A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Sparkle

When it comes to choosing a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or any special piece of jewelry, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right diamond shape. The shape of the diamond is a reflection of your personal style, and it can greatly affect how the diamond looks and feels. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide will help you understand the different diamond shapes and how to choose the one that suits you best.

Understanding Diamond Shapes

First, it’s important to clarify the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut. The shape refers to the outline of the diamond—such as round, oval, or square—while the cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted, affecting its sparkle and brilliance.

Here are the most popular diamond shapes, each with its unique characteristics:

Round Brilliant Cut
The round diamond is the most classic and widely recognized shape. It is known for its brilliant sparkle, with 58 facets that maximize light reflection. A round diamond is perfect for those who love timeless beauty and versatility.
Best for: Anyone looking for a traditional, sparkling diamond that pairs well with any setting.

Princess Cut
The princess cut is a square or rectangular diamond with pointed corners, and it is known for its modern and sophisticated look. This shape offers excellent sparkle while being a bit more contemporary compared to the round cut.
Best for: Those who prefer a bold, stylish appearance with a bit of edge, but still want a diamond with maximum brilliance.

Cushion Cut
The cushion cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, offering a soft, romantic look. It has a vintage appeal and is often described as having a “pillow” shape. It’s a great choice for those who love classic yet slightly unique designs.
Best for: Those who enjoy a vintage or antique aesthetic with a hint of modern flair.

Oval Cut
The oval diamond is similar to the round cut, but with an elongated shape. It has the same brilliant sparkle as the round diamond but tends to look larger due to its shape. Oval diamonds are also great at creating the illusion of longer fingers when set in rings.
Best for: Those who like the sparkle of a round diamond but want something a little more unique and flattering on the hand.

Emerald Cut
The emerald cut features a rectangular shape with trimmed corners and large, flat facets. This shape highlights clarity and can create a sleek, sophisticated look. While it doesn’t sparkle as intensely as a round or princess cut, it offers a subtle elegance.
Best for: Those who appreciate a sophisticated, elegant design that emphasizes clarity over sparkle.

Asscher Cut
The asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut but is square, with its own unique vintage feel. It is known for its stepped facets and deep pavilion, giving it a unique, almost hypnotic look.
Best for: Those who love vintage-inspired designs but want something a bit more geometric and bold than the cushion cut.

Marquise Cut
The marquise cut features an elongated shape with pointed ends, offering the illusion of a larger size. It has a royal, elegant feel and is often used in more statement-making jewelry pieces.
Best for: Those who want a diamond that stands out and gives the appearance of size and length.

Pear Cut
The pear shape, or teardrop shape, combines the round and marquise cuts, featuring a rounded end that tapers to a point. This shape is elegant and timeless, often used in drop earrings or pendant necklaces.
Best for: Those who love a feminine, romantic design that is both graceful and distinctive.

Radiant Cut
The radiant cut has a square or rectangular shape with cropped corners, combining the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of a round cut. It’s a great option for those who want a lively, sparkling diamond but with a unique twist.
Best for: Those who want the best of both worlds—brilliant sparkle with a bold, modern shape.

Heart Cut
The heart-shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of love and romance. This shape requires precise cutting to achieve a perfect heart, and it is often chosen for engagement rings to make a deeply personal statement.
Best for: Those who want a romantic, symbolic shape that’s full of meaning and charm.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape for You

Selecting the right diamond shape depends on several factors, including your personal style, the ring setting, and even how you want the diamond to make you feel. Here are a few considerations to help you make the perfect choice:

1. Consider Your Personal Style
   Are you someone who loves classic and timeless designs, or do you prefer something more modern and unique? If you love traditional, sparkling designs, the round cut might be perfect. If you lean towards something more vintage-inspired, the cushion or asscher cuts could be more fitting. Think about what style will make you feel most confident and comfortable wearing every day.
2. Think About the Setting
   The diamond shape you choose should complement the setting of your ring or jewelry. For instance, round diamonds are incredibly versatile and work well in almost any setting, while fancy-shaped diamonds, such as marquise or pear, may require more specialized settings to highlight their unique shape.
3. Consider Finger Shape and Size
   Certain diamond shapes can create the illusion of longer or more slender fingers. Oval and marquise diamonds are great choices for this, as their elongated shapes can make the fingers appear more elongated. If you have shorter fingers, a diamond with an elongated shape may enhance their appearance, while round or cushion cuts work well for those with longer fingers.
4. Your Unique Personality and Preferences
   Ultimately, the best diamond shape for you is the one that resonates most with your personality and preferences. Do you like something simple and classic, or do you enjoy standing out with something bold and unique? Take your time to try on different shapes, view them from various angles, and consider which one makes you feel the most excited.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Diamond Shape

Choosing the right diamond shape is a highly personal decision that goes beyond simply picking a shape you find beautiful—it’s about finding one that fits your lifestyle, personality, and preferences. Whether you prefer the timeless sparkle of a round brilliant or the unique elegance of an emerald cut, the right diamond shape will feel like a reflection of who you are.

At Access Diamonds, we believe that everyone deserves a piece of jewelry that’s both beautiful and meaningful. Our collection of lab-grown diamonds offers you a chance to wear stunning diamonds at an accessible price, with the added bonus of being more sustainable for the future. No matter the shape, the most important thing is that your diamond feels perfect for you. After all, it’s not just about the sparkle—it’s about how that sparkle makes you feel.