What are the Diamond Shapes?
Gemstones and Diamonds come in a variety of different shapes. Each of these shapes can be beautifully fashioned into many different cuts. Gemstone cuts differ in popularity, price, and overall, the amount and size of facets carved into the gem's surface within each category of shapes.
Brilliant Round - A Brilliant Round is a diamond or gemstone, cut with numerous facets so as to have exceptional brilliance. The shape resembles that of a cone and provides maximum light return through the top of the diamond. This popular cut has the perfect proportions and symmetry to optimise the diamond's brilliance and fire.
Princess - The Princess Cut is a relatively new diamond shape, and was created in the 1980s. It tends to be second in popularity after the Brilliant Round Cut. Displaying a high degree of brilliance, it is a unique and distinctive alternative to the popular Brilliant Round.
Pear - A Pear Cut Diamond is a modification of the combination of the Brilliant Round and Marquise Shaped diamonds. It is also known as a ‘Teardrop Shape', due to its round bottom and sides which taper to a point. The unique look of the pear shape helps to make it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewellery.
Oval - An Oval Cut Diamond is made very much like a Round Brilliant Diamond. The Oval diamond is seen most frequently cut into the standard 58 facet Brilliant pattern. They are another popular choice for engagement rings, or for any Diamond Retailer.
Marquise - The Marquise or Navette Cut Diamond (French for "little boat", as the shape resembles the hull of a sailboat), are the most commonly encountered modified Brilliants and can even create the illusion of greater sized Diamond.
Emerald - The Emerald Cut is traditionally rectangular and out of all of the diamond shapes, resembles the natural diamond shape the most. Regarded as an elegant cut stone, the emerald diamond does not have the same brilliance as the Round or Princess Cut. It is considered to be vintage in style, and less "flashy" than the other shapes. 
Asscher - The Asscher Cut diamonds are timelessly fashionable and make for exquisite engagement rings. This diamond boasts 8 edges and projects a distinct fire when cut correctly. The Asscher diamond also has a certain antique, elegant feel.
Radiant - A Radiant Cut Diamond has 8 edges, just like the Asscher Cut Diamond, but is longer in length. The Original Radiant Cut represents the fusion of the elegant Emerald Cut, along with the Brilliance of the Round Stone.
Cushion - The antique style Cushion Cut, also known as a Pillow-Cut or Candlelight Diamond, most often resembles a cross between the Old Mine Cut and a Modern Oval Cut. Although a Cushion Shaped Diamond is not as fiery or brilliant as many of the newer cuts, it has a romantic and classic long lasting look, inspiring difference. 
Heart - Due to its romantic symbolism, a Heart Shaped Diamond is commonly used in pieces that are bought as gifts for a Wedding Anniversary, or for Valentine’s Day. The stunning look of the heart-shaped diamond helps make it a fantastic choice for a variety of diamond jewellery.
