Diamonds come in many shapes, each offering its own charm and personality, and understanding them helps shoppers choose the gemstone that best matches their style. Whether you're buying an engagement ring, pendant, or earrings, knowing the Types of Diamond Shapes gives you confidence while shopping.
But here’s the exciting part: with the rise of lab-created gemstones, many buyers now prefer Moissanite Jewelry for its intense sparkle, affordability, and ethical sourcing. And brands like Nakshu Jewels have redefined luxury by offering stunning Moissanite pieces handcrafted to perfection.
Understanding Diamond Shapes vs. Cuts
Most shoppers confuse “shape” and “cut,” but they’re not the same.
- Shape refers to the overall outline, round, oval, emerald, etc.
- Cut refers to the facets, symmetry, and polish that determine a stone’s brilliance.
Both matter, but shape is the first thing you notice.
Why Diamond Shapes Matter in Jewelry Design
Your diamond’s shape defines:
- how big it looks
- how much it sparkles
- how it sits on a ring
- how flattering it is on the hand
Each shape has a unique identity: bold, romantic, vintage, or modern.
Types of Diamond Shapes: Complete Breakdown
Diamonds come in two major shape categories:
- Round diamonds — the classic brilliant shape
- Fancy shapes — anything that is not round (oval, cushion, emerald, etc.)
Let’s go through each one.
ROUND BRILLIANT
Most popular diamond shape
Developed: Early 1900s (modern proportions in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky)
Features
- 57 or 58 facets
- Maximum brilliance (light return)
- Perfect symmetry
- Most sparkle of all shapes
Pros
- Brightest, most fiery
- Timeless
- Hides inclusions well
Cons
- Most expensive (due to demand + rough wastage)
- Everyone has it (less unique)
Best for
- Solitaires
- Classic styles
- Engagement rings
PRINCESS (SQUARE BRILLIANT)
Second most popular
Introduced: 1960–1980s
Features
- Square outline with sharp corners
- Brilliant-style faceting for high sparkle
Pros
- Sparkly with a modern look
- Cheaper than round
- Hides inclusions well
Cons
- Corners can chip
- Must be set in a protective prong style
Best for
- Modern styles
- Geometric designs
CUSHION CUT
Vintage soft-square
Origins: 1800s (one of the oldest cuts)
Features
- Square/rectangular with rounded corners
- Pillow-like shape
- Two subtypes:
- Cushion brilliant (sparkly)
- Cushion modified brilliant (“crushed ice” sparkle)
Pros
- Romantic, antique
- Hides inclusions well
- Cheaper than round
Cons
- Less brilliance than round
- Face-up size looks smaller
Best for
- Vintage-inspired rings
- Halo settings
OVAL
Elegant, elongated shape
Features
- 56–58 facets
- Looks larger for its carat weight
- Finger-elongating effect
Pros
- Very bright
- Appears larger
- Flattering on the hand
Cons
- Risk of a “bow-tie” shadow
- Symmetry must be excellent
Best for
- Modern or romantic styles
- Solitaires with thin bands
EMERALD CUT
Step-cut elegance
Origins: Art Deco 1920s
Features
- Rectangular shape
- Step-cut facets (broad flashes of light, not sparkle)
- Hall-of-mirrors effect
Pros
- Clean, sophisticated look
- Looks large
- Often lower price
Cons
- Shows inclusions more
- Less sparkle than brilliant cuts
Best for
- Minimalist styles
- East–West settings
- Art Deco designs
ASSCHER CUT
The square emerald
Created: 1902 by the Asscher brothers
Features
- Square step-cut
- High crown + deep pavilion
- Windmill pattern in the center
Pros
- Vintage glamour
- Clear “hall-of-mirrors” pattern
Cons
- Shows inclusions
- Looks smaller for carat weight
Best for
- Vintage + Art Deco rings
RADIANT CUT
Hybrid sparkle (brilliant + step-cut)
Introduced: 1977 by Henry Grossbard
Features
- Square or rectangular
- Cropped corners
- Very sparkly
Pros
- Strong brilliance
- More durable corners
- Hides inclusions well
Cons
- Face-up size smaller
- Harder to find ideal proportions
Best for
- Modern designs
- Hidden halo settings
PEAR (TEARDROP)
Feminine + unique
Features
- One rounded end + one point
- Brilliant facet pattern
Pros
- Slenderizing
- High brilliance
- Looks large
Cons
- Bow-tie effect possible
- The point must be protected from chipping
Best for
- Halo settings
- Vintage or dramatic designs
MARQUISE
Most elongated shape
Origin legend: Designed for King Louis XV, inspired by his mistress’s lips.
