Shapes

Overview

Carat

Colour

Clarity

Cut

Fluorescence

Shapes

How to read a GIA report

All diamonds, when first found underneath the earth's surface, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cutters and manufacturers observe and study each diamond rough carefully to see which cut angles can maximize its natural beauty. They then determine what shape the diamond should be cut to exemplify each diamond's unique characteristics. With laser technology nowadays, diamonds can be custom cut into all unprecedented shapes.

Round Cut	Round brilliant cuts are the most popular and most studied cut for diamonds to date. Diamond cutters have been using advanced theories of light behaviour and precise mathematical calculations to optimize the fire and brilliance in round diamonds. Round diamonds offer more flexibility in terms of balancing cut, colour, and clarity grades while maintaining the desirable level of fire and brilliance. Round brilliant diamonds are also the most valued type of diamond cut in the world, as the percentage of waste that resulted from cutting a round diamond is by far the most consumed, compared to diamonds that are cut into any other fancy shapes. Round brilliant cut diamonds are often used in engagement rings, as the 57 or 58 facets round brilliant diamonds offer the highest level of shine than other fancy cut diamonds. This is why diamond investors often choose to invest in round brilliant cut diamonds instead of any other shaped diamonds.
Princess Cut	Princess cut diamonds have pointed corners and they are traditionally square in shape. When choosing a colour grade, consider that while the price of a J-colour non-round diamond is exceptional, colour may be slightly visible in its corners. Also, princess-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how square or rectangular they are. To find the dimension of princess you want, look for the ideal princess cut diamond that has the length-to-width ratio of 1 and 1.05. If you like a more rectangular princess cut diamond, the length-to-width ratio can be bigger than 1.10. The length to width ratio can be calculated by dividing the length by the width.
Emerald Cut	Emerald cut is unique in its pavilions, which are cut with rectangular facets to create a unique optical appearance. Due to its larger, open table, this shape highlights the clarity of a diamond. If you choose an emerald-cut with a lower clarity grade, such as SI, be sure to review the clarity reference diagram on the diamond certificate. Emerald-cut diamonds can also vary greatly in how rectangular they are. If you prefer an emerald cut with a squared look, try to look for an Asscher-cut diamond instead. For a classic emerald-cut shape, look for emerald cut diamonds with length-to-width ratios from somewhere between 1.30 and 1.40.
Assher Cut	Asscher cut diamonds are almost identical to the looks of emerald cut diamonds, except they are square in shape. Also, they have pavilions that are cut with rectangular facets in the same style as emerald-cuts. If you choose asscher cut diamonds with SI grade clarity, please also refer to the diamond's purity with the diamond reference diagram on its certificate. A cleaner asscher cut diamond is more preferable as the open table will highlight any minor inclusions which may seem irrelevant. When choosing a colour grade for asscher cut diamonds, consider that while the price of a J-colour non-round diamond is exceptional, colour may be slightly visible in its corners.
Marquise Cut	Marquise shaped diamonds can help to elongate the look of a finger when it is mounted on a ring setting. The fingers will appear slimmer and more slender. The shape of a marquise diamond can also maximise its carat weight, giving you a much larger-looking diamond. This brilliant-cut diamond looks beautiful when set just by itself, or with round or pear-shaped side stones. The desirable length-to-width ratio of a marquise shaped diamond is between 1.75 and 2.25.
Oval Cut	Oval shaped diamonds are the next closest resemblance to round brilliant cut diamonds. They are popular as they guarantee both shine, brilliance as well as visually elongated and slender fingers when worn as rings. The traditional length-to-width ratio of oval cut diamonds is in between 1.33 and 1.66.
Radiant Cut	Although looking similar, radiant cut diamonds are different from emerald cut diamonds by their trimmed corners and brilliant cut pavilions. It is perfect for those who likes the shape of an emerald cut – square and rectangular – but wants more sparkle and brilliance, looking close to a round diamond. With a growing level of popularity, radiant-cut diamonds can vary in their degree of rectangularity.
Pear Cut (Teardrop shape)	Pear shaped diamonds look best when mounted as pendants or earrings as they make the wearer look subtly slimmer. They are often called tear drop diamonds for its single point and rounded end. Some pear shaped diamonds may look "chubbier" while others may look slimmer.
Heart Cut	The unique look of a heart-shaped diamond renders it the next most popular shape of diamonds for couples alike. However, heart shaped diamonds are arduous to cut to perfection. It is almost impossible to cut two identical heart shaped diamond to perfectly matched dimensions. Therefore, well cut heart shaped diamonds are rare and not always readily available. Traditionally cut heart shaped diamond has a length-to-width ratio of 0.90 and 1.10.
Cushion Cut	Cushion-cut diamonds (also known as "pillow-cut" diamonds) have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. They are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular. The ideal length-to-width ratio for cushion cut diamonds falls between 1 and 1.05, but if you like a more rectangular looking cushion cut diamond, the length-to-width ratio can be larger or equal to 1.15.
Trilliant Cut	Trilliant cut diamond is a triangular cut diamond which is commonly used as a center stone or side stones on rings. Trilliant cuts usually come in thinly cut, rendering a large appearance for its weight.