August 06, 2025Diamond cut

Diamond Shapes Explained: Find the Right One for Your Engagement Ring

Diamond Shapes and Cuts – Everything You Need to Know

Choosing a diamond isn’t just about carats and clarity — it’s about connection. It’s about finding that one shape that speaks to who you are. Whether you’re searching for the engagement ring or simply treating yourself to something dazzling, the shape you’re drawn to reveals a lot more than you think.

From the eternally stylish round brilliant diamond to the fiercely modern princess cut, each diamond shape carries its own energy a unique personality that mirrors your own. So instead of just following trends, why not find a diamond that feels like You?

Round Brilliant Cut– The Timeless Romantic

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

Round Brilliant cut are Simple, classical, beautiful - the round brilliant is the diamond equivalent of a rose. The angle of every facet has been precisely calculated to reflect the most light, creating a stunning, scintillating display from even the smallest amount of movement.

Princess Cut – The Modern Rebel

A Princess Cut diamond is also sometimes known as a Square Modified Brilliant Cut. It typically has 57 facets - 21 on the crown, 4 on the girdle, and 33 on the pavilion, although Princess Cut diamonds with only 25 facets on the pavilion are also common.

Oval Cut – The Graceful Icon

Technically the Oval Cut is known as an Oval Modified Brilliant. It's a variation on the Round Brilliant and as such has the same 57 facets - 33 on the crown and 24 on the pavilion - although the Oval may have 4, 6, or 8 main pavilion facets. If well-proportioned, an Oval shaped diamond is an extremely beautiful stone.

Emerald Cut – The Quiet Powerhouse

An emerald cut diamonds typically consists of 57 facets and boasts an elongated rectangular shape with cut-off corners its appearance is commanding. Instead of the brilliance and sparkle you're used to with round or cushion diamonds, you'll see flashes of light in the emerald cut due to its linear, straight facets.

Cushion Cut – The Soft-Hearted Dreamer

Cushion cut enagement ring

Cushion Cut – The Soft-Hearted Dreamer

What is a cushion cut diamond? The term cushion cut refers to the third most popular engagement ring diamond shape, after round and princess cut. A cushion cut diamond has a square or rectangular shape, combined with rounded corners. The overall shape is similar to a pillow - hence the name “cushion cut”.

Marquise Cut – The Bold Trailblazer

The Marquise cut is also known as the Navette. It is shaped like a little boat - a slim oval which narrows to a point at both ends. Because of its shape, a Marquise allows the diamond cutter to preserve more of the rough stone than may be possible with a Round Brilliant.

Pear-Cut – The Wild Romantic

Often referred to as a teardrop diamond, the pear cut diamond is a unique shape featuring a rounded bottom tapering to a pointed top. Graceful and elegant, this shape resembles a perfect drop of water (hence it's also known as a "teardrop") and is often considered a universally flattering choice for an engagement ring.

Asscher Cut – The Vintage Visionary

An Asscher cut diamond is a square-shaped step cut, best known for its distinctive “hall of mirrors” effect created by its large, open facets. Often described as the square sibling of the emerald cut, the Asscher features a symmetrical, octagonal outline and carries a strong vintage, Art Deco aesthetic. Its sharp lines and deep clarity give it a bold, sophisticated presence that stands out in both classic and modern settings.

Radiant Cut – The Sparkle Boss

Certified Diamond Rings - Certified Loose Diamonds and Gemstones

Radiant Cut – The Sparkle Boss

A radiant cut diamond can be either square-like or rectangular, with straight sides and cropped corners. Unlike an emerald cut's hall-of-mirrors look, the radiant cut features a faceting pattern that's similar to the round brilliant, resulting in incredible sparkle.

Heart-Shaped Cut – The True Romantic

The Heart Shape Cut is a brilliant cut which typically has 57 facets, of which there may be 6, 7, or 8 main facets on the pavilion. Its triangular and kite-shaped facets give it as much fire, brilliance and scintillation as a Round Brilliant or Princess Cut.

💎 Thank You for Reading 💖

We’re so glad you stopped by The MinimalCarbon,

Whether you came looking for sparkle or stayed for the meaning behind each cut, we hope you found inspiration in the world of diamond shapes. Every stone tells a story—and now, you’re one step closer to finding the one that tells yours.

Looking for more tips, insights, or just a little gem of beauty?
Explore more on our blog or discover our curated collection of rings designed for every kind of love and style.

Stay radiant,
The MinimalCarbon, Team 💫