Diamonds are not just stones; they are symbols of love, elegance, and personal expression. But what truly brings out the soul of a diamond is its cut. The cut defines how light travels through the stone, how it sparkles, and even what it symbolizes. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, designing jewelry, or simply fascinated by gemstones, knowing the different diamond cuts will change how you see these timeless treasures.
Here’s a deep dive into the 12 most iconic diamond cuts every jewelry lover should know.
1. Round Brilliant
The Round Brilliant Cut is by far the most popular diamond cut in the world, accounting for nearly 75% of all diamonds sold. With its 58 facets, it maximizes brilliance and fire like no other. Jewelers often call it the “classic love cut” because of its association with romance and eternity.
It’s no surprise that this cut is the top choice for engagement rings — the round shape not only reflects light beautifully but also never goes out of style. Timeless, versatile, and endlessly sparkling, the Round Brilliant is the gold standard of diamonds.
2. Princess
The Princess Cut brings a modern edge to traditional brilliance. With its sharp, square corners and unique faceting, it delivers exceptional sparkle while maintaining a bold geometric look.
Rumor has it that the cut was originally created in honor of a Belgian princess, symbolizing deep affection and devotion. Today, it’s adored by brides who want both glamour and a contemporary vibe. Princess cuts also tend to appear larger per carat compared to rounds, making them a smart choice for maximum visual impact.
3. Cushion
Also known as the Pillow Cut, the Cushion combines rounded edges with a square or rectangular outline. Its soft shape has made it a favorite for centuries — in fact, it was the dominant diamond cut before the Round Brilliant became popular.
Modern cushion cuts come in variations, including elongated cushions, giving buyers even more flexibility. They are often chosen for their romantic, vintage feel, making them perfect for engagement rings inspired by old-world charm.
4. Asscher
The Asscher Cut was developed in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, a master diamond cutter in the Netherlands. Its square shape, cropped corners, and mesmerizing step cuts create a hall-of-mirrors effect that draws the eye into the diamond’s center.
This cut became wildly popular during the Art Deco era of the 1920s, when geometric designs dominated jewelry. Today, it remains a favorite among lovers of vintage and architectural elegance. British royalty and Hollywood stars alike have worn Asscher-cut diamonds, cementing its reputation as one of the most regal cuts.
5. Trillion
Bold and striking, the Trillion Cut features a triangular shape with brilliant faceting. Its sharp angles create dramatic flashes of light, making it ideal for someone who wants to stand out.
Trillion cuts are often used as accent stones alongside larger center diamonds, but they are increasingly popular as solitaires in modern jewelry. They work beautifully with colored gems too, amplifying saturation and brilliance.
6. Heart
Few cuts are as instantly recognizable as the Heart Cut. Romantic, symbolic, and playful, it requires exceptional skill to perfect. A well-cut heart diamond should have perfect symmetry, with balanced lobes and a sharp, defined cleft.
The heart cut is a favorite for anniversary jewelry or statement pieces, as it directly represents love and devotion. Though less traditional for engagement rings, it remains a bold choice for those who want their jewelry to tell a personal story.
7. Oval
The Oval Cut is essentially a stretched version of the Round Brilliant. With its elongated silhouette, it not only sparkles but also creates an illusion of longer, more slender fingers.
One of its biggest advantages is surface area — ovals look larger than rounds of the same carat weight. Combined with their elegance and grace, ovals are a popular alternative to traditional round cuts for those seeking something classic yet unique.
8. Marquise
With its boat-like shape and pointed ends, the Marquise Cut is both dramatic and refined. Legend says it was commissioned by King Louis XV of France, who wanted a diamond cut that resembled the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour.
This cut is known for maximizing carat weight, often appearing larger than other diamonds of the same size. It’s ideal for those who want a glamorous, vintage-inspired piece with plenty of history.
9. Pear
Also called the Teardrop Cut, the Pear combines the best of round and marquise cuts. Its elegant taper creates a sense of flow and movement, making it especially stunning in earrings and pendants.
Pear-shaped diamonds symbolize tears of joy and emotional depth. When set in rings, they can be worn pointing up or down depending on personal preference. This versatility makes them a favorite for both classic and modern designs.
10. Elongated Cushion
The Elongated Cushion is a modern twist on the classic cushion cut. Its stretched proportions make it appear larger, and its thicker pavilion often helps preserve more of the rough stone during cutting.
This cut has become a celebrity favorite in recent years, combining vintage charm with a sleeker, more contemporary feel. It’s perfect for those who want a romantic cut with a modern edge.
11. Emerald
The Emerald Cut is one of the oldest diamond cuts still in use today. Its rectangular step cuts create broad flashes of light instead of fiery sparkle, giving it a hall-of-mirrors effect similar to the Asscher.
Because it reveals so much of the stone, emerald cuts require high-quality diamonds with excellent clarity. Their elegance is unmatched, often chosen by sophisticated brides and lovers of vintage aesthetics.
12. Radiant
Last but not least, the Radiant Cut combines the brilliance of a round with the shape of an emerald. With trimmed corners and brilliant-style facets, it delivers dazzling sparkle and a modern feel.
Radiant cuts are incredibly versatile, working well in both square and rectangular proportions. They are a bold choice for those who want maximum sparkle without sacrificing structure.
Final Thoughts
Every diamond cut tells a story. From the timeless brilliance of the Round to the romantic symbolism of the Heart, these 12 iconic shapes offer endless possibilities for expressing love, personality, and style. Whether you’re selecting an engagement ring or simply admiring the craftsmanship, understanding diamond cuts allows you to see beyond the sparkle — into the artistry and history that make each gem truly unique.