Round Brilliant - The round brilliant is the modern version of the round which has been refined for maximum shine. The round brilliant is by far the most popular and has the best angles for which to shine maximum brilliance.
Oval - An even, perfectly symmetrical design popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.
Princess - A square cut diamond that has refractive properties almost near round brilliant. The princess is the preferred square cut shape over radiant.
Emerald - This is a rectangular shape with cut corners. It is known as a step cut because it resembles stair steps. A stone of the Emerald / Baguette cut will usually be a stone of superior clarity and color.
Radiant - This square or rectangular cut combines the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round, and its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance.
Heart - This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.
Marquise - An elongated shape with pointed ends inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds
Pear - A hybrid cut, combining the best of the oval and the marquise, it is shaped most like a sparkling teardrop. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most compliments a hand with small or average-length fingers. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings
Cushion - Shaped very much like a cushion. They have rounded corners and large facets designed to increase their brilliance. While the larger facets increase the brilliance in these diamonds they can sometimes highlight flaws.
Asscher - Very similar in appearance to the emerald cut, the asscher cut is differentiated by a more square shape and the presence of a pavilion with rectangular facets. It is also characterised by its distinctive rounded corners.
