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Educational Guides
Education > Diamonds > Shape
Shape
The shape of a diamond refers to its outline when viewed from the top and is the first decision you need to make when choosing a diamond.

Round Diamond Round
The Round brilliant-cut diamond is by far the most popular shape available today. Researchers have perfected the art of cutting this shape for over a century to ensure maximum fire and brilliance. Round diamonds are also the easiest shape in which to hide imperfections. Round cut diamonds give you the most flexibility when trying to balance the 4Cs with your budget. View our selection of Round Cut Diamonds.
Princess Diamond Princess
The Princess cut diamond has pointed corners and is traditionally square in shape. This shape combines the brilliance of a Round cut and the contemporary shape of an Emerald or Square cut to create one of the most popular shapes for engagement rings. View our selection of Princess Cut Diamonds.
Emerald Diamond Emerald
The Emerald cut diamond has a large table, or top, which highlights the clarity of a diamond. It has a rectangular shape with cut corners that are also known as a “step cut” because of their resemblance to stair steps. Make sure to consider the color and clarity of your diamond carefully since this shape can more easily show inclusions and color defects. If you prefer an emerald cut with a square outline then consider an Asscher cut diamond. View our selection of Emerald Cut Diamonds.
Asscher Diamond Asscher
This unique shape is almost identical to the Emerald cut except that it is square. It has a large table, or top, which highlights the clarity of a diamond. Make sure to consider the color and clarity of your diamond carefully since this shape can more easily show inclusions and color defects. View our selection of Asscher Cut Diamonds.
Marquise Diamond Marquise
The unique shape of a Marquise cut diamond makes it appear much larger than other shapes of similar carat size. The elongated shape flatters the hand by making fingers appear long and slender. View our selection of Marquise Cut Diamonds.
Oval Diamond Oval
Oval diamonds are popular because their elongated shape flatters the hand by making fingers appear long and slender. The Oval cut diamond has striking brilliance and a softer look that is similar to a Round cut. View our selection of Oval Cut Diamonds.
Radiant Diamond Radiant
The outline of the Radiant cut diamond is similar to the elegant Emerald cut, however the Radiant’s facets are arranged to create a much more brilliant return of light. Trimmed corners help make this a popular and versatile choice in all types of jewelry. View our selection of Radiant Cut Diamonds.
Pear Diamond Pear
Also called a teardrop, the Pear cut diamond features a rounded end that dissolves into a single point. The unique shape helps make this a popular and versatile choice in all types of jewelry. View our selection of Pear Cut Diamonds.
Heart Diamond Heart
Mimicking the universal symbol for love, Heart shape diamonds are a distinctive choice for all types of diamond jewelry. View our selection of Heart Cut Diamonds.
Cushion Diamond Cushion
Also known as “pillow cut”, Cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners and large facets to increase light refraction. This distinctive shape has been popular for more than a century but has recently been in more demand as interest in vintage style jewelry has surged. Make sure to consider the color and clarity of your diamond carefully since this shape can more easily show inclusions and color defects. View our selection of Cushion Cut Diamonds.

The experts at Charleston Gold & Diamond Exchange can help you choose the stone that is right for you. Visit the store to speak with one of our certified diamond experts today or view our inventory online.

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