From Round to Radiant: Exploring Our Most Popular Diamond Shapes

Choosing a diamond is a deeply personal experience. While carat weight, colour, clarity and cut all play an important role, the shape of a diamond is often what captures the heart first. It defines the overall character of the ring, influences how the diamond catches the light, and reflects your individual style.

Here, we explore our most popular diamond shapes and what makes each one special, helping you discover the diamond that best suits your personality, lifestyle and aesthetic.

Published on 16th October 2026

Why Diamond Shape Matters

Diamond shape refers to the outline of a stone when viewed from above. It is often confused with diamond cut, which measures how well a diamond has been proportioned and faceted to maximise brilliance.

The shape you choose can dramatically influence a ring's appearance. Some diamond shapes create the illusion of greater size, while others emphasise brilliance, elegance or vintage charm. The right choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, but understanding the characteristics of each shape can make the selection process far easier.

Round Brilliant: The Timeless Classic

The round brilliant diamond remains the world's most popular diamond shape, admired for its exceptional sparkle and enduring appeal. Featuring 58 expertly arranged facets, it has been designed to maximise light return, producing unparalleled fire and brilliance.

Elegant, versatile and effortlessly timeless, a round brilliant diamond suits virtually every style of setting, from classic solitaires to intricate halo designs.

Oval: Elegant and Contemporary

Oval diamonds have become increasingly sought-after in recent years, offering a sophisticated alternative to the traditional round brilliant.

Their elongated silhouette creates the illusion of greater size while also making a finger appear longer and more slender when set into a ring. Oval diamonds deliver excellent brilliance and possess a soft, graceful appearance that balances classic elegance with modern style.

Princess: Modern Brilliance

The princess cut diamond is the most popular square-shaped diamond and is renowned for its striking sparkle.

Characterised by sharp corners and clean geometric lines, the princess cut offers a contemporary appearance while maintaining excellent brilliance. When set in a solitaire style, a princess-cut diamond creates a bold and confident statement without sacrificing elegance.

Emerald: Understated Luxury

The emerald cut diamond is a masterclass in sophistication. Unlike round brilliant diamonds that focus on sparkle, the emerald cut highlights a diamond's clarity through its long, elegant step facets.

Its distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect creates flashes of light rather than intense scintillation, resulting in a refined and understated appearance. The elongated rectangular shape also creates the illusion of a larger stone.

Pear: Distinctive and Graceful

Combining the brilliance of a round diamond with the elongated shape of a marquise, the pear-shaped diamond offers a beautifully unique appearance.

When set into a ring its teardrop silhouette creates a flattering, elongating effect, and can be worn with either the point facing up or down, depending on personal preference.

Marquise: Maximum Visual Impact

Originally commissioned by French royalty, the marquise cut diamond is instantly recognised by its elongated shape and pointed ends.

One of the longest diamond shapes available, it creates the illusion of a larger carat weight and offers exceptional coverage. Its distinctive appearance delivers undeniable presence, making it a favourite among those seeking a statement diamond.

Radiant: The Best of Both Worlds

The radiant cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round brilliant diamond with the elegant outline of an emerald cut.

Its trimmed corners and intricate faceting create outstanding sