The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular of all the polished diamond shapes and, accounts for more that 75% of Diamonds sold today. It consists of 57 facets (or 58 if a culet is present). While the facet count is standard, the actual proportions (crown, height and angle, pavilion depth, etc) can vary depending on how the diamond is cut.

Emerald Cut Diamonds are usually rectangular in form. They are step cut diamonds with diagonally cut corners and two, three or four rows of facets, parallel to the girdle on the crown and pavilion. The look of an emerald cut diamond is subtle and understated and it has less flash than a brilliant cut. The Emerald cut diamond has been around for a long time and is of the classic fancy cuts. Since inclusions and inferior colour are more pronounced in this particular cut, make sure you select a stone of superior colour and clarity.

The Pear Shape Diamond is a variant of the brilliant cut. This particular cut sometimes called teardrop has 56-58 facets. It is particularly suited to pendants and earrings.

The heart shape diamond is a modified brilliant cut in the shape of a heart. It has a crown shaped table, and typically has 59 facets. The heart shape diamond is perhaps the most romantic of all the fancy cuts. The skills of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut

The marquise shape is an elongated shaped brilliant cut with curving and pointed ends. It was developed in France in the 1740’s. Proportions vary and the shape is something which is of a personal taste with some people preferring a more narrow stone and vice versa. The typical marquise shape contains 56 facets. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or supported by smaller diamonds.

Oval cut diamonds are brilliant cut with an elongated outline. It often appears larger than a round stone of the same weight. It was created in the 1960’s. Typically, these stones have 56 facets.

The princess cut is a brilliant-style, square or rectangular shape with sharp uncut corners. It was developed in 1980. A princess cut generally has 76 facets giving it more brilliance and fire than a round brilliant. The princess cut diamond is one of the most popular cuts of diamond along with the round brilliant cut.

Radiant cut diamonds have the same look as a princess cut with the exception of the corners which are polished. It is possible to bet both square and rectangular radiant cut diamonds. Typically, they will fit into most princess cut settings and weigh similarly. Radiants are easier to find in the square or off-square proportions. It has 70 facets.

A trilliant cut diamond is an unusual eye-catching wedge shape. The name Trilliant is a combination of brilliant and triangle and sums up the shape perfectly. Developed in Amsterdam it is usually cut with 44 facets. This is one of the more unusual yet striking cuts of diamond. It is possible to find a great variation in trilliant diamond sizes and weights, ranging from more deeply cut stones, to stones with a very large spread. The sides of a trilliant diamond can be straight, or can bow outward with subtly curved edges.

The cushion diamond shape is made up of a square stone with rounded corners, and is an attractive alternative to the round brilliant or princess cut diamond shapes. Cushion cut is a generic name for the Old Mine Cut that was developed before the turn of the Century. The cushion diamond shape resembles a pillow, hence the name. It typically has 58 brilliant style facets.

For more information on diamond sizes, please see our diamond size chart.