When buying a diamond, one of the first choices you’ll make is its shape. Shape is the outline of the diamond when viewed from above, and it defines the style, personality, and overall appearance of the stone. While most people know the classic round diamond, there are actually dozens of shapes available today—ranging from the ten traditional shapes to rare and unusual cuts that are gaining popularity in both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
This guide will walk you through every major diamond shape, including the 10 regular shapes, plus unique options like hexagon, pentagon, old mine cushion, half-moon, trapezoid, octagon, and other unusual shapes you’ll find in custom jewelry. By the end, you’ll know which diamond shape fits your style, budget, and personality.
Why Diamond Shape Matters
Sparkle & Brilliance
Sparkle and brilliance (how light reflects).
Face-Up Size
Face-up size (how big the diamond appears).
Setting Styles
Setting styles (which ring designs fit best).
Symbolism & Personality
Symbolism (many shapes carry hidden meanings).
The 10 Classic Diamond Shapes
1. Round Brilliant Cut
The round diamond, often called the round brilliant cut, is the most classic and widely loved diamond shape. With 57 or 58 facets, it’s expertly designed to maximize brilliance and fire, delivering unmatched sparkle. Thanks to its symmetrical proportions and precision cutting, this timeless shape offers exceptional light performance, making it a favorite for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Round diamonds are especially prized for their dazzling sparkle, as their facet structure is engineered to reflect light beautifully back to the eye. Versatile and elegant, this iconic shape flatters every hand size and complements all ring settings, from simple solitaires to glamorous halos.
- Most popular (over 70% of diamonds sold).
- Features 57–58 facets for maximum sparkle.
- Works in almost every setting: solitaire, halo, pavé.
- Best for buyers who want timeless ele gance.
2. Princess Cut
The princess cut diamond is one of the most modern and sought-after diamond shapes, recognized for its sharp, square outline with pointed corners. Loved for its bold, contemporary look, the princess cut combines striking geometry with exceptional sparkle, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
With up to 76 expertly arranged facets, the princess cut diamond delivers outstanding brilliance and scintillation, rivaling the sparkle of a round cut. Its clean lines and versatile design allow it to shine in a variety of settings—from timeless solitaire rings to intricate halo rings and three-stone rings designs.
- Square shape with pointed corners.
- Delivers brilliance close to a round but with a modern edge.
- Popular for engagement rings with sleek, contemporary designs.
3. Cushion Cut
The cushion diamond, also known as the cushion cut diamond, is a timeless shape featuring soft, rounded corners and brilliant facets. Blending a square or rectangular outline with curved edges, the cushion cut offers a unique balance of vintage charm and modern elegance. Depending on the facet style, it can display either a bold “chunky” look or a sparkling “crushed ice” effect, giving buyers versatile options to match their personal style.
With a history spanning nearly 200 years, the cushion diamond cut was once the most popular choice before the rise of the round brilliant. Its romantic, pillow-like shape makes it ideal for vintage-inspired engagement rings, while still delivering the fire, brilliance, and beauty expected in contemporary designs.
- Square or rectangular with rounded corners (like a pillow).
- Soft, romantic appearance.
- Great in vintage or halo settings.
- Available in modern brilliant and antique-style cushion cuts.
4. Emerald Cut
The emerald shape diamond is a timeless and sophisticated cut, best known for its signature step-cut facets that create the famous “hall of mirrors” effect. With its rectangular outline and beveled corners, the emerald cut diamond emphasizes clarity, depth, and luster rather than brilliance, making it the perfect choice for those who admire understated elegance.
The elongated silhouette of the emerald cut also flatters the hand by making the fingers appear longer and slimmer. Classic, refined, and elegant, the emerald cut diamond engagement ring appeals to those who value timeless beauty and sophistication over sparkle.
- Rectangular with long step facets.
- Creates a hall-of-mirrors effect rather than sparkle.
- Highlights clarity more than brilliance.
- Ideal for buyers who love elegance and sophistication.
5. Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut diamond is a striking square-shaped diamond with cropped corners and a step-cut facet pattern. Similar to the emerald cut but with a higher crown and smaller table, the Asscher diamond offers vintage appeal paired with bold, geometric elegance. Its unique faceting highlights clarity and symmetry, making it a favorite for those who value sophistication and timeless charm.
Originally created in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland, the Asscher cut is famous for its concentric square pattern that creates a distinctive “windmill” effect when viewed from above. Inspired by Art Deco design, it delivers a mesmerizing hall-of-mirrors effect, showcasing the stone’s clarity and color.
- Similar to emerald but square.
- Deep step-cut facets create a unique “windmill” pattern.
- A vintage-inspired cut with Art Deco appeal.
6. Oval Cut
The oval diamond is an elegant and elongated shape that offers a modern twist on the classic round brilliant cut. Its lengthened silhouette creates a flattering effect, often making the finger appear longer and slimmer. Combining the brilliance of a round diamond with a unique outline, the oval diamond cut delivers both timeless charm and contemporary style.
One of the standout features of the oval diamond shape is its “spread effect,” where the diamond looks larger than other cuts of the same carat weight. Known for their fire and sparkle, oval diamond engagement rings have become a popular choice for couples seeking both individuality and classic beauty.
- Elongated round brilliant.
- Creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers.
- Offers plenty of brilliance with a distinctive shape.
7. Marquise Cut
The marquise diamond, also known as the marquise cut diamond, is a distinctive and elegant shape featuring an elongated body with pointed ends. Its unique silhouette not only creates a dramatic, eye-catching look but also maximizes carat weight, making the marquise cut appear larger than many other diamond shapes of the same size. Perfect for those seeking individuality, the marquise diamond shape combines brilliance with bold style.
With origins dating back to 18th-century France, its long, slender shape is loved for its ability to elongate the finger while offering an impressive surface area and exceptional sparkle.
- Football or boat-shaped with pointed ends.
- Maximizes carat size—appears larger than many shapes of the same weight.
- Adds drama and elegance to rings.
8. Pear Cut
The pear shape diamond, also known as the teardrop diamond, is a unique and elegant cut that blends the brilliance of a round diamond with the elongated beauty of a marquise. Featuring one rounded end and a pointed tip, the pear cut diamond creates a graceful, asymmetrical design that makes a bold yet timeless statement.
Pear shaped diamonds are versatile in style and can be set with the tip facing up or down, allowing wearers to personalize their look. When crafted well, the pear diamond delivers exceptional sparkle, elongates the finger, and offers a distinctive alternative to traditional shapes.
- A teardrop shape with one rounded end and one pointed end.
- Combines brilliance with uniqueness.
- Often worn with the point facing the fingertip for lengthening effect.
9. Radiant Cut
The radiant cut diamond is a stunning blend of elegance and brilliance, combining the sleek outline of the emerald shape with the dazzling sparkle of the round brilliant. With its square or rectangular silhouette, trimmed corners, and brilliant-cut facet pattern, the radiant shape diamond offers a perfect balance of sophistication and fire. Versatile and stylish, it complements a wide variety of ring settings, from solitaires to halos.
Featuring up to 70 facets, the radiant diamond delivers exceptional brilliance while maintaining the graceful geometry of an emerald-inspired shape. It also conceals inclusions better than emerald or Asscher cuts, making it a practical yet beautiful choice.
- Rectangular or square with trimmed corners.
- Combines the brilliance of round cuts with the shape of emeralds.
- Versatile and highly sparkly.
10. Heart Shape
The heart shape diamond is the ultimate symbol of love and romance, making it a meaningful choice for engagement rings and special jewelry. Known for its distinctive outline, the heart cut diamond requires expert precision to achieve perfect symmetry and maximize brilliance, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding diamond shapes.
With 56 to 58 facets, a well-cut heart diamond delivers exceptional sparkle and fire. Timeless and symbolic, the heart shape diamond engagement ring is perfect for those who want a bold expression of love paired with dazzling brilliance.
