Whether it’s a classic round or elegant cushion cut, the shape of the diamond you choose is one of the biggest decisions you can make when picking a diamond ring.
We love diamonds and believe that each is unique and beautiful in its own way, but understanding the different shapes – and how they affect how the diamond looks on your finger and how it sparkles – can make it much easier to find the one that’s meant for you.
The different shapes of diamonds
Diamond shapes are categorised into two groups. The first, round diamonds, sometimes known as round brilliant cut, are the most traditional shape.
Round brilliant diamonds are the only kind to get an official cut grade from reputable, independent labs like the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA). All other shapes fall into a category dubbed ‘fancy shaped diamonds’. Here at Chupi, our fancy shape diamonds include cushion, emerald and oval.
Diamonds: cut vs shape
The cut of a diamond shouldn’t be confused with its shape. The term ‘cut’ refers to how a particular diamond’s facets interact with the light.
A diamond’s cut is one of the most important – and complex – parts of the 4Cs. According to the GIA, it’s a key factor in determining “how much fire, sparkle and brilliance” a diamond will have and requires high levels of both skill and artistry.
A guide to Chupi diamond shapes
Round
This is one of the most popular diamond shapes, with each of its 58 facets designed to maximise brilliance and shine.
Classic and timeless, round brilliant is most associated with a solitaire style ring, like Sparkle in the Wild, but of course also looks beautiful when flanked by other diamonds, such as with the Chupi You, Me & Magic.
Here at Chupi, we only source Triple Excellent diamonds for all of our round brilliant diamonds over .5 carat. This means that they have received an excellent rating in cut, polish and symmetry.
It's important to note that grey diamonds, which are valued for the unique internal patterns caused by the very inclusions traditional diamonds look to eliminate, don't get graded in this way.
Oval
The elegant, elongated shape of an oval makes it a universally flattering shape. With lots of the brilliance of a round diamond but a more unique shape, ovals also make stunning centrepieces in a ceremonial ring stack.
For a modern take on the traditional solitaire, you can choose to make a statement and wear an oval alone, as in our Moonlight ring, or flank it with tiny diamonds on either side, like in the Starlight, for a more classic feel.
Emerald
Unique and striking, the graphic lines and Art Deco feel of emerald-shaped diamonds have seen them soar in popularity.
Instead of the twinkle and sparkle of a round brilliant diamond, emerald-shaped diamonds, like the Chupi Victorian Clover Leaf, are ‘step cut’, leading to long, linear, mirror-like facets and flashes of shine that add to their unique appeal.
Cushion cut
If you love a diamond’s fire - the flashes of coloured sparkle that you can see when the stone is exposed to light (as opposed to its ‘brilliance’, which refers to the colourless or white light), then you have no doubt explored cushion cuts, as their larger facets mean that they tend to have a high fire.
Elegant but still contemporary, modern cushion cut diamonds like the Georgian are known for their soft and pillowy rounded edges. They are inspired by a vintage diamond called the Old Mine Cut, which dates back to the Georgian era in the 1700s.
Which diamond shape is best?
While round brilliant is the most traditional diamond shape, especially in engagement rings, no one shape is better than another, as it all comes down to personal preference and what makes your heart beat faster when you see it on your own hand.
However, if sparkle is your priority, the classic round brilliant has been specifically cut and designed to do just that.
Curious to discover what diamond shape is the one for you? Book a complimentary virtual engagement ring appointment to explore our collection.
