Choosing a diamond shape

Updated 16 October 2026

Shape is the first decision and the most personal one. Here are the six we work with most, and what each does well.

Round brilliant

The most faceted and the most brilliant. Rounds return the most light of any shape, which is why they cost more per carat. Classic in any setting. See The Mount.

Oval

A stretched round with nearly as much sparkle, and it looks larger for its weight. Look for a length-to-width ratio around 1.35 to 1.45. See The Curzon.

Emerald cut

A step cut: long, flat facets that produce broad flashes of light rather than sparkle. It shows clarity, so we use higher clarity grades. See The Grosvenor.

Pear

Round at one end, pointed at the other. It lengthens the finger and looks large for its weight. The point needs protecting, so we use a V-claw. See The Clarges.

Cushion

A square or slightly rectangular shape with rounded corners and large facets. Soft and romantic, and lovely inside a halo. See The Berkeley.

Radiant

The cropped-corner outline of an emerald cut with brilliant faceting, so it sparkles like a round. Robust, because there are no sharp corners. See The Brook.

Still deciding? Design your ring shows each shape in each setting.