The three least known diamond shapes (2024)

However, there are some less popular diamond shapes that certainly deserve their time in the spotlight. We've got three exceptional diamond-cuts that you've probably never heard of — or know little about — before now.

Let's dive in!

Radiant-Cut Diamonds

The three least known diamond shapes (1)

Ashley Bean

Pear

Radiant-cut diamonds boast 70 facets that result in a breathtakingly brilliant stone. They are either square or rectangular with beveled corners that create a unique silhouette for this cut. The radiant cut features step-cuts on its crown and brilliant cuts on its pavilion, which makes it a fun hybrid of the emerald and round brilliant cuts. Radiant cut engagement rings are also extremely versatile and can shine beautifully in a solitaire setting or add even more detail to an intricate vintage setting.

Pros of Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Radiant-cut diamonds are known for their ability to maximize a diamond's size, as they appear much larger than their carat weight would suggest.

Radiant-cut diamonds can effectively conceal both lower color and clarity ratings.

Cons of Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Poorly cut diamonds might include a bow-tie effect, and as the radiant cut is not a popular cut, your diamond search may be a bit harder than if you were looking for a more prevalent cut.

Well-cut radiant-cut diamonds are rare and can be difficult to find.

Marquise-Cut Diamonds

The three least known diamond shapes (2)

Emerald

Marquise-cut diamonds are known for their unique silhouette which resembles a football. The elongated oval shape is completed with two sharply pointed ends to create a look of distinction. This diamond shape is rare and is the perfect match for any individual who wishes to stand out from the crowd.

Pros of Marquise-Cut Diamonds

Marquise-cut diamonds appear larger than many other fancy-cut diamonds due to their large crown surface area.

Marquise-cut diamonds can conceal some imperfections from view.

Even diamonds with a little color are ideal for marquise-cut diamonds. As color was traditionally present in the cut several centuries ago, a bit of color can make the stone look more authentic.

Cons of Marquise-Cut Diamonds

Due to the sharp edges of the marquise-cut, you may be limited to certain settings to better protect your ring from damage.

When cut poorly, marquise-cut diamonds can feature a bow-tie effect, which is undesirable in this cut.

Asscher-Cut Diamonds

The three least known diamond shapes (3)

Gray Box Studios

Emerald Halo Ring

Asscher-cut diamonds are the lesser-known relatives of the emerald-cut. These square-shaped diamonds take the emerald cut’s famed step-cut and combine them with beveled, faceted corners to enhance the diamond's brilliance. It's an exceptional cut for those who are fans of the emerald-cut but want something a little off the beaten path.

Pros of Asscher-Cut Diamonds

Asscher-cut diamonds have a vintage appeal, as they were popular during the Art Deco era.

The famed step-cuts of the Asscher-cut create an illusion of depth in your diamond, drawing eyes wherever you go.

If you go with the Royal Asscher Cut, you'll have a diamond with 74 step facets instead of the traditional 58. The additional cuts mean more brilliance, shine, and depth for your stone.

Cons of Asscher-Cut Diamonds

Asscher-cut diamonds don't hide color or imperfections well, so you'll need to choose a diamond with at least a VS2 clarity rating and an H color rating.

As much of the Asscher-cut diamond's weight is below its pavilion, these diamonds will not appear as large as other fancy-cut diamonds when compared by carat weight.

If you're looking for a diamond cut that is as rare and unique as you are, then the radiant-cut, the marquise-cut, and the Asscher-cut are excellent starting points. That said, finding a skilled gemcutter or reputable jewelry that offers these rare cuts can be challenging, but oh so worth the effort!

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The three least known diamond shapes (4)

The three least known diamond shapes (2024)

FAQs

The three least known diamond shapes? ›

Pear-Shaped Cut

It's one of the least common engagement ring cuts.

What is the least popular diamond shape? ›

Pear-Shaped Cut

It's one of the least common engagement ring cuts.

