Most popular diamond shapes - Discover the many options to create your beautiful Engagement Ring in Melbourne 

Diamonds are objects of fascination and desire. Revered for their rarity and brilliance, diamonds are the most coveted gemstone in the world. Their beauty not only lies in their brilliant sparkle, but also within the artistry of their shapes. These precious stones are cut and polished into a variety of irresistible shapes, each with timeless appeal. 

The diamond shape you chose for your engagement ring in Melbourne is a deeply personal choice - a symbol of your commitment and representation of your personal style.

 

Discovering Your Ideal Diamond Shape

Below, we will explore the ten most popular diamond shapes, showcasing their unique characteristics to help you select the perfect diamond for your custom engagement ring.

1. Round Brilliant Cut 

Round Brilliant Cut is the quintessential diamond shape, often the first that comes to mind when picturing a Diamond Engagement Ring. A true classic, the round brilliant cut is known for its exceptional sparkle and timeless elegance, it remains the most sought-after cut. Round Brilliant cuts are also the most valuable as their cutting process requires more rough diamond to produce the shape.

Round brilliant are the “queen” of diamond shapes, with approximately 80% of all raw diamonds discovered crafted into this iconic round shape. The round brilliant cut achieves the most remarkable fire and brilliance, featuring 57 crafted facets that bend light towards the centre of the stone and reflect it through the top of the diamond to produce the beloved rainbow sparkle. 

2. Oval Cut

Oval Cut diamonds are an elongated variation of the Round Brilliant cut. They offer the same dazzling sparkle but with a more slender and modern silhouette.

Oval diamonds are often selected for their ability to maximise their carat weight, as the longer shape covers a large surface area on the finger. These elegant proportions create the illusion of a larger diamond and flatter the wearer. With 57 brilliant-cut facets, Oval diamonds deliver a fiery appearance and make a striking, contemporary statement.

3. Marquise Cut 

Marquise cut diamonds are distinctive for their almond-shaped appearance with pointed ends. Historically referred to as the Navette shape (meaning little boat) this cut exudes regal charm

Marquise diamonds create the illusion of a larger stone due to their elongated proportions, making them ideal for maximising their carat weight. With 57 brilliant-cut facets, they deliver a bold, eye-catching shape that will flatter and slim the appearance of the wearer's fingers.

Marquise are steeped in history with the shape inspired by royalty and are a bold, yet charming choice.

4. Cushion Cut

Cushion cut diamonds feature soft, rounded corners in square or rectangular options, that resemble a cushion or a pillow. With their soft vintage appearance, they radiate warmth and charm.

This cut comes in two variations: The Cushion Brilliant Cut, with 57 facets in a star-like pattern, and the Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut, with 86 facets that enhance its sparkle. The Cushion Modified Brilliant is an antique style cut that resembles a cross between an Old Mine Cut (a deeply cut diamond with large facets - a style that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries) together with a modern Oval Cut diamond. Known for highlighting a diamond’s colour, Cushion Cuts are also particularly popular for coloured gemstones like sapphires and rubies for this quality. Their slightly larger facets create exceptional light dispersion, enhancing colour, creating a romantic and soft sparkle in diamonds. 

5. Radiant Cut

The Radiant cut diamond is unique, modern and ultra-glittery. With its rectangular shape and bevelled corners, it’s an exceptional choice for contemporary style engagement rings. 

Introduced in the late 1970s, the Radiant Cut combines the fire and brilliance of a Round Brilliant diamond with the elongated sophistication of an Emerald Cut. Featuring an incredible 70 facets, its intricate faceting pattern delivers a vibrant and glittery appearance. 

6. Emerald Cut 

Emerald cut diamonds are synonymous with sophistication and elegance. Characterised by their elongated rectangular shape and bevelled corners, they exude a chic and refined appearance.

Emerald cut diamonds feature a step cut faceting style that highlights a diamond’s clarity, showcasing high quality stones beautifully. Flawless diamonds will often be crafted into an Emerald cut shape due to this particular quality -  as the flat surface on the top of the stone offers a window to within the diamond. This cut features 57 long-lined parallel facets arranged in a geometric “hall of mirrors” style, producing exceptional brilliance (white sparkle) rather than a typical diamond fire (rainbow sparkle).

7. Pear Cut

Pear cut diamonds are a combination of the round brilliant cut and a marquise cut, forming a striking teardrop shape. This versatile cut is not only striking as centre stones, but are also often used as accents in trilogy rings as side stones.

Known for their high sparkle, Pear diamonds' unique shape with a single point and rounded end optimises light reflection. Impeccable symmetry and an excellent cut grade is essential for this diamond shape to achieve its bright and fiery brilliance.

Pear diamonds have a brilliant patterning arrangement and produce a fiery appearance. They are chosen for their rarity, beauty and elegance.

8. Princess Cut 

Princess cut diamonds are square-shaped with sharp, angular edges. Originally known as the ‘Profile cut’, the Princess Cut comes the closest to achieving maximum fire and brilliance with its clean, geometric appearance.

This cut features 57 facets, delivering a brilliant sparkle. With a surge in popularity around the 2010s, its modern and edgy design has made it a popular design for contemporary engagement rings.  

9. Asscher Cut 

The Asscher cut is a square version of the Emerald Cut diamond, featuring a step-cut faceting pattern with cropped corners. Its deep crown and parallel facets create a mesmerising, vintage-inspired effect. 

Asscher cut diamonds are renowned for their old-world glamour and refined beauty. They offer a sophisticated sparkle that emphasises clarity and precision with their long and geometric faceting pattern. Asscher shaped diamonds look sleek and are a standout choice for those seeking a unique and elegant ring. 

10. Heart Cut 

Heart cut diamonds are a truly special choice to represent love and romance. Featuring two rounded sides that meet at a pointed end, this cut requires exceptional symmetry to achieve its fire.

A heart-shaped diamond features a total of 53 facets, 31 from above the stone and 22 from beneath in the brilliant star-like faceting pattern. The heart cut diamond demands great skill to achieve its silhouette. The heart-shaped diamond has long been an associated symbol of romance. It is impactful symbol of romance and beauty 

Most popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings 

Knowing the most popular Diamond shapes is the perfect starting point for understanding your custom engagement ring options in Melbourne. Each diamond beholds its own charm lending themselves to breathtaking custom designs.

There are many elements to consider when choosing your diamond shape - Which shape complements your hand? reflects your style? and works with your chosen design setting?
Think about which shape you like, which sparkle you’re drawn too and which feels the most like you. Sometimes, you don’t know what truly resonates with you until you see it in person. A diamond shape that seemed appealing in photos might feel entirely different once it’s on your hand. The magic often lies in seeing the interplay of light and design with your own eyes.

Take the time to refine your preferences at JANAI and your dream engagement ring as timeless and personal as the love it symbolises.