Diamond Shapes Guide: Which Lab-Grown Diamond Shape Is Right for You?

Round Brilliant: The Timeless Classic

The Round Brilliant is the most popular diamond shape in the world, and for good reason. Designed with 57 or 58 precisely arranged facets, it delivers the highest level of brilliance and sparkle of any diamond shape.

Its timeless appearance makes it suitable for every type of engagement ring, from simple solitaire designs to elaborate halo settings. Because of its enduring popularity, a round brilliant diamond never goes out of style and pairs beautifully with every precious metal.

If maximum sparkle and classic elegance are your priorities, the round brilliant is difficult to beat.

Best for:

• Maximum sparkle

• Traditional engagement rings

• Everyday elegance

• Timeless style

• All setting styles

Oval: Elegant and Modern

Oval diamonds have become one of the most sought-after engagement ring shapes in recent years. Their elongated silhouette creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers while appearing larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.

Oval diamonds offer beautiful brilliance similar to round diamonds but with a more contemporary appearance. They're an excellent choice for buyers who want something classic yet distinctive.

Why buyers love oval diamonds:

• Looks larger per carat

• Elegant elongated shape

• Excellent brilliance

• Modern yet timeless

• Flattering on every finger

Cushion: Soft and Romantic

Cushion-cut diamonds combine square proportions with gently rounded corners, creating a soft and romantic appearance. They have been admired for centuries and continue to be one of the most popular choices for vintage-inspired engagement rings.

Their larger facets produce broad flashes of light, giving the diamond a warm and inviting sparkle rather than the intense brilliance of a round cut.

Cushion diamonds pair beautifully with yellow gold settings and hidden halo designs.

Emerald Cut: Understated Luxury

Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds, emerald cuts feature long, elegant step facets that create broad flashes of light instead of traditional sparkle.

Their clean geometric appearance highlights clarity and craftsmanship, making them a favourite among those who appreciate minimalist luxury.

Because of their open facets, emerald-cut diamonds reveal inclusions more easily, making higher clarity grades particularly important.

Pear, Marquise, Princess and Radiant

These four shapes each offer a unique personality.

Pear-shaped diamonds combine the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a pointed tip. Marquise diamonds create maximum finger coverage and appear larger than many other shapes of the same carat weight.

Princess-cut diamonds deliver contemporary square brilliance, while radiant-cut diamonds combine the elegance of an emerald outline with the sparkle of a brilliant cut.

Each offers something different, making personal preference the deciding factor.

Quick comparison:

Pear – Elegant and distinctive.

Marquise – Appears largest.

Princess – Modern and geometric.

Radiant – Brilliant sparkle with clean edges.

Which Diamond Shape Looks Biggest?

Not all one-carat diamonds look the same size. Elongated shapes such as oval, marquise, and pear often appear larger because they spread more of their weight across the finger.

Round diamonds, although smaller in face-up appearance, deliver superior sparkle because of their precise facet arrangement.

If maximising visual size is important, elongated shapes often provide excellent value.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape

The best diamond shape is the one that makes you smile every time you look at it.

Consider your personal style, everyday lifestyle, preferred setting, and whether you value maximum sparkle or a more unique appearance. It's also worth viewing different shapes in person or through realistic product photography before making your decision.

Remember, there is no universally "best" shape—only the one that's perfect for you.

Before choosing your diamond shape:

1. 1. Decide whether you prefer classic or modern designs.

2. 2. Think about how much sparkle you want.

3. 3. Consider finger shape and hand proportions.

4. 4. Compare different settings.

5. 5. Stay within your budget without compromising on quality.

Final Thoughts

Every diamond shape offers something unique, whether it's the timeless brilliance of a round diamond, the graceful elegance of an oval, or the sophisticated simplicity of an emerald cut.

With lab-grown diamonds providing exceptional value, you have the freedom to choose the shape that truly reflects your personality rather than limiting yourself based on price alone.

At House of Diams, we carefully craft every engagement ring using certified lab-grown diamonds in a variety of beautiful shapes. Whether you're looking for timeless elegance or something more contemporary, our collection is designed to help you find the perfect ring for your forever moment.