- Symbol of love and romance.
- Requires excellent symmetry for a beautiful appearance.
- A bold choice, less common than other shapes.
Unique and Rare Diamond Shapes
Beyond the top 10, there are rare diamond shapes found in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. These shapes are perfect for buyers seeking individuality and a truly one-of-a-kind stone.
11. Hexagon Diamond
The hexagon diamond is a modern and geometric choice, featuring six straight sides that create a bold, angular silhouette. Unlike traditional shapes, the hexagon cut diamond stands out for its unique symmetry and contemporary appeal, making it a favorite among those seeking something distinctive and artistic.
- Six-sided geometric shape.
- Modern, edgy, and increasingly popular in lab-grown stones.
- Works well in minimalist or custom-designed settings.
12. Pentagon Diamond
The pentagon diamond is a rare and contemporary cut, featuring five distinct sides that create a bold, geometric silhouette. With its sharp angles and modern symmetry, the pentagon cut diamond is perfect for those seeking a unique alternative to traditional diamond shapes.
- Five-sided diamond, unusual and bold.
- Less common in natural diamonds; often custom cut in labs.
- Ideal for unique engagement rings or statement jewelry.
13. Old Mine Cushion Cut
The Old Mine Cushion Cut diamond is a vintage-inspired shape that combines a square outline with softly rounded corners and large facets. Known for its antique charm and warm, romantic glow, the Old Mine Cut reflects the craftsmanship of centuries past while offering a unique alternative to modern cuts.
- Antique version of the cushion cut.
- Squarer outline with a higher crown and deeper pavilion.
- Offers a warm, romantic sparkle different from modern cushions.
14. Half-Moon Diamond
The Half-Moon diamond is a unique and elegant cut featuring a semicircular shape with one straight edge and one curved edge. Often used as side stones, the Half-Moon cut diamond beautifully frames larger center stones, adding brilliance and balance to engagement rings and fine jewelry.
- Shaped like a half-circle or crescent.
- Commonly used as side stones in three-stone rings.
- Complements round, cushion, or emerald-cut center stones beautifully.
15. Trapezoid Diamond
The Trapezoid diamond, also known as the trapeze cut diamond, is a striking geometric shape with a four-sided outline. Often used as side stones, the trapezoid cut beautifully complements larger center stones, adding symmetry, brilliance, and a bold modern touch to engagement rings.
- Four-sided with two parallel sides.
- Typically used as side stones.
- Adds structure and geometric flair to a design.
16. Octagon Diamond
The octagon diamond is a bold and sophisticated shape, featuring eight sides that create a striking geometric silhouette. With its clean lines and balanced proportions, the octagon cut diamond blends modern elegance with timeless appeal, making it a standout choice for engagement rings.
- Eight-sided cut with an Art Deco feel.
- Can be brilliant or step-cut depending on style.
- Rare and striking, perfect for custom designs.
17. Rose Cut Diamond
The rose cut diamond is an antique-inspired shape that dates back to the 16th century, offering a unique and romantic alternative. With a flat base and a domed top covered in triangular facets, the rose cut resembles the petals of a rose in bloom, giving it a soft, vintage glow.
- Flat bottom with a domed, faceted top.
- Dates back to the 1500s.
- Unique soft glow instead of brilliant sparkle.
18. Shield Cut Diamond
The shield cut diamond is a rare and modern geometric shape resembling a protective shield, making it a bold choice for unique jewelry designs. With its sharp angles and contemporary style, the shield cut offers a distinctive look that stands out from traditional shapes.
- Shaped like a medieval shield.
- Popular in custom and vintage-inspired jewelry.
- Often used as side stones.
19. Kite Cut Diamond
The kite cut diamond is a unique geometric shape with sharp angles and an elongated outline resembling a kite. Most commonly available in lab-grown diamonds, the kite cut is often used as side stones or as striking centerpieces in custom jewelry.
- Diamond shaped like a kite.
- Often used in modern, edgy settings.