Features
- Long, pointed ends
- Brilliant faceting
Pros
- Looks biggest for carat
- Very flattering on long fingers
- Regal appearance
Cons
- Prone to chipping at tips
- Bow-tie risk
- It can look off if the symmetry is poor
Best for
- Vintage styles
- Sleek solitaires
HEART SHAPE
Most symbolic
Features
- Modified brilliant cut
- Requires high symmetry
- Most demanding cut to craft
Pros
- Romantic and unique
- High brilliance
Cons
- Hard to cut well
- Shows flaws if symmetry is off
- Looks smaller than round
Best for
- Statement pieces
- Valentine-inspired jewelry
TRILLION (TRILLIANT)
Triangular brilliance
Features
- Triangular shape
- Brilliant-style facets
- Sharp or rounded corners
Pros
- Very modern
- Appears large
- Good brilliance
Cons
- Edges prone to snagging
- Less popular as a center stone (more often side stones)
Best for
- Accent stones
- Bold, modern rings
BAGUETTE
Classic step-cut accent stone
Features
- Long, narrow rectangle
- Few facets (14)
- Usually used as a side stone
Pros
- Elegant
- Clean lines
- Great for accenting larger stone
Cons
- Low fire
- Shows inclusions easily
Best for
- Three-stone rings
- Eternity bands
ROSE CUT
Antique dome shape
Origins: 1500s (one of the oldest diamond cuts)
Features
- Flat bottom
- Dome of triangular facets
- No pavilion
Pros
- Very vintage appearance
- Appears larger
- Soft, subtle shine
Cons
- Very little brilliance
- Niche taste
Best for
- Antique style rings
- Minimalist vintage pieces
OLD MINE/OLD EUROPEAN CUTS
Pre-modern diamond cuts.
Old Mine: Cushion-shaped
Old European: Round predecessor of the modern brilliant cut
Pros
- Antique charm
- Chunky sparkle
- Very rare
Cons
- Less brilliance
- Harder to find
Best for
- Lovers of antique jewellery
Which shape sparkles the most?
- Round Brilliant
- Oval/Marquise/Pear
- Radiant/Cushion Brilliant
- Princess
Step-cuts (Emerald, Asscher, Baguette) are less sparkly but more elegant.
Which shape looks the biggest?
- Marquise
- Oval
- Pear
- Emerald/Radiant
- Round
- Cushion/Princess/Asscher (looks smallest)
Which shape is most durable?
Safest/most durable:
- Round
- Cushion
- Radiant
Shapes with vulnterable points:
- Princess
- Pear
- Marquise
- Heart
Comparing Shapes: Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide:
| Shape | Best For | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Maximum sparkle | Classic |
| Princess | Modern designs | Sharp & brilliant |
| Cushion | Romantic styles | Soft & vintage |
| Oval | Lengthening effect | Elegant |
| Emerald | Minimalist beauty | Chic flashes |
| Pear | Trendy & unique | Statement |
| Marquise | More finger coverage | Bold |
| Radiant | Fire + structure | Versatile |
Why Moissanite is the Best Alternative to Diamonds
Moissanite has become the top choice for modern jewelry lovers, and here’s why:
Durability & Fire
Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale, nearly as hard as diamonds.
It also displays 2.5x more fire, giving an intense rainbow sparkle.
Ethical, Eco-Friendly, and Affordable
No mining. No environmental harm. No sky-high prices.
You get more shine for a fraction of the cost, what’s not to love?
Nakshu Jewels: The Best Place for Moissanite Jewelry
If you're considering Moissanite, Nakshu Jewels should be your first stop.
Craftsmanship & Custom Designs
Nakshu Jewels specializes in:
- handcrafted Moissanite engagement rings
- custom wedding bands
- everyday wear jewelry
- premium settings in gold and 925 sterling silver
Every piece is made with attention to detail and luxury-level finishing.
Popular Moissanite Shapes at Nakshu Jewels
- Round Moissanite Engagement Rings
- Oval Halo Moissanite Rings
- Cushion-Cut Bridal Sets
- Emerald-Cut Solitaires
- Pear & Marquise Statement Rings
Each piece combines beauty, durability, and affordability.
Conclusion
Understanding the Types of Diamond Shapes helps you pick the perfect gemstone that matches your personality. While diamonds remain classic, Moissanite Jewelry from Nakshu Jewels delivers beauty, durability, and brilliance, all at a more accessible price. Whether you love round, cushion, emerald, or oval shapes, Nakshu Jewels offers a stunning collection that brings luxury within reach.
FAQs
1. Which diamond shape sparkles the most?
The Round Brilliant Cut creates the highest sparkle due to its optimized facets.
2. Are fancy diamond shapes more affordable?
Shapes like oval, cushion, and marquise often look larger and cost less per carat.
3. Is Moissanite better than diamonds?
If you want brilliance, affordability, and ethical sourcing, yes, Moissanite is an excellent alternative.
4. Which shape is best for small hands?
Oval, pear, and marquise shapes elongate the fingers beautifully.
5. Does Moissanite get cloudy over time?
High-quality Moissanite, like the ones from Nakshu Jewels, does not get cloudy.
6. Where can you buy premium Moissanite jewelry?
Nakshu Jewels offers handcrafted, high-quality Moissanite jewelry in various shapes and designs.