When it comes to diamonds, the shape is often the very first thing people notice. It influences how the stone sparkles, how it looks on the hand, and even what it says about your personality. With so many shapes available, it can feel overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most popular diamond cuts in 2025 — from timeless classics to trending favorites — and help you choose the one that reflects your style and story.
Round Brilliant Diamond – The Timeless Classic
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History: Perfected in the early 20th century, the round brilliant cut is by far the most popular diamond shape worldwide.
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Cut Details: 58 facets maximize fire and brilliance, giving it the most sparkle of any shape.
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Personality: Classic, elegant, and sophisticated. For those who value tradition and timelessness.
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Best Settings: Solitaires, halos, pavé bands, and three-stone rings.
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Pros: Maximum brilliance, universally flattering, always in demand.
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Cons: Typically more expensive per carat because of higher rough diamond waste.
Oval Diamond – The Modern Icon
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History: Gained popularity in the 1960s, but has surged in the last decade as celebrities and influencers embrace its elongated look.
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Cut Details: Similar facet pattern to the round brilliant, but stretched into an elegant oval.
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Personality: Contemporary yet romantic, ideal for someone who wants a fresh take on a classic.
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Best Settings: Solitaires, hidden halos, east-west orientations.
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Pros: Elongates the finger, offers excellent sparkle, looks larger than a round of the same carat weight.
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Cons: Some stones show a “bow-tie” shadow at the center if cut poorly.
Cushion Cut Diamond – The Romantic Vintage Favorite
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History: With origins in the 19th century, the cushion cut was once the most popular diamond shape before rounds took over.
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Cut Details: Rounded corners with a square or rectangular outline, soft “pillowy” appearance.
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Personality: Romantic, sentimental, with an appreciation for vintage charm.
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Best Settings: Vintage-inspired halos, double halos, or split-shank designs.
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Pros: Warm, romantic look; excellent fire.
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Cons: Doesn’t have the same brilliance as a round or oval.
Emerald Cut Diamond – The Sophisticated Minimalist
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History: Inspired by cuts used for emerald gemstones, it gained popularity during the Art Deco era of the 1920s.
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Cut Details: Long step-cut facets create a “hall of mirrors” effect with flashes of light instead of sparkle.
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Personality: Confident, refined, and fashion-forward. Often chosen by those who prefer understated luxury.
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Best Settings: Solitaire, bezel, or east-west orientations.
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Pros: Elegant, slimming effect on the finger, highlights diamond clarity.
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Cons: Less brilliance than brilliant-cut stones; inclusions are easier to spot.
Pear Shaped Diamond – The Statement Maker
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History: Developed in the 1400s, the pear (or teardrop) cut combines elements of the round and marquise shapes.
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Cut Details: One rounded end and one pointed tip, creating a dramatic silhouette.
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Personality: Bold, adventurous, and unique. For those who want to stand out.
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Best Settings: Solitaires, halo, or bezel. Can be worn with the tip up or down.
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Pros: Elongates the finger, looks larger than its carat weight, distinctive shape.
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Cons: Pointed tip can be prone to chipping; needs protective prongs.
Radiant Cut Diamond – The Glamorous Hybrid
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History: Introduced in the 1970s, it blends the elegance of an emerald with the brilliance of a round.
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Cut Details: Rectangular or square with cropped corners and brilliant-cut facets.
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Personality: Confident, bold, and loves sparkle with structure.
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Best Settings: Three-stone rings, solitaires, and halos.
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Pros: Lots of brilliance, durable cropped corners, versatile styling.
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Cons: Can show more depth (face-up size looks smaller compared to ovals).
Other Notable Shapes
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Princess Cut: A modern, square shape with sharp corners and brilliant sparkle. Great for contemporary styles.
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Marquise Cut: Football-shaped with pointed ends. Vintage-inspired, makes fingers look longer, maximizes carat weight face-up.
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Asscher Cut: A square emerald cut with step facets and vintage Art Deco glamour.
Which Diamond Shape Should You Choose?
When narrowing down your options, think about:
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Your Lifestyle – Brilliance vs. durability. (Radiant and round are durable, while pear and marquise tips need more protection.)
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Your Aesthetic – Classic vs. modern, subtle vs. bold.
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Your Hand Shape – Oval and marquise elongate fingers, round and cushion soften.
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Your Symbolism – Are you drawn to tradition, romance, or individuality?
Milano’s Perspective on Diamond Shapes
At Milano, we believe every diamond cut tells a story:
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Rounds for timeless romance.
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Ovals for modern icons (hello, Taylor Swift).
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Emeralds for sophisticated minimalists.
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Cushions for the romantics.
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Pears and Radiants for statement makers.
Our gemologists guide clients through not just the look, but also the cut quality, proportions, and settings that bring each shape to life.
