When it comes to buying a diamond, the shape is one of the most important factors influencing a customer’s decision. Each diamond shape has its own distinct character, aesthetic, and appeal. While carat, clarity, and color often get the most attention, the shape of the diamond can deeply affect how it’s perceived—and how it connects emotionally with the buyer.

At CaratX, we understand that the shape of a diamond can convey a lot about personal style, values, and even personality. Whether you're buying for yourself or guiding your clients through a purchase, knowing the core shapes of diamonds and how they resonate with customers can help in making the best choice.

Let’s dive into 12 core diamond shapes and explore how each shape influences purchasing decisions and what it tells us about the preferences of customers.

1. Round Brilliant Cut: The All-Time Classic

The Round Brilliant Cut is the most popular diamond shape, accounting for over 60% of diamond sales globally. It’s the standard bearer for brilliance, with its 58 facets expertly cut to maximize light reflection. This shape appeals to those seeking timeless elegance and uncomplicated beauty.

Round diamonds are perfect for traditional buyers who value classic aesthetics. It’s often chosen for engagement rings because of its universal appeal and ability to showcase optimal sparkle, no matter the carat size. Customers who opt for this shape often prioritize reliability and tradition, and they want a diamond that will never go out of style. 💍✨

2. Princess Cut: The Modern Sparkler

The Princess Cut is the second most popular shape and offers a square, angular design with incredible sparkle. Its sharp corners create a bold yet sophisticated look, making it ideal for those who appreciate modernity with a touch of elegance.

Customers who choose a princess cut are typically drawn to symmetry, and they like a design that feels fresh but still carries the weight of classic beauty. It’s the perfect blend of traditional values and modern flair, often appealing to younger buyers who want to stand out with a unique engagement ring. 💎

3. Cushion Cut: The Soft, Romantic Choice

The Cushion Cut diamond has been popular for centuries, blending the brilliance of the round cut with the soft, pillow-like edges of a square. It’s romantic and elegant, offering a vintage charm that’s perfect for buyers who appreciate a softer, more delicate look.

Customers who opt for cushion-cut diamonds are often drawn to old-world romance and vintage aesthetics. The cut’s rounded corners create a softness that adds to its romantic appeal, often making it the top choice for sentimental buyers. 🌸💖

4. Emerald Cut: The Sleek and Sophisticated Choice

The Emerald Cut is a step-cut diamond, known for its clean lines and elongated rectangular shape. Its large facets create a striking "hall-of-mirrors" effect, emphasizing clarity over brilliance. This makes it a great choice for those who value understated, elegant designs over flashy sparkle.

Buyers who choose emerald-cut diamonds are often drawn to minimalism and appreciate the sleek, sophisticated look of this shape. They prefer diamonds that make a statement through their elegance and refinement, not their sparkle. This cut is for the sophisticated buyer who values luxury in simplicity. 🌟

5. Oval Cut: The Modern Twist on Tradition

The Oval Cut combines the brilliance of a round diamond with an elongated shape, offering a modern, flattering silhouette. It’s often chosen by those who want a classic look with a twist, and it can make the diamond appear larger than a round stone of the same carat weight.

Customers who opt for oval-cut diamonds are typically trend-conscious and love how the shape elongates the finger, providing a more contemporary, sleek design while retaining the brilliance of a traditional round cut. 💫

6. Marquise Cut: Dramatic and Distinctive

The Marquise Cut, with its pointed ends and elongated body, is for the bold and adventurous. This shape is designed to maximize carat size, often giving the illusion of a larger diamond. It’s ideal for customers who like to stand out and make a statement with their jewelry.

Marquise-cut buyers are often bold, confident individuals who appreciate a diamond that’s as unique as they are. They enjoy making an entrance and gravitate towards pieces that emphasize their individuality. 👑

7. Radiant Cut: A Brilliant, Bold Design

The Radiant Cut combines the brilliance of the round cut with the sleek lines of the emerald cut. Its distinctive shape offers versatility, with both a rectangular and square version available. This cut appeals to those who want maximum brilliance with a unique edge.

Customers who choose radiant-cut diamonds are typically drawn to bold designs that still carry an element of sophistication. They want shine and flair but without sacrificing elegance, and they enjoy having the best of both worlds. 🔥

8. Asscher Cut: Vintage Glamour

The Asscher Cut is a step-cut square diamond with cropped corners, often associated with a vintage look. It offers a blend of brilliance and understated elegance, reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Customers who choose this cut typically have a deep appreciation for vintage aesthetics and artistic design.

Buyers who prefer the Asscher Cut are usually drawn to uniqueness and history, valuing diamonds that feel more personal and distinctive than traditional cuts. They love the glamour and individuality that the Asscher Cut offers. 💎

9. Pear Cut: Elegant and Unique

The Pear Cut, or teardrop shape, is both elegant and bold. Its unique silhouette can be worn in multiple orientations, offering versatility to the wearer. This shape is ideal for customers looking for something truly unique and eye-catching.

Customers who choose pear-cut diamonds are often adventurous and creative. They love the idea of wearing something different and appreciate the versatility that this shape offers. 🍐

10. Heart Cut: The Ultimate Symbol of Love

Nothing says romance quite like a Heart Cut diamond. Its symbolic shape is perfect for expressing love and is often chosen for special occasions like engagements and anniversaries. It’s a bold, sentimental choice for those who wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Heart-cut diamonds are for the hopeless romantics, those who want to wear their love in the most literal way possible. ❤️

11. Trillion Cut: Geometric and Bold

The Trillion Cut is a triangular-shaped diamond that’s both bold and futuristic. Its sharp angles create a dramatic look that’s perfect for customers who want something geometric and different.

Trillion-cut buyers are typically forward-thinking and enjoy standing out from the crowd. They appreciate modern, innovative designs and aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of traditional jewelry aesthetics. 🔺

12. Baguette Cut: Clean and Minimalistic

The Baguette Cut is a step-cut diamond that’s often used as an accent stone but can stand alone for those who prefer clean, minimalistic designs. It offers a sleek, understated look that appeals to buyers who value simplicity and elegance.

Customers drawn to baguette-cut diamonds typically value refinement and love the clean lines this cut provides. They’re looking for something subtle, sophisticated, and timeless. 🌿

How Diamond Shapes Influence Purchase Decisions

The shape of a diamond plays a crucial role in a buyer’s decision-making process. Different shapes resonate with different personalities, and understanding the unique emotional and aesthetic appeal of each shape helps jewelers guide customers to the perfect purchase.

At CaratX, we make it easy for you to stock these core shapes so you can offer your clients the diamonds they’re searching for. Whether your customers are looking for the timeless beauty of a Round Brilliant or the bold flair of a Trillion Cut, we’ve got the inventory and expertise to help your business thrive.