Choosing the perfect diamond begins with selecting the right shape. While many people use the terms diamond shape and diamond cut interchangeably, they refer to two different characteristics. Diamond shape describes the outline of the stone, while cut refers to how well the diamond has been faceted to maximize brilliance.
At Jacob Mercari, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds in a wide variety of shapes, helping you create a custom engagement ring that perfectly reflects your style and personality. Whether you prefer timeless elegance or modern sophistication, understanding the differences between diamond shapes will help you make a confident decision.
Round Brilliant Diamond
The Round Brilliant is the world's most popular diamond shape, accounting for the majority of engagement rings. Designed with 58 precisely placed facets, it delivers exceptional sparkle and fire.
Best for:
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Maximum brilliance
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Timeless style
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Every engagement ring setting
Perfect if you love:
Classic elegance that never goes out of style.
Oval Diamond
Oval diamonds have become one of today's most sought-after choices. Their elongated shape creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers while appearing larger than many other diamonds of the same carat weight.
Best for:
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Elegant, modern style
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Maximizing visual size
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Hidden halo and solitaire settings
Perfect if you love:
A sophisticated look with incredible brilliance.
Cushion Diamond
Known for its softly rounded corners and pillow-like appearance, the cushion-cut diamond combines vintage romance with modern sparkle.
Best for:
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Romantic engagement rings
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Vintage-inspired designs
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Halo settings
Perfect if you love:
Soft curves and timeless charm.
Princess Diamond
The Princess Cut is the most popular square diamond shape. Its sharp corners and brilliant faceting create outstanding sparkle while offering a clean, contemporary appearance.
Best for:
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Modern designs
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Solitaire settings
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Three-stone rings
Perfect if you love:
Contemporary style with exceptional brilliance.
Emerald Diamond
The Emerald Cut features long, elegant step-cut facets that emphasize clarity over sparkle. Rather than brilliant flashes of light, it creates a dramatic "hall of mirrors" effect.
Best for:
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Sophisticated minimalism
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Larger diamonds
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Bezel and solitaire settings
Perfect if you love:
Refined elegance with clean architectural lines.
Radiant Diamond
Combining the outline of an emerald cut with brilliant-cut facets, the Radiant Cut offers both sparkle and distinctive shape.
Best for:
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High brilliance
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Modern luxury
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Hidden halo settings
Perfect if you love:
Bold sparkle with a unique silhouette.
Pear Diamond
Also known as the teardrop diamond, the Pear Shape blends the brilliance of a round diamond with the elegance of a marquise.
Best for:
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Statement engagement rings
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Halo settings
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Modern elegance
Perfect if you love:
A distinctive and graceful design.
Marquise Diamond
Originally commissioned for French royalty, the Marquise Cut is instantly recognizable by its pointed ends and elongated shape.
Best for:
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Making fingers appear longer
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Maximizing visual size
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Vintage-inspired styles
Perfect if you love:
Dramatic elegance with royal heritage.
Asscher Diamond
The Asscher Cut resembles a square emerald cut with deeply trimmed corners and mesmerizing step-cut facets.
Best for:
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Art Deco-inspired jewellery
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Sophisticated styles
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High-clarity diamonds
Perfect if you love:
Vintage glamour with geometric beauty.
Heart Diamond
The Heart Shape is the ultimate symbol of love. Precision cutting is essential to achieve a perfectly balanced shape and exceptional brilliance.
Best for:
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Romantic jewellery
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Meaningful gifts
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Unique engagement rings
Perfect if you love:
A bold expression of love.
Which Diamond Shape Sparkles the Most?
If brilliance is your top priority, these shapes typically offer the most sparkle:
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Round Brilliant
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Oval
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Radiant
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Princess
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Cushion
Step-cut diamonds such as Emerald and Asscher offer a different kind of beauty, showcasing clarity and elegant flashes of light rather than intense sparkle.
Which Diamond Shape Looks the Largest?
Some diamond shapes appear larger than others, even when they share the same carat weight.
Shapes that often look larger include:
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Oval
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Marquise
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Pear
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Emerald
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Radiant
Their elongated proportions create a greater surface area, making them appear larger on the finger.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Every diamond shape is available in both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Both offer the same physical, chemical, and optical properties, with the primary differences being their origin and price.
At Jacob Mercari, we offer carefully selected natural and lab-grown diamonds in every popular shape, allowing you to create a ring that fits both your style and your budget.
Find Your Perfect Diamond at Jacob Mercari
Whether you're drawn to the timeless brilliance of a Round Brilliant, the modern elegance of an Oval, or the clean sophistication of an Emerald Cut, our team is here to help you find the perfect diamond.
Book a virtual consultation to explore our collection of natural and lab-grown diamonds. We'll guide you through every step of the process, helping you create an engagement ring that will be treasured for a lifetime.
