When you hear the word diamond, you might initially imagine shine, brilliance, and enduring beauty. Diamonds, however, are not only dazzling gemstones—they're statements of character, style, and personality. Your diamond's shape is usually the first thing that stands out to others, and it can say more about you than you know.
Each shape has a unique personality: some emanate elegance and poise, others express boldness, creativity, or romance. At Diamond Arc, we think your diamond should be as exclusive as your self. That's why we came up with this in-depth guide to the shapes of diamonds, their secret symbols, and which of them would suit you best.
1. Round Brilliant Cut – The Timeless Classic

The round brilliant is the most widely used diamond shape in the world. With 58 perfectly aligned facets, it is designed to shine with maximum fire and brilliance. Its own symmetry never ever goes out of fashion.
Personality Traits:
- Refined, classic, and classy.
- You are a believer in eternal beauty and eternal love.
- Dependable, secure, and value-based.
Style Match: You like stylish, elegant fashion options and admire subtle luxury.
Buying Tip: Princess-cut diamonds are resistant to depreciation and look stunning in every type of setting—solitaire engagement rings to diamond studs.
2. Princess Cut – The Modern Visionary

The princess cut is square (sometimes slightly rectangular) with sharp, clean corners. It blends brilliance with a modern touch, which makes it the second best seller after round diamonds.
Personality Traits:
- Bold, modern, and fashionable.
- You adore innovation and don't mind standing out.
- Dynamic and goal-oriented, with a sense of youthfulness.
Style Match: Ideal for trend-forward individuals who adore sleek minimalism combined with touches of glamour.
Buying Tip: Princess cuts tend to appear larger than similarly carat-weight round diamonds due to their cut, providing excellent value.
3. Oval Cut – The Graceful Individualist

The oval cut provides fire like a round cut but with a stretched, artistic appearance. Its long silhouette can stretch fingers out and make them look thinner.
Personality Traits:
- Dreamy, imaginative, and spontaneous.
- You mix tradition with contemporary style with ease.
- Renowned for your sophistication and future-thinking mind.
Style Match: You adore subtle yet distinctive jewelry that has a classic but non-trendy feel.
Buying Tip: Be on the lookout for a well-proportioned oval to prevent the "bowtie effect" (a shadow across the middle).
4. Emerald Cut – The Sophisticated Leader

Emerald cut is long and rectangular with step facets, providing a "hall of mirrors" type of look instead of hot fire. It emphasizes sophistication and clarity.
Personality Traits:
- Confident and poised, and commanding.
- You prefer elegance to extravagance.
- Intellectual and attracted to simplicity.
Style Match: Soft lines, fitted clothes, and a love of classic style.
Purchase Tip: Due to its open facets, emerald cuts demand greater clarity grades—flaws are more noticeable.
5. Cushion Cut – The Romantic Dreamer

The cushion cut has rounded, soft edges with an old-fashioned pillow-like look. Famed for its warm shine, it's a favorite for centuries.
Personality Traits:
- Warm, sentimental, and loving.
- You hold tradition dear but with a romantic twist.
- Dreamy, kind, and loving.
Style Match: Free-spirited creatives, adventurous romantics, and those who appreciate vintage but elegant styles.
Purchase Tip: Cushion cuts tend to display a "crushed ice" glint, adding an extra sparkle compared to other forms.
6. Pear Cut – The Artistic Free Spirit

Pear cut combines the sparkle of the round with the distinctiveness of the marquise, resulting in the teardrop shape.
Personality Traits:
- Innovative, adventurous, and expressive.
- You celebrate uniqueness and thrive on pushing boundaries.
- A mix of elegance and boldness.
Style Match: Suited for artistic personalities who love statement jewelry.
Buying Tip: Ensure the pointed tip is well-protected with a prong setting to avoid chipping.
7. Marquise Cut – The Confident Star

The marquise cut is elongated with pointed ends, originally designed to maximize diamond size and presence. It gives the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers.
Personality Traits:
- Glamorous, bold, and attention-loving.
- You’re ambitious and thrive in leadership roles.
- Confident with a sense of drama.
Style Match: Ideal for people who enjoy being seen and love show-stopping pieces of jewelry.
Buying Tip: Opt for an even cut to avoid too narrow or too wide.
8. Radiant Cut – The Joyful Optimist

The radiant cut combines the silhouette of an emerald with the sparkle of a round or princess cut. Its numerous facets provide sparkling brilliance.
Personality Traits:
- Cheerful, vibrant, and full of life.
- You exude a sense of positivity and spread cheer wherever you are.
- Active and spontaneous.
Style Match: Outgoing people who adore diamonds that mirror their vibrant personality.
Shopping Tip: Radiant cut diamonds are very skilled at hiding inclusions, so they are affordable for lower clarity levels.
9. Asscher Cut – The Vintage Sophisticate

Asscher cut: square step cut with deeply stacked facets and an unmistakable "X" in the middle. Popularized in the 1920s, it's an Art Deco classic.
Personality Traits:
- Polished, elegant, and history-loving.
- You adore vintage fashion and old-world sophistication.
- Reserved but compelling to be around.
Style Match: Antique jewelry enthusiasts and traditional sophistication aficionados.
Purchase Tip: Opt for a high clarity grade, since step cuts make it easier to see flaws.
10. Heart Cut – The Romantic Idealist

The heart cut is the ultimate symbol of love. Rare and unique, it makes an instant statement.
Personality Traits:
- Passionate, emotional, and deeply romantic.
- You’re expressive and wear your heart proudly.
- You value sentiment and meaning in everything.
Style Match: Perfect for those who embrace love and sentimentality in bold, expressive ways.
Buying Tip: Works best in slightly larger carat sizes, where the heart shape is more defined.
How to Select the Correct Shape
To determine what diamond cut is right for you, think of three things:
- Your Personality – Does the cut best represent your character and values?
- Your Lifestyle – Will the shape keep up with your everyday wear (for example, rounds and ovals are more resilient, and hearts and pears require special handling)?
- Your Style – Do you prefer contemporary looks, antique style, or classic timelessness?
At Diamond Arc, we think the perfect diamond is one that speaks to you. Whether you're a timeless round, a daring emerald, or a spontaneous pear, your selection should be about you.
Conclusion
Diamonds can endure forever, yet their cuts say something about you now. Every cut—traditional, modern, vintage, or daring—teems with a unique personality. Selecting the perfect diamond shape is not just a design choice; it's a reflection of your personality, style, and self.
✨ Find your ideal match in Diamond Arc's curated selection of diamond jewelry—where every cut speaks a story, and each glint represents you.