Choosing a diamond shape is one of the most exciting — and often most overwhelming — parts of selecting an engagement ring. With so many shapes available, it’s easy to feel unsure where to start, especially when every guide seems to insist that one option is “best”.
In reality, there is no single perfect diamond shape. The right choice depends on your style, how you wear jewellery, and how a ring feels on your hand. This guide is here to help you understand the most popular diamond shapes and, more importantly, how to choose one that feels right for you.
Diamond Shape vs Diamond Cut: What’s the Difference?
These two terms are often confused, but they describe different things.
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Diamond shape refers to the outline of the stone — round, oval, square, pear and so on.
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Diamond cut refers to how the facets inside that shape are cut and polished to reflect light.
When jewellers talk about the Four Cs — cut, clarity, colour and carat — the cut is about sparkle and brilliance, not shape. Most people start with shape first because it defines the overall look of the ring, then refine their choice using the other Cs.
The Most Popular Diamond Shapes (and Why People Choose Them)
Below are the diamond shapes we see most often chosen for engagement rings, along with what makes each one special.
Round Brilliant Diamond
The round brilliant is the most classic and widely chosen diamond shape. Its perfectly balanced proportions allow light to enter and reflect beautifully, creating exceptional sparkle.
This shape suits almost every setting and hand shape and works equally well in solitaires, halos and vintage-inspired designs. Because it is in such high demand, round diamonds tend to be slightly more expensive than other shapes of the same carat, colour and clarity — but many people feel the sparkle is worth it.
Best for: timeless style, maximum brilliance, versatility.
Princess Cut Diamond
Princess cut diamonds are square or slightly rectangular with sharp, clean lines. They have a modern feel and are the second most popular choice for engagement rings.
One advantage of the princess cut is that it often appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight, thanks to its wide top surface. It also offers impressive sparkle, second only to the round brilliant.
Best for: modern tastes, clean lines, good value for size.
Cushion Cut Diamond
Cushion cut diamonds have softly rounded corners and a shape reminiscent of a pillow. This cut has been around for nearly two centuries and is often associated with vintage and antique-style jewellery.
Cushion cuts can vary widely in appearance — some are more square, others more elongated — but they are loved for their romantic softness and gentle sparkle.
Best for: vintage style, softness, romantic designs.
Oval Cut Diamond
Oval diamonds offer many of the benefits of a round brilliant, but with a more distinctive silhouette. Their elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger diamond and can make the finger appear longer and more slender.
This shape has a softer, more fluid look than sharper cuts and is a popular choice for those who want something classic with a twist.
Best for: flattering the hand, appearing larger, elegant femininity.
Emerald Cut Diamond
Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular with long, step-cut facets. Instead of intense sparkle, they produce elegant flashes of light and emphasise clarity.
Because of their open facets, inclusions can be more visible, so clarity is particularly important with this shape. Emerald cuts are often chosen by those who appreciate understated elegance rather than high sparkle.
Best for: sophisticated style, clean lines, showcasing clarity.
Pear Shape Diamond
Also known as a teardrop shape, pear diamonds combine the brilliance of a round cut with an elongated point. They can be worn with the point facing up or down, depending on personal preference.
Pear shapes often appear larger than their carat weight and have a distinctive, graceful look. They’ve been favoured by many celebrities over the years and work beautifully in both classic and halo settings.
Best for: something distinctive, flattering length, elegance with character.
Diamond Shapes That Look Larger Than Their Carat
If visual impact matters to you, certain shapes naturally appear bigger than others:
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Oval
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Pear
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Marquise
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Emerald
These shapes spread their weight over a larger surface area, making them an excellent choice if you want a diamond to look impressive without increasing carat size.
Vintage vs Modern Diamond Shapes
Some diamond shapes feel inherently traditional, while others lean more contemporary.
Vintage-inspired shapes:
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Cushion
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Emerald
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Asscher
Modern shapes:
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Princess
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Radiant
Round diamonds sit comfortably in both worlds, depending on the setting. Pairing shape with setting style can dramatically change the overall look of the ring.
Less Common Diamond Shapes (A Brief Overview)
You may also come across more unusual diamond shapes:
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Marquise: long and pointed, creating a dramatic look and the illusion of size
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Heart: symbolic and romantic, but best suited to slightly larger stones
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Asscher: square with step cuts, drawing the eye into the centre of the stone
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Baguette: usually used as elegant side stones rather than centrepieces
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Trillion: triangular and striking, often used as accent stones
These shapes can be beautiful, but they tend to suit very specific tastes.
What Most People Don’t Realise When Choosing a Diamond Shape
From experience, there are a few things that often surprise people:
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A shape you love online may look very different on your hand
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Finger length and width make a big difference to how a diamond appears
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High sparkle isn’t always the most important factor — some people prefer elegance over brilliance
Trying rings on in person can completely change your decision, and it’s one of the most helpful steps in the process.
Our Advice: Try Before You Decide
If you can, always try on different shapes before committing. A ring that looks perfect in a photograph may feel very different when worn every day.
Choosing an engagement ring is not just about trends or technical details — it’s about finding something that feels right and that you’ll love for years to come.
Diamond Shapes: Final Thoughts
Diamond shapes offer an incredible variety of styles, from timeless round brilliants to distinctive pear and emerald cuts. There is no right or wrong choice — only the shape that best reflects you and your story.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember that the most beautiful engagement ring is the one that feels truly yours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Shapes
What is the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings?
The round brilliant diamond is the most popular engagement ring shape. Its proportions allow maximum sparkle and it suits almost all settings and hand shapes, making it a timeless choice.
Which diamond shape looks biggest for its carat weight?
Elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquise and emerald cuts tend to look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight because they spread their weight over a larger surface area.
What is the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut?
Diamond shape refers to the outline of the stone (such as round, oval or square), while diamond cut refers to how well the facets are cut and polished to reflect light and create sparkle.
Which diamond shape sparkles the most?
Round brilliant diamonds offer the most sparkle due to their precise facet arrangement. Princess and radiant cuts also provide excellent brilliance, while emerald and asscher cuts offer a more subtle, elegant shimmer.
Are some diamond shapes better for certain finger types?
Yes. Oval, pear and marquise shapes can make fingers appear longer and more slender, while round and cushion cuts tend to suit a wide range of hand shapes.
Is it better to choose diamond shape or carat size first?
Most people choose the diamond shape first, as it defines the overall look of the ring. Carat size, clarity and colour can then be adjusted to suit your budget and preferences.
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