How to choose a diamond shape
Think about the jewellery she already loves. Clean, classic pieces usually pair with round or oval diamonds. Architectural, minimalist taste suits emerald, asscher or radiant cuts. Romantic, one-of-a-kind personalities often fall for pear, marquise or heart shapes. Then consider the hand: elongated shapes make fingers look longer and slimmer, while round and square shapes feel balanced on every hand.
Brilliant cuts and step cuts
Brilliant cuts use triangular and kite-shaped facets that break light into countless small sparkles. They hide tiny inclusions well and look lively in every light. Step cuts use long rectangular facets arranged like stairs. They show fewer, broader flashes and a mirror-like clarity, so they reveal more of the diamond's interior. That is why step cuts are best in high clarity grades, like the VVS–VS1 diamonds we use.
Shape comparison
| Shape | Facet style | Looks | Ideal length-to-width ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Brilliant | Maximum sparkle, timeless | 1.00 |
| Oval | Brilliant | Elongating, larger per carat | 1.30 – 1.50 |
| Emerald | Step | Calm, elegant flashes | 1.30 – 1.50 |
| Pear | Brilliant | Romantic, elongating | 1.45 – 1.75 |
| Cushion | Brilliant | Soft, vintage-inspired | 1.00 – 1.10 (square) |
| Marquise | Brilliant | Dramatic, largest per carat | 1.85 – 2.10 |
| Princess | Brilliant | Modern, crisp | 1.00 – 1.05 |
| Radiant | Mixed | Fiery and bold | 1.00 – 1.05 or 1.20 – 1.40 |
| Asscher | Step | Art Deco, mesmerising | 1.00 – 1.05 |
| Heart | Brilliant | Romantic statement | 0.90 – 1.10 |
Which shapes look largest?
Marquise, oval and pear diamonds show the most surface area per carat, followed by emerald and radiant cuts. Round diamonds carry more weight in their depth, so they look slightly smaller per carat, but they reward you with the most brilliance.
Protecting points and corners
Pear, marquise, princess and heart shapes have delicate points. We protect them with V-shaped claws or a fine bezel so the tips stay safe in daily wear.
Our signature: the Dutch Marquise cut
Alongside the classics, we love the Dutch Marquise cut: a geometric interpretation of the marquise with pointed tips and straight, clean sides. It feels architectural and modern, and it is one of the most distinctive shapes you can choose for an engagement ring.
