Guide to diamond shapes

The 58 facets of a round-cut diamond reflect light off each other and through its top, resulting in brilliant flashes of fire and light. This shape offers the greatest flexibility in balancing carat, cut, color, clarity grade and price. It stands out in everything from classic solitaires to statement styles.

It takes high grades for color and clarity to turn an emerald-cut diamond into a gleaming hall of mirrors. Long, step-cut facets run parallel to each other, making this geometric diamond perfect for Art Deco, minimalist and vintage-inspired settings. Wear it vertically to lengthen the fingers, or turn it on its side in a modern east-west design.

This versatile engagement ring shape holds the spotlight in any setting, from vintage-inspired to the latest styles. Its elongated form makes the oval diamond shape look bigger than shapes with the same carat weight and has a lengthening effect on the finger. Try an on-trend twist with an east-west setting.

The marquise diamond started with a story: inspired by his lover’s perfect lips, King Louis XV commissioned this unique shape in the mid-1700s. Its elongated shape has more visible surface area than other cuts of the same weight, enhancing the finger-lengthening effect and creating the illusion of a larger diamond. The marquise shape is brilliant cut for sparkle and the pointed tips give it dramatic flair.

Unapologetic romantics adore a heart-shaped diamond — the unmistakable symbol of true love. Balancing symmetry and maximizing brilliance takes expert craftsmanship, so the right ring style will showcase the heart shape and protect its delicate point. Whether you prefer a whimsical look, something sweet or going loud and proud, consider a prong or bezel setting.

Helzberg jewelry experts know that diamond shapes are about more than aesthetics. What kind of sparkle makes you light up? What’s your signature style? What story do you want to tell? We’ll help you ask the right questions to find the diamond shape that’s right for your ring.