Diamond Shape?

A Diamond’s Shape is the geometric outline and physical form – not to be confused with the diamond’s cut, which is the facets, proportions, dimensions and reflective qualities.

Diamond shape describes the form, like round, oval, emerald, or pear. The cut defines how well the gem cutter cuts the raw stone. For example, a round diamond (shape) could have an excellent cut. This means that the gem cutter cut a round diamond exceptionally well.

How does Diamond Shape Affect Sparkle?

Light shines on a diamond and reflects off the surfaces (facets), and then reflects out into your eyes as “brilliance” or sparkle. Each cut has a unique facet pattern which gives the shapes specific identities. Because the light bounces off facets before it exits the stones, each shape’s facet patterns create a unique brilliance. Each diamond shape has unique brilliance, but the quality of the cut also determines the brilliance of any individual stone.  

Which Diamond Shapes Sparkle the Most?

There is more than one reason they are called Round Brilliant Diamonds. With unrivaled brilliance, fire, and scintillation, the round diamond tops the list. It looks great capturing the light easily, and naturally flatters most hand and finger shapes.

Next in line is the Oval and the Pear diamond shapes. Still considered “extremely brilliant,” the oval diamond has been especially popular since the 1960s. Well-cut pear-shaped diamonds can be harder to find, but when you do, they are a find, indeed!

The emerald cut comes in at the bottom of our brilliance list and is a step cut diamond. The exquisite styling of a ring with an emerald-cut diamond usually makes up for any lack of brilliance in the stone itself.

Which Diamond Shapes are the Largest?

While any sized diamond can be cut in any shape, cutting a diamond in a round shape makes it appear larger. The circular cut is shallower. So much of the weight reflects directly through the facets in the appearance of its size. A well-cut Round Brilliant Diamond can appear up to five times bigger than any of the same size cuts. That’s likely why these are the most popular diamonds.

In Conclusion

When you start your journey to decide which diamond ring to purchase, consider the shape first. The diamond’s shape is one of the first things people notice, even from a distance. The shape of the stone impacts how it looks on your hand, so find the shape that flatters your finger best. Once you have decided on your favorite diamond shape, then it is easier to look at the more technical details.