- Popular with alternative bridal styles.
20. Custom & Unusual Lab Shapes
Lab-grown diamonds allow for experimental shapes not often seen in natural diamonds. These shapes are ideal for buyers who want something truly one-of-a-kind and a perfect reflection of their personal style.
- Stars & Flowers
- Hexagonal rose cuts
- Freeform asymmetrical cuts
Choosing the Right Diamond Shape
- Finger shape and size: Oval, marquise, and pear elongate fingers, while square shapes look bold.
- Style preference: Round for classic elegance, emerald for sophistication, hexagon or kite for uniqueness.
- Budget: Fancy shapes (oval, cushion, radiant) often cost less per carat than round diamonds.
- Sparkle preference: Round, oval, radiant, and cushion maximize brilliance; emerald and Asscher highlight clarity.
Diamond Shape Comparison Table
| Diamond Shape | Features | Facet Count / Style |
|---|---|---|
| Round Brilliant | Most popular; maximum brilliance; timeless style | 57–58 facets; brilliant cut |
| Princess | Square with sharp corners; modern and sparkly | 50–58 facets; brilliant style |
| Cushion | Soft pillow-like; romantic; antique or modern versions | 58 facets (modern); antique versions vary |
| Emerald | Rectangular step cut; hall-of-mirrors effect; elegant | 58 facets; step cut |
| Asscher | Square step cut; vintage look; deep facets | 58 facets; step cut |
| Oval | Elongated round; slimming effect on fingers | 56–58 facets; brilliant style |
| Marquise | Pointed ends; maximizes carat appearance; dramatic | 56–58 facets; brilliant style |
| Pear | Teardrop shape; elegant and unique | 56–58 facets; brilliant style |
| Radiant | Square/rectangular with trimmed corners; high brilliance | 62–70 facets; brilliant hybrid |
| Heart | Romantic symbol; requires symmetry | 56–58 facets; brilliant style |
| Hexagon | Six-sided geometric; modern and edgy | Varies; brilliant or step facet options |
| Pentagon | Five-sided cut; bold and unusual | Varies; custom facet arrangement |
| Old Mine Cushion | Vintage cushion with higher crown; antique charm | 58 facets (similar to old brilliant) |
| Half-Moon | Half-circle; often used as side stones | Varies; modified brilliant |
| Trapezoid | Four-sided with parallel edges; side stone option | Varies; usually step cut |
| Octagon | Eight-sided; Art Deco feel; rare | Varies; step or brilliant style |
| Rose Cut | Flat base; domed top facets; soft glow | 12–24 facets; antique rose pattern |
| Shield | Medieval shield shape; vintage-inspired | Varies; step or brilliant options |
| Kite | Geometric kite shape; edgy and unique | Varies; usually brilliant facets |
| Custom/Unusual (Lab) | Stars, flowers, asymmetrical; unique lab creations | Varies depending on design |
Final Thoughts: Classic vs. Unique Shapes
The world of diamond shapes offers something for everyone. The classic 10 shapes—from round to heart—are timeless choices that fit traditional jewelry styles. But if you want individuality, rare shapes like hexagon, pentagon, half-moon, and trapezoid create unique statements.
Lab-grown diamonds expand these possibilities even further, allowing custom cuts and experimental designs. Whether you’re drawn to the eternal brilliance of a round brilliant or the geometric flair of a hexagon, your diamond’s shape is a reflection of your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diamond shape sparkles the most?
The round brilliant cut sparkles the most due to its 57–58 facets and perfect light performance.
Which diamond shape looks the biggest?
Marquise, oval, and pear shapes often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat.
What are unusual diamond shapes?
Hexagon, pentagon, half-moon, trapezoid, octagon, rose cut, kite cut, and shield cut.
Are unique shapes available in lab-grown diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds make it easier to create unusual shapes like stars, hexagons, and asymmetrical cuts.
What is the most vintage diamond shape?
The old mine cushion cut and rose cut are the most antique styles, dating back hundreds of years.