Diamonds Shapes Pros and Cons: A Comprehensive Guide

When choosing a diamond for an engagement ring or another piece of jewelry, one of the most important factors to consider is the shape of the diamond. Diamond shapes not only affect the overall aesthetic of the jewelry but also impact the way the diamond sparkles and reflects light. In this article, we will delve into the various diamonds shapes pros and cons to help you make a more informed decision.

Round Diamond Shape: Timeless Elegance

Round diamonds are the most popular and classic shape. They have been a favorite choice for decades and are known for their timeless appeal. Round diamonds feature 58 facets that maximize the diamond’s brilliance, making them the most brilliant shape available.

Pros of Round Diamonds: Round diamonds are renowned for their incredible sparkle and light performance. Their symmetrical shape allows light to enter the diamond and reflect out from every angle, resulting in optimal brilliance. Their timeless appeal also ensures that they will never go out of style, making them a safe and enduring choice.

Cons of Round Diamonds: The main downside of round diamonds is that they are often more expensive than other shapes. This is because of the high demand for round diamonds and the fact that a significant portion of the rough diamond is cut away during the shaping process. Additionally, their popularity can make them less unique compared to other diamond shapes.

Princess Diamond Shape: Modern and Chic

Princess-cut diamonds have sharp corners and are often square or rectangular in shape. This shape is a relatively modern innovation, and it has gained popularity due to its contemporary style and the way it highlights a diamond’s clarity and brilliance.

Pros of Princess Diamonds: Princess-cut diamonds offer excellent sparkle due to their many facets. They are also more affordable than round diamonds because they use more of the rough diamond, resulting in less waste during the cutting process. This makes them a great option for those looking for a stunning diamond at a more accessible price point.

Cons of Princess Diamonds: The sharp corners of the princess cut can be vulnerable to chipping if not properly set or handled. While princess diamonds are highly brilliant, their corners can detract from their overall durability. Additionally, the princess cut is more modern in appearance, which might not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look.

Emerald Diamond Shape: Sophisticated and Elegant

Emerald-cut diamonds have a rectangular shape with truncated corners, creating a sleek and sophisticated look. Unlike other diamond shapes, the emerald cut does not focus on brilliance but rather on clarity and the elegance of its step-cut facets.

Pros of Emerald Diamonds: Emerald-cut diamonds are renowned for their unique, sophisticated look. The long, clean lines of the emerald cut make it appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. If clarity is important to you, emerald lab grown diamonds are a great choice because their large, open facets allow you to see the diamond’s clarity more clearly.

Cons of Emerald Diamonds: While the emerald shape has an understated elegance, it is not as sparkly as other shapes like the round or princess cut. The step-cut facets of the emerald cut do not reflect light in the same way, which means it may not have the same intense sparkle. Additionally, the emerald cut is often more expensive than other shapes because of its elegant look and the precision required to cut it.

Oval Diamond Shape: Elegant and Elongated

Oval diamonds are similar to round diamonds but have an elongated shape, offering a distinctive appearance with a touch of elegance. Their symmetrical shape is flattering to many, and they often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

Pros of Oval Diamonds: Oval diamonds are often sought after for their elegant and elongated shape, which can make fingers look slimmer. They also tend to have a larger surface area compared to round diamonds of the same weight, which gives them a striking visual impact. The oval shape also retains much of the sparkle and brilliance of a round diamond, thanks to its faceting.

Cons of Oval Diamonds: One downside of oval diamonds is that they can sometimes show a “bow-tie” effect—an area in the center of the diamond where light isn’t fully reflected, which can reduce its brilliance. Additionally, the elongated shape of the oval diamond might not appeal to everyone, and its distinct appearance may not match every style preference.

Cushion Diamond Shape: Vintage Charm

Cushion-cut diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets that create a distinctive, soft, and romantic look. This shape combines elements of both the round and square cuts, offering a vintage-inspired appearance that’s gained popularity in recent years.

Pros of Cushion Diamonds: Cushion diamonds have a unique vintage charm that appeals to many who are looking for something different from the more common diamond shapes. Their larger facets make them highly reflective, giving them a soft, romantic sparkle. Cushion cuts also tend to retain their beauty over time and look great in a variety of settings, from modern to vintage.

Cons of Cushion Diamonds: Cushion diamonds can sometimes lack the intense sparkle of round or princess-cut diamonds. Their rounded corners can also make them appear smaller than other shapes, and because they are less common than round diamonds, they may not appeal to those who want a more traditional or mainstream look.

Asscher Diamond Shape: Regal and Bold

The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut, but with a square shape and deep facets. This shape, often associated with vintage-style jewelry, creates a bold and regal look that appeals to those who appreciate elegance and history.

Pros of Asscher Diamonds: The Asscher cut’s deep, large facets give it a unique, bold look that combines both modern and vintage elements. Its square shape can make it appear more substantial than other diamond cuts, and the clarity of the diamond is easy to see due to the large facets. The Asscher cut offers a timeless, regal look that suits a variety of styles.

Cons of Asscher Diamonds: Like the emerald cut, Asscher diamonds do not produce as much sparkle as round or princess-cut diamonds, which could be a downside for some buyers. The Asscher cut can also be more expensive due to its vintage style and the precision required in cutting.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Diamond Shape

The shape of your diamond significantly affects its appearance and overall appeal. Each shape has its own set of pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on your style preferences, budget, and how much sparkle you desire in your diamond. Whether you choose a round, princess, emerald, oval, cushion, or Asscher diamond, understanding the pros and cons of diamond shapes can guide you to make a decision that’s perfect for you.