The Complete Guide to
Diamond Shapes
Every diamond shape tells its own story. From the timeless Round to the architectural Asscher — discover all 14 shapes we offer and find the one that speaks to you.
A diamond’s shape is the first thing you see and the last thing you forget. It defines the silhouette of a ring, the personality of a piece, and the statement it makes. At Shreeji Diamond, we manufacture and supply 14 distinct shapes — from the world’s most popular Round Brilliant to the sleek geometry of a Baguette — each available in both natural and lab grown, certified and ready to ship.
Every Diamond Shape, Explained
The Round Brilliant is the undisputed classic — accounting for over 60% of all diamond purchases worldwide. Its 58 precisely calculated facets are engineered for one purpose: maximum light return. Each facet is angled to capture incoming light, refract it internally, and return it through the table as the brilliant white and spectral fire we call sparkle. The result is a diamond that forgives minor inclusions and slight colour grades by simply outshining them. If you want the most luminous, most emotionally resonant, and most universally flattering shape, the Round is where you begin.
A square brilliant cut with sharp, unclipped corners. The Princess delivers exceptional brilliance in a contemporary silhouette — bold, architectural, and instantly recognisable. The second most popular shape in the world and a perennial favourite for solitaire engagement rings.
The Oval combines the brilliance of a Round with a flattering elongated outline that creates the illusion of greater size — and visually lengthens the finger. One of the fastest-growing shapes of the past decade, beloved by designers and wearers alike.
A square or slightly rectangular shape with softly rounded corners — like a pillow. Known for exceptional fire and a warm, romantic character that evokes antique jewellery. The Cushion was the dominant cut for centuries before the Round emerged.
The Cushion Elongated takes everything beloved about the classic Cushion and stretches it into a rectangular outline. It delivers the same soft-cornered romance but with a more contemporary silhouette that flatters the hand and pairs beautifully with east-west and bezel settings.
The Emerald cut is a rectangular step-cut with clipped corners and long, parallel facets arranged in descending steps. Rather than returning light as sparkle, it creates a dramatic hall-of-mirrors effect — slow, sweeping flashes of light and dark that feel deeply sophisticated. Uncompromising clarity is essential; this cut hides nothing.
The Asscher is a square step-cut with deeply clipped corners forming a distinctive octagonal outline. Its concentric square facets create a mesmerising X pattern when viewed from above. Deeply associated with the Art Deco era, the Asscher is bold, geometric, and unmistakably chic.
The Radiant is a rectangular or square shape with clipped corners and a brilliant-cut facet pattern — combining the clean lines of an Emerald with the extraordinary light return of a Round. It is the ideal choice for those who want a rectangular shape without sacrificing sparkle.
The Pear, or teardrop, is a hybrid of the Round and Marquise — rounded at the base, tapering to a single point at the top. It combines brilliant faceting with an asymmetric silhouette that slims the finger and creates a distinctly graceful, feminine statement. Often worn point-up or point-down on the finger.
The Marquise — also called navette — is an elongated brilliant-cut shape with two pointed ends. Legend has it the shape was commissioned by Louis XV to mimic the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. It maximises carat weight perception, appearing larger than its actual weight, and dramatically elongates the finger.
The Heart is the ultimate romantic gesture in diamond form. A modified brilliant cut requiring exceptional skill to achieve a perfectly symmetrical cleft and uniform lobes. Most impactful at 0.5ct and above, where the silhouette becomes clearly defined. A powerful choice for pendants, solitaires, and anniversary gifts.
The Trillion — also called Trilliant or Trillian — is a triangular brilliant cut with three equal sides and either sharp or gently curved edges. Its triangular facet arrangement creates a distinct, fiery brilliance unlike any other shape. Exceptional as a centre stone or as a matched pair flanking a solitaire.
The Baguette is a slim, rectangular step-cut with perfectly parallel sides and sharp, unclipped corners. Its clean, linear geometry is the backbone of classic jewellery design — used in channel-set eternity bands, Art Deco pieces, and as flanking stones in three-stone rings. Precision is everything; every inclusion is visible.
The Taper Baguette shares the Baguette’s step-cut faceting but features one end slightly narrower than the other, creating a wedge or trapezoid outline. This gradual taper makes it ideal for flanking a centre stone, guiding the eye inward and framing solitaires with architectural precision. A hallmark of fine jewellery design.
Shape Comparison at a Glance
Use this table to compare all 14 shapes across cut type, best use, and relative popularity — ideal for deciding which shape to prioritise when sourcing or buying.
| # | Shape | Cut Type | Best Known For | Primary Use | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Round Brilliant | Brilliant | Maximum brilliance, universal appeal | Solitaire, all settings | |
| 02 | Princess | Brilliant | Modern, square, bold corners | Solitaire, channel set | |
| 03 | Oval | Brilliant | Elongates finger, large appearance | Solitaire, halo | |
| 04 | Cushion | Mixed | Vintage fire, romantic character | Solitaire, halo, pavé | |
| 05 | Cushion Elongated | Mixed | Modern cushion, rectangular outline | East-west, bezel, solitaire | |
| 06 | Emerald | Step Cut | Hall-of-mirrors, architectural drama | Solitaire, three-stone | |
| 07 | Asscher | Step Cut | Art Deco X pattern, octagonal | Solitaire, vintage settings | |
| 08 | Radiant | Mixed | Rectangle with brilliant sparkle | Solitaire, halo, three-stone | |
| 09 | Pear | Brilliant | Teardrop silhouette, graceful | Pendant, solitaire, drop earrings | |
| 10 | Marquise | Brilliant | Two points, elongated, appears large | Solitaire, east-west setting | |
| 11 | Heart | Fancy | Romantic symbolism | Pendant, solitaire, gift | |
| 12 | Trillion | Brilliant | Triangular fire, unique geometry | Centre stone, side stone pair | |
| 13 | Baguette | Step Cut | Linear precision, classic accent | Side stone, channel band, accent | |
| 14 | Taper Baguette | Step Cut | Wedge taper, frames centre stone | Flanking / side stone |
“Shape is the language a diamond speaks before you know anything else about it. Choose the one that says what you want to say.”
— Shreeji Diamond · Bangkok · Natural & Lab Grown Diamond Manufacturers
Shreeji Diamond
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Perfect Shape?
All 14 shapes are available in natural and lab grown, GIA and IGI certified, with same-day availability in Bangkok and international shipping worldwide.