Diamond Shape Guide

A common mistake people make when shopping for diamonds is confusing shape with cut. Shape refers to the actual shape/outline of the gemstone (like round, oval, or square), while cut refers to how well the stone has been crafted to maximize its brilliance.


I know, I literally just used "shape" to define "shape"—how creative of me. But I want to keep this as simple as possible, especially for those just starting to learn about diamonds.
Diamonds (and other gemstones) come in a variety of shapes, but some are more commonly used than others—especially in engagement rings. While trends come and go, the most frequently chosen shapes for engagement rings are:

SHAPECHART

The most classic and sought-after shape is the Round Brilliant—essentially a round diamond with 57-58 facets (tiny angled surfaces that reflect light). It’s the ultimate sparkle machine. The Oval shape is very similar but elongated, making it a favorite for those who want a more unique yet equally brilliant look.


Unlike Round diamonds, shapes like Emerald, Radiant, Cushion, Pear, Marquise, and Oval can have varying length-to-width ratios, which impact how the stone appears when worn. The image to the right shows how different ratios affect Emerald-cut diamonds, but the same idea applies to other elongated shapes:

  • Lower ratios (under 1.3) make the diamond appear wider and more square-like.
  • Higher ratios (above 1.5) create a more elongated, slender look.
There’s no "perfect" ratio—it all comes down to personal preference and what looks best on your hand!

Emerald-Ratio-1000x483
bowtie

Certain shapes, like Oval, Pear, and Marquise, can sometimes have a visible dark area across the center of the stone—this is called the bow-tie effect. It happens due to the way light reflects inside the diamond, and while some bow-ties are subtle, others can be more noticeable.

One important thing to note: GIA certificates don’t mention characteristics like bow-ties or ratios. Since every diamond is hand-cut, subtle differences in shape can make a big impact on how it looks. That’s why we take this process seriously—hand-selecting each stone to make sure it meets our standards before crafting it into a piece of jewelry.


No matter what shape you choose, we’re here to help you find the best stone possible. You’re in safe hands.


- Manav Vaghashiya