Which diamond shape is the rarest? ›

It can be said that the diamond cut, Royal Asscher Cut, is a true rare diamond. Not just any diamond store can make this diamond cut as there are less than 75 people on Earth that are able to cut this type of diamond perfectly.

What is the most sought after diamond shape? ›

Round brilliant cut diamonds are easily the most expensive diamond shape. In part, that's because round is the most popular diamond shape. More than half of all the diamonds sold today are round diamonds. This incredible popularity means that diamond miners and retailers can charge more for such an in-demand shape.

What is the oldest diamond shape? ›

The polki diamond, the world's oldest cut, has also been described as 'softly glowing like the moon. ' It's a diamond style that seems to evoke a sense of dreamy romance, and it's being revived in contemporary new styles.

Which diamond shape is most elegant? ›

Cushion cut diamonds are known for their elegant design and typically have a lower price tag than their round counterparts. It reflects a delightful play of light and brilliance, similar to the round cut, but with a softer and more organic look.

What shape of diamond sparkles the most? ›

Round brilliant cut diamonds have the most sparkle among all shapes of diamonds. Round brilliant diamonds have 58 facets including the culet. This allows light to enter the diamond and reflect from every facet, thus, creating a beautiful sparkle.

What are the three rarest diamonds? ›

What Are the Rarest Diamond Colors?
  • Red Diamonds. The rarest of all colored diamonds, only 20 to 30 natural red diamonds exist in the entire world. ...
  • Blue Diamonds. Also incredibly rare are blue diamonds, which have only been found naturally in mines in South Africa, India, and Australia. ...
  • Pink Diamonds. ...
  • Yellow Diamonds.
Oct 30, 2021

What diamond shape is vintage? ›

Old European Cut: Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these diamonds have a round shape with a smaller table, a higher crown, and larger facets compared to modern brilliants, providing a charming, chunky sparkle.

Which diamond shape is timeless? ›

Always Timeless: Round Brilliant

The round brilliant is the most popular diamond and a great choice for the woman who appreciates classic style. A round brilliant cut diamond maximizes the amount of reflected light, giving it incredible sparkle, especially when compared with other cuts.

Which shape diamond has best resale value? ›

Popularity On The Market

For example, because round diamonds are the most popular and desired diamond shape, a round diamond will fetch a higher price on the secondhand market than, say, a marquise diamond with the exact same attributes. The more popular the diamond shape, the more those diamonds will fetch.

What is the most classic diamond shape? ›

The round cut has been around since the 1800's making it by far the most popular year after year. The round brilliant diamonds you see today were first cut by Russian mathematician Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. He helped the cut evolve to an ideal diamond faceting of 58 facets.

What diamond shape hides inclusions the best? ›

Many-faceted diamond shapes – such as round and princess cuts – are especially good for obscuring inclusions on the diamond's table.

What shape diamond looks best on fat fingers? ›

Try these diamond shapes for wider fingers:

Fancy diamond shapes, like ovals, marquise-shaped diamonds, teardrop diamonds, radiant cuts, or emerald cuts can create the illusion of a longer, slimmer hand.

What cut makes a diamond look the biggest? ›

Marquise Cut Diamond

The marquise diamond shape has the largest appearance of any shape. It has a similar elongated look as the oval and pear shapes, but both ends form tapered points. The marquise shape will always look the largest because those tapered points create the largest surface area of all the shapes.

What is the most popular shape of diamond ring? ›

1. Round- Still takes the top spot. According to GIA, more than 60% of couples choose a round diamond for their center stone. The round cut has been around since the 1800's making it by far the most popular year after year.

Which diamond shape sparkles the least? ›

Of all the diamond cuts, the baguette has the least amount of sparkle. Though its long rectangular shape and step cut facets give it an unusual and alluring appearance, it has far fewer facets than other cuts (an average of 14).

What diamond shape is the sparkliest? ›

Round Brilliant Cut

The round cut is the most brilliant or the most sparkling diamond cut. Fifty-eight facets (including the culet) are cut into brilliant round diamonds to allow light to pass through and reflect off each facet.

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