Diamond Shapes: A Complete Guide to
Classic, Rare, and Unusual Cuts

What Is Diamond Shape?

Diamond shape is the outline of a diamond when viewed face-up. Round, oval, pear, princess, emerald and marquise are all common shapes. Shape is a matter of personal style and is separate from cut quality, though it does influence the look of the stone, such as how much it sparkles, how large it appears, and how well it hides inclusions.

Diamond shapes fall into two groups: round brilliant and fancy shapes. Round is the most popular, and every other shape is considered fancy, including oval, pear, princess, emerald, cushion, marquise, radiant, Asscher and heart. Carat measures weight, not size, which is why an oval and a round of the same carat can look different on the hand. Read our diamond carat guide for the full explanation. Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds come in the same shapes.

1. Round Brilliant Diamond

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 solitaire engagement ring to glamorous halo ring.

• 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 elegance.

3. Cushion Cut Diamond

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 retro 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.

5. Asscher Cut Diamond Ring

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.

7. Marquise Diamond

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.

9. Radiant Cut Diamond

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.

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.

13. Old Mine Cut Diamond

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.

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.

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.

19. Kite 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.