The princess cut is a brilliant-style shape with sharp uncut corners. It was developed in 1980 by Betsalel Ambar and Israel Atzkowitz of Ambar Diamonds. A princess cut generally has 76 facets giving it more brilliance and fire than a round brilliant. The princess cut diamond is one of the most popular cuts of diamond along with the round brilliant cut. In terms of weight, princess cut diamonds weigh much heavier than round brilliant cut diamonds. A 1ct princess cut for example will have a measurement of about 6mm as opposed to 6.5mm as in the case of a round brilliant cut diamond.

Emerald Cut Diamonds are rectangular step cut diamonds with diagonally cut corners and two, three or four rows of facets, parallel to the girdle on the crown and pavillion. The look of an emerald cut diamond is subtle. When matched with outer diamonds, it is best to go for a similar cut of stone, such as baguette diamonds, tapering baguettes or smaller emerald cuts. The proportion of an emerald cut is typically a length measuring approximately 1.5-1.75 times the width, although variations are common.

Oval cut diamonds are brilliant cut with an elliptical girdle outline. It is also called an oval brilliant cut. It often appears larger than a round stone of the same weight. It was created in the 1960’s by Lasare Kaplan. A length to width ratio of 1.5:1 is a typical pleasing shape. Typically these stones have 56 facets.

The marquise shape is an elongated boat shaped brilliant cut with curving sides and pointed ends. It was developed in France in the 1740’s. It was supposedly named after King Louis XIV desired a stone to be polished into the shape of the mouth of the Marquise de Pompadour. This shape is also sometimes named Navette. Proportions vary, but a typical ration is 1.85 :1 to 2:1. The shape is something which is of personal taste with some people prefering a more narrow stone and vice versa. The typical marquise shape contains 56 facets.

The Heart Shape is a modified brilliant cut in the shape of a heart. Also known as a Heart Shaped Modified Brilliant. It has a crown shaped table, and typically has 59 facets. The heart shape diamond is perhaps the most romantic of all the fancy cuts. The length to width ratio is normally 1:1 but as with many shapes, variations are often found.

The Pear Shape Diamond is a variant of the brilliant cut. Also referred to as a Pear Shaped Modified Brilliant. This particular cut sometimes called pendeloque or teardrop has 56 – 58 facets. The name pendeloque is French and is related to our word for pendant. This is probably due to the pear shape diamond being a particularly good shape for use in a pendant.

Radiant cut diamonds have the same look as a princess cut with the exception of the corners which are polished. It is possible to get both square and elongated radiant cut diamonds. Typically they will fit into most princess cut settings and weigh similarly. Radiants are easier to find in the square or off-square proportions.

A Trilliant cut diamond is an unusual eye-catching shape. The name Trilliant is a combination of brilliant and triangle and sums up the shape perfectly. Usually cut with 44 facets, this is one of the more unusual yet striking cuts of diamond. It is possible to find a great variation in trilliant diamond sizes and weights, ranging from more deeply cut stones, to stones with a very large spread. The sides of a trilliant diamond can be straight, or can bow outward slightly with subtly curved edges.

The cushion diamond shape is made up of a square stone with rounded corners, and is an attractive alternative to the round brilliant or princess cut diamond shapes. Cushion cut is a generic name for the Old Mine Cut that was developed before the turn of the Century. The cushion diamond shape resembles a pillow, hence the name. It typically has 58 brilliant style facets.