The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Cuts

Diamonds are amazing, but their cut is what makes them interesting. A diamond's cut determines how light dances and skips across its surface, mesmerizing us with flashes of fire.

Want to explore some cutting-edge diamond cuts? Keep reading!

Round Brilliant Cut

Alright, let's start with the classics. Round brilliant cuts have existed since the 1700s and remain today's most sought-after diamond shape. Why? Because they know how to showcase a diamond's sparkling potential!

The round brilliant is all about proportions. Its 58 facets (or faces) are placed at just the right angles to maximize light return through the top of the stone. People covet diamonds because of their prized fire and brilliance. A classic round brilliant will dazzle from any angle.

About 75% of diamond sales are round brilliant cuts, so you know this is a tried-and-true shape. It's what your mind conjures when you imagine a glimmering diamond engagement ring or necklace—simply timeless.

One downside of round brilliants is that they require more raw material to cut than other shapes. So, you'll pay about 25-30% more than a princess cut. But many feel it's worth the splurge for that unmatched sparkle.

The bottom line is that you can always go right with the brilliance of a round diamond. It's the standard bearer for a reason!

Princess Cut

If you love the sparkle of a round cut but want something a little more edgy, say hello to the princess cut. Second only to the round brilliant in popularity, princess cuts are square or rectangular gems with sharp corners and clean lines.

Unlike a round, the princess cut's extra facets provide flashes of light down the edges. So, you get tons of fire and brilliance in a contemporary square shape - a pretty neat trick!

Princess cuts retain about 80% of a rough diamond's carat weight compared to only 50% for a round. So, you'll save roughly 20% with a princess cut of the same carat size. Have you added savings AND visual appeal? Yes, please!

With its sharp edges that shimmer as you move, the Princess Cut pops in solitaire engagement rings and modern jewelry designs. If you love a square silhouette, embrace your inner princess!

Cushion Cut

Sometimes called pillow cuts, cushion cuts have rounded corners that give them a pillow-like shape. Their softer outline exudes vintage charm and romance.

Cushion cuts balance a round brilliant sparkle and an emerald cut's understated glamour. The significant, gently shaped facets amplify light return, while the curved edges have an antique vibe. You get the best of both worlds!

In recent years, cushion cuts have surpassed even princess cuts in popularity. Their versatility works with both modern and traditional settings. If you want something with timeless appeal, cushions are your best friend!

Along with their visual appeal, cushion cuts retain about 70% of a rough diamond's weight, so they are mid-range in terms of price—much more affordable than a round brilliant of the same size!

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut has long parallel facets that create light reflections, described as a "hall of mirrors" effect. Chic and understated, it channels serious Art Deco vibes.

Here's the thing about emerald cuts - only about 3% of diamonds are cut this way. That's because the emerald shape retains the least amount of rough diamond. We're talking only 50%!

The emerald cut beautifully showcases a diamond's clarity on the plus side since flaws are more visible. 

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut, which appeared in 1902, was the precursor to the emerald cut. It boasts the same straight facets and hall of mirror effect but is square rather than rectangular.

The Asscher cut fell out of fashion for decades. It is largely forgotten. But recently, it's made a significant comeback with some updates to increase its brilliance. The modern Asscher cut has more facets on the bottom to reflect extra light up through the top. Gorgeous! 

Like emerald cuts, Asscher cuts retain only about 50% of the rough diamond, so they come at a bit of a premium. However, their rarity and vintage-chic style have helped Asscher cuts gain popularity again in modern times. 

You'll often see Asscher cuts shining brightly in solitaire engagement rings. Their antique vibe pairs beautifully with contemporary band designs—so elegant!

Oval Cut

Oval-cut diamonds have an elliptical shape that visually elongates the stone. They provide a nice balance between the brilliance of a round and the uniqueness of a marquise or pear shape. 

The oval cut's softly rounded sides give it a classically elegant appeal that fits both traditional and modern styles. Because ovals retain about 70% of the rough diamond's carat weight, they come at a lower price point than brilliant cuts—a win-win!

Oval diamonds also photograph exceptionally well from the top view, making them popular for Instagram-worthy rings meant to be shown off online. An oval can appear larger face-up than other shapes of equal carat weight. Talk about getting the most bang for your buck!

Marquise-Cut

The marquise cut is an elliptical shape with gently pointed ends, like a delicate boat hull. Its elongated outline can make fingers look longer and slimmer.

Sometimes, marquise diamonds are called "navettes," French for "little ships." Their dramatic silhouette naturally draws the eye to the stone, mesmerizing it. 

Because of their elongated shape, marquise diamonds appear to showcase carat weight beautifully. But they retain only about 45% of the rough diamond. So they're generally more affordable than other cuts.

In settings, marquise diamonds are often embellished with side stones to highlight their shape. They work best in pendants, earrings, and rings meant to elongate the finger. Play up their unique look by pairing marquise cuts with round or pear-shaped sidekicks!

Pear Cut

The pear shape of the pear cut, which fuses round and marquise cuts, has a brilliant lower half with a delicate, tapering point at the top. It's estimated that pear cuts retain about 70% of a rough diamond's original carat weight.

The pear cut has an inherently feminine, elegant look. When worn pointing up, it can elongate fingers in a flattering style. Flipped with the point facing down, pears take on a more traditional vibe. 

Pear cuts shine when accented by round or marquise side stones that complement its shape. They also make eye-catching solitaire pendants thanks to their graceful teardrop silhouette.

Heart Cut

Heart-shaped diamonds are expressly cut to resemble the universal symbol of love. What better way to celebrate romance than with a heart-cut stone?

Heart cuts retain only about 50% of the original rough diamond's carat weight, but their sentimental symbolism makes them more than worthwhile. They are modified brilliant cuts, maximizing light return through precise symmetrical faceting. 

Whether given as a romantic gift or worn as an enduring token of love, heart-cut diamonds are perfect for expressing emotion. Highly sought after for engagement rings, pendants, and earrings, these stones are meant to be treasured forever.

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut combines the scintillating sparkle of a round brilliant with the sleek lines of an emerald cut. It has trimmed corners and a brilliant-style facet pattern to pump up light reflection.

Radiant cuts retain about 70% of the rough diamond's original carat weight. They deliver exceptional fire and brilliance at an attractive price compared to other cuts. 

When choosing a radiant cut, look for length-to-width ratios between 1.0 and 1.5 for the most appealing outline. Radiant diamonds with a square shape look sophisticated in solitaire engagement ring settings.