Understanding Diamond Shapes: Which One Is Right for You?
Your guide to finding the perfect diamond cut to match your style, story, and sparkle.
When it comes to designing your dream diamond engagement ring, one of the most important decisions is choosing the diamond shape. More than just an aesthetic choice, the shape of your diamond sets the tone for your ring - it reflects your personality, personal style, and becomes a symbol of your unique love story. From the soft sparkle of an oval to the bold brilliance of a radiant, each cut carries its own charm and character.
At Affinity Diamonds, we handcraft each ring in our workshop to suit your vision. In this guide, we explore some of the most beloved diamond cuts, each one offering a unique blend of elegance, individuality, and timeless appeal. Whether you're drawn to a classic, romantic aesthetic or modern sophistication, there's a perfect diamond cut waiting for you…
Emerald Cut - Elegant, Sophisticated and Understated
If you’re drawn to subtle sophistication and a touch of old-Hollywood glamour, the emerald cut diamond might just be your perfect match. Known for its sleek lines and elegant silhouette, this cut appeals to those who appreciate understated beauty and refined luxury. Rather than dazzling with fiery sparkle, the emerald cut offers a mirror-like shine that exudes quiet confidence and timeless charm. It’s a popular choice for minimalist brides too.
Best for: Understated glamour, vintage-inspired designs
Why we love it: Its step-cut facets highlight the clarity of your diamond
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Oval Cut - Modern, Romantic and Flattering
The oval cut diamond offers timeless appeal with a contemporary twist. With its graceful, elongated shape, this cut offers a fresh take on the traditional round diamond shape. Not only does the oval cut catch the light beautifully, but its flattering shape also creates the illusion of longer, more slender fingers. It’s ideal for those who want something classic, yet a little unexpected.
Best for: Modern romantics, elongated silhouettes
Why we love it: Maximises sparkle while feeling unique and refined
View Oval Cut Engagement Rings Here
Radiant Cut - Classic, Sparkling and Bold
As its name suggests, the radiant cut diamond shines with unmatched fire and brilliance. Combining the elegant shape of an emerald diamond shape with the dazzling facets of a round, it’s perfect for someone who wants both structure and sparkle.
Best for: Brilliance lovers who appreciate clean lines
Why we love it: Its 70 facets create intense sparkle and depth
View Radiant Cut Engagement Rings Here
Princess Cut - Bold, Geometric and Glamorous
True to its name, the princess cut brings a touch of royalty to any ring. A square or slightly rectangular shaped brilliant cut diamond shape with angular edges and brilliant sparkle, this modern classic offers a bold, geometric sparkle that’s both elegant and eye-catching. It's the perfect choice for those who want a diamond that feels glamorous, yet contemporary and stylish.
Best for: Contemporary style, bold personalities
Why we love it: A perfect blend of tradition and trend
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Round Brilliant Cut - Timeless, Iconic and Brilliant
When it comes to diamond cuts, the round brilliant reigns supreme, boasting 58 precisely placed facets engineered to maximise brilliance, fire and scintillation - the flashes of light and dark that appear as a diamond moves. Instantly recognisable, this classic cut offers superior light performance, and timeless appeal that has ensured it remains the most popular of the diamond shapes. Perfect for traditionalists and minimalists alike, the round brilliant cut is a symbol of enduring beauty and elegance that never goes out of style.
Best for: Classic romantics and timeless design
Why we love it: The most brilliant of all diamond shapes
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Asscher Cut - Vintage, Rare and Refined
Channeling Art Deco’s enduring allure, the Asscher cut is a bold square shape with stepped facets and a deeply symmetrical design. Loved for its striking symmetry, it shares similarities with the emerald cut but with a more dramatic presence. Once a rare find, the Asscher cut is quickly gaining popularity amongst lovers of vintage glamour.
Best for: Unique yet timeless aesthetics
Why we love it: Its symmetry and history make it truly captivating
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Marquise Cut - Trend Setting, Statement-Making and Unique
If you love diamonds with drama, the marquise cut is a perfect match. With its elongated, tapered shape and pointed ends, this cut brings an individual flair that's both elegant and edgy - perfect for the fashion-forward bride. Its unique silhouette not only makes a bold statement but also creates a long, slender illusion to the hand and fingers.
Best for: Bold tastes and dramatic style
Why we love it: Creates the illusion of a larger carat weight
View Marquise Cut Engagement Rings Here
Cushion Cut - Soft, Romantic and Versatile
Can’t decide between different diamond shapes? The cushion cut diamond, with its pillow-like shape and rounded corners, might be your ideal middle ground. It’s a versatile, romantic option for those who appreciate both sparkle and softness and can be cut into either a square or a rectangular shape offering versatility in design. Cushion cuts are known for their brilliant cut faceting, which maximises light return and creates a captivating sparkle. With roots tracing back to the 18th century, cushion cut diamonds have a vintage aesthetic that makes them a popular choice for those seeking a classic, timeless feel.
Best for: Vintage-inspired and romantic ring designs
Why we love it: A dreamy blend of tradition and charm
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Pear Cut - Graceful, Bold and Feminine
With its distinctive teardrop shape, the pear shaped diamond combines the best of both worlds: the brilliance or a round and graceful elegance of a marquise. A pear cut diamond is considered to have a “modified brilliant cut” because it blends the facet patterns of both oval and marquise cuts. Ideal for those who want a one of a kind shape that still feels timeless, the pear cut’s elongated form can feature in various settings including solitaire, halo and side stone settings and may be worn with the point facing towards or away from the hand.
Best for: Individualists who love elegance with an edge
Why we love it: Its asymmetry catches the eye in all the right ways
View Pear Cut Engagement Rings Here
Choosing the Perfect Diamond Shape for Your Love Story
Choosing the right diamond cut is a deeply personal journey - one that lays the foundation for a ring that’s as unique and special as your love story. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond, the vintage charm of an Asscher cut, or the bold elegance of a pear cut, each shape tells its own story and offers its own unique design possibilities.
At Affinity Diamonds we specialise in creating bespoke engagement rings that are tailored to you. Our experts in Sydney and Brisbane will guide you through every step.
Book your private consultation today and let us bring your dream ring to life. View over 50+ styles for inspiration, and let our expert team guide you to choose a cut that speaks to your heart for an engagement ring handcrafted with care, precision and a touch of magic. Book Now