Spectacular ShapesSpectacular Shapes

SHAPE plays a very important role in the selection of a diamond. No matter how brilliant, polished or beautiful a diamond is, your purchase is an emotional one, and your preference in shape makes it even more special. So find out what's out there before you buy.

Traditional Round Brilliant

Round Brilliant

Originally based on an octahedron, this is the most popular shape and also has the best proportions to achieve maximum brilliance. Rounds contain 57 or 58 facets including the culet: a table, 8 bezel facets, 8 star facets and 16 upper-girdle facets on the crown; 8 pavilion main facets and 16 lower-girdle facets.
Classic Emerald

Emerald

This 50-58 facet rectangular or square stone has step cut corners with stair like flat planes cut on a diagonal. The crown and pavilion have two, three or four rows of facets parallel to the girdle.

NOTE: If an emerald-cut is your choice, go for the highest quality because inclusions and low color are more obvious here than in other shapes.
Romantic Heart

Heart

This heart-shape contains 57 facets with a well defined cleft at its top. It contains a table, 32 crown facets, 24 pavilion facets, and a shield-shaped culet. The skill of the cutter can make a big difference in the beauty of the cut. It is also considered a modified brilliant cut.

NOTE: When selecting a heart-shaped diamond, check that the cleft is polished to ensure maximum brilliance and both lobes are symmetrical.
Fluid With Flair Marquise

Marquise

The marquise is an elongated boat shape. It contains 58 facets, has curving sides and pointed ends. As legend has it, this shape was developed in the 1740's for the Marquise de Pompadour.

NOTE: When selecting a marquise, pay close attention to the edges and ends. Sharp girdle edges and thin end points tend to make this shape prone to damage.
Slightly Daring Oval

Oval

The 58 facet oval is very similar to the round, except it is elliptical. Invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960's, shape "appeal" is very important - it's all about the overall shape.
Chic Pear

Pear

The pear combines the round brilliant and the marquise in a 56 to 58 facet cut. Sometimes called the "teardrop", pear-shaped diamonds make an awesome engagement ring as well as a perfect look for earrings and pendants.
Fashionable Princess

Princess

This relatively new shape combines the sparkle of the round in a rectangular cut. It usually contains 57 facets: 21 crown, 32 pavilion and four on the girdle.

NOTE: On a princess-cut, always make certain to check that the girdle is not too thin because this cut is prone to chipping.