Diamond shape reference
Diamond cuts,
at a glance.
“Diamond cut” can refer to a stone’s outline, its facet arrangement, or both. This visual guide compares 20 recognizable shapes and cutting styles used in fine jewelry.
Visual reference
Twenty distinct
diamond cuts.
The atlas includes familiar center-stone choices, geometric accents, and historic cuts. Names describe the face-up outline, facet style, or a familiar combination of both.
Brilliant
Round brilliant
The standardized circular brilliant style associated with balanced brightness, fire, and scintillation.Brilliant
Oval brilliant
An elongated curved outline that can offer generous face-up spread and a lengthening effect.Brilliant or mixed
Cushion
A square or rectangular outline with softened corners and many possible facet patterns.Brilliant
Princess
A square or rectangular brilliant style with pointed corners and lively faceting.Step
Emerald
A rectangular outline with cropped corners and broad, linear facets that create a hall-of-mirrors look.Brilliant or mixed
Radiant
A trimmed-corner square or rectangle combining a geometric outline with energetic sparkle.Step
Asscher
A square, cropped-corner step cut with strong symmetry and a deep architectural appearance.Brilliant
Pear
A rounded end flowing to one point; symmetry and protection of the tip are important.Brilliant
Marquise
An elongated outline with two points that can create a large face-up appearance.Brilliant
Heart
A symbolic outline whose appeal depends on balanced lobes, a defined cleft, and a crisp point.Usually brilliant
Trillion
A triangular shape with straight or gently curved sides, often used as a center or side stone.Step
Baguette
A slim rectangular step cut commonly used as an accent or side stone.Step
Tapered baguette
A baguette that narrows toward one end, useful for creating transitions beside a center stone.Varied
Hexagon
A six-sided outline available in step, brilliant, and mixed facet arrangements.Varied
Kite
A four-sided pointed outline used for geometric center stones, accents, and directional designs.Varied
Shield
A structured outline with a broad top and tapered lower point, often used in distinctive side-stone layouts.Historic
Rose cut
A flat-backed cut with a domed crown of triangular facets and a soft, reflective character.Antique brilliant
Old European
A predecessor to the modern round brilliant, recognized for broader facets and an antique light pattern.Antique brilliant
Old mine
A cushion-like historic brilliant with a hand-cut outline, high crown, and broad facet pattern.Three-dimensional
Briolette
A fully faceted drop cut designed to be viewed from all sides, often drilled or suspended.Use the terms clearly
Shape is not the same
as cut quality.
Shape is the outline seen face-up—such as oval, pear, square, or hexagon.
Cut style is the arrangement of facets—such as brilliant, step, mixed, or rose cut.
Cut quality describes craftsmanship and how effectively a diamond interacts with light. GIA’s overall cut grade applies to standard round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z color range.
Before choosing a stone
Review more than
the name.
Two diamonds carrying the same shape name may still differ substantially. Review the stone itself, its measurements, and how it will work within the intended setting.
Outline
Look for a recognizable, balanced silhouette with smooth curves or deliberate straight edges.
Proportions
Length-to-width ratio changes whether a fancy shape appears compact, balanced, or elongated.
Light pattern
Brilliant, step, mixed, and historic facet styles create different kinds of sparkle and contrast.
Setting protection
Points and corners may need V-prongs, bezels, or other protection suited to the design.
Reference standards: GIA’s guide to diamond shapes and cut styles, GIA guidance on diamond cut, and GIA definitions of gem-cutting styles.