Round Brilliant The Round Brilliant Cut diamond is by far the most coveted diamond shape. Aside from being the most iconic diamond shape, it’s cone-shaped structure maximises light refraction through the top of the diamond hence it sparkles brighter than diamonds of any other shapes. A Round Brilliant cut diamond should have 58 facets with 33 facets on the crown and 25 facets on the pavilion.

The Princess Cut has four pointed corners and was previously known as a square-cut diamond. This exquisite shape has a similar facet pattern as a Round Brilliant Cut. It gives top brilliance and sparkles more than other square shapes. When opting for a Princess Cut diamond, ensure that the setting protects the four pointed corners. Spohicasted and opulent, the Princess Cut is perfect for a clean and modern look.

The Emerald Cut is easily identified from its rectangular step-cut facets which gives it its unique structure. An Emerald Cut diamond has the same number of facets as a Round Brilliant Cut. However, the nature of the cuts reduces the brilliance of a diamond but makes up for it in the clarity department.

The Heart Cut is a classic symbol of love. The unique shape of a Heart Diamond makes it a sweet choice for the romantic. When selecting a Heart Diamond, symmetry would be a crucial factor to take note. Ideally, the two halves of the heart should be symmetrical. A Heart Diamond typically has 56-58 facets with 6-8 facets on the pavilion.

The Pear Cut is a timeless vintage cut that combines the best attributes of a Round Brilliant Cut and a Marquise Cut Diamond. A Pear Cut Diamond comes with 3 ratio ranges – 1.30, 1.50 and 1.70. As the ratio gets higher, the diamond will appear to have a longer outline. The optimal ratio for a Pear Cut Diamond is ideally 1.50. However, as with other fancy cuts, the shape is ultimately dependent on personal preference. Similar to a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond, a Pear Cut Diamond has 58 facets.

The Radiant Cut is a combination of the Emerald Cut and the Round Brilliant Cut. Created in 1977, this diamond shape is a popular choice for individuals who want the shape of an Emerald Cut but also the brilliance of a Round Brilliant Cut. The Radiant Cut tends to be the preferred choice of cut for fancy coloured diamonds as they capture more rough diamond colour than other cuts. With 70 facets, the Radiant Cut is said to be one of the most brilliant diamond shapes available in the market.

The Asscher Cut is a blend of the Princess and Emerald Cut. The Asscher Cut is known for its x-shaped facet that can be seen from the top view. Because of its cropped corners, an Asscher Cut diamond may appear octagonal and show slight colour at the corners. The table of an Asscher Cut Diamond acts as a window into the centre of the diamond. This makes inclusions more apparent to the naked eye and it is therefore important to choose a Diamond that is as flawless as possible when choosing an Asscher Cut Diamond.

The Oval Cut is a modified version of the classic Round Brilliant Cut. This cut attains the brilliance of the Round Brilliant Cut but in a unique shape. Invented in the mid 1900s, the relatively new Oval Cut has proven to be an attractive style as its elongated shape creates the illusion of greater size. An Oval Cut Diamond typically has 58 facets.

The Cushion Cut, also referred to as the Mine or Old Mine Cut, is a classic cut style that was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The rounded corners give the diamond its soft and romantic appeal. Today, there are two main categories of Cushion Cut Diamonds – standard and modified. The facets would vary depending on the category but a Cushion Cut Diamond is generally known to have 58-64 facets.

The Marquise Cut has a boat-like elongated elliptical shape. The boat-like shape of a Marquise Cut Diamond compliments the finger and elongated body makes it appear larger than its actual carat weight. Similar to a Round Brilliant Cut diamond, the Marquise Cut Diamond has 58 facets but tends to cost less than a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond as there is lesser rough diamond wastage when cutting the diamond. As with any other fancy cut diamonds, the colour and clarity of a Marquise Cut Diamond are the most important qualities that one should look out for when choosing this style of cut.