Diamond shapes, side by side.
Each shape catches the light in its own way. Compare all ten, see what makes each one special, and find the outline that feels like you.
Find the outline you love.
Every shape is available as a certified lab-grown center diamond, made to order in 14K or 18K gold.
Round brilliant
The classic, with the most sparkle of any shape.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.00
- Good to know
- Brilliant facets reflect light from every angle, which is why round suits every setting.
Oval
Soft and elongated, it flatters the finger.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.30–1.50
- Good to know
- Choose a well-proportioned stone to avoid a dark “bow-tie” across the center.
Cushion
A square or rectangle with softly rounded corners.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.00–1.05 square, 1.15–1.25 elongated
- Good to know
- Its romantic, pillowy outline suits halo and vintage settings.
Princess
Crisp, modern and square, with brilliant sparkle.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.00–1.05
- Good to know
- Its sharp corners are best protected by V-shaped prongs.
Emerald
Long step-cut facets create a calm “hall of mirrors”.
- Facets
- Step cut
- Popular ratio
- 1.30–1.50
- Good to know
- Shows clarity openly, so a VVS stone is the confident choice.
Pear
A graceful teardrop that lengthens the hand.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.45–1.75
- Good to know
- Protect the point with a V-prong and wear it pointing toward the fingertip or the wrist.
Marquise
The most elongated shape, with a bold, vintage look.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.85–2.10
- Good to know
- Its long outline gives one of the largest face-up looks for its weight.
Radiant
A rectangle with trimmed corners and brilliant sparkle.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 1.00–1.05 square, 1.20–1.35 elongated
- Good to know
- The trimmed corners make it durable and easy to set.
Asscher
A square step cut with deep corners and an art deco pattern.
- Facets
- Step cut
- Popular ratio
- 1.00–1.05
- Good to know
- Look into the stone to see its concentric, windmill-like reflections.
Heart
The most romantic shape, made to be noticed.
- Facets
- Brilliant
- Popular ratio
- 0.90–1.10
- Good to know
- The outline reads most clearly in larger sizes, around one carat and above.
All ten at a glance.
| Shape | Facets | The look | On the hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Brilliant | Classic, maximum sparkle | Timeless on every hand |
| Oval | Brilliant | Soft, elongated | Lengthens the finger |
| Cushion | Brilliant | Romantic, rounded corners | Soft and balanced |
| Princess | Brilliant | Modern square | Clean and geometric |
| Emerald | Step cut | Mirror-like flashes | Lengthens the finger |
| Pear | Brilliant | Graceful teardrop | Lengthens the finger |
| Marquise | Brilliant | Bold and vintage | The most elongating |
| Radiant | Brilliant | Sparkling rectangle | Bold, modern |
| Asscher | Step cut | Art deco square | Architectural |
| Heart | Brilliant | Romantic | A clear statement |
Four questions to narrow it down.
- 01
What is her style?
Classic tastes lean round or oval. Modern tastes lean princess, radiant or emerald. Romantic tastes lean cushion, pear or heart.
- 02
Should it lengthen the finger?
Oval, pear, marquise and emerald draw the eye along the finger.
- 03
How active is her day?
Pointed shapes need protective prongs. Round, oval and cushion have no points to catch.
- 04
Sparkle or calm?
Brilliant cuts sparkle in many small flashes. Step cuts show broad, calm flashes of light.
About diamond shapes.
Which diamond shape looks the biggest?
Elongated shapes such as marquise, oval and pear spread their weight across a longer outline, so they often look larger face-up than a round diamond of the same carat.
Which shape sparkles the most?
The round brilliant. Its facet pattern is designed to return as much light as possible. Oval, cushion, radiant and princess are also brilliant cuts with strong sparkle.
What is a bow-tie in a diamond?
A darker area across the center of some oval, pear and marquise diamonds, shaped like a bow-tie. Good proportions keep it faint or absent.
Are step cuts less sparkly?
They sparkle differently. Emerald and Asscher cuts show broad flashes of light and a calm, mirror-like look rather than many small sparkles.
What length-to-width ratio should I choose?
It is a matter of taste. The ranges in this guide are popular because they look balanced, but a slimmer or wider stone is never wrong if you love it.
Can I see different shapes in person?
Yes. Visit the Raul Studio by appointment, or book a free video consultation and we’ll show you shapes side by side.
Found your shape?
Browse engagement rings by shape, or let our team show you your favorites side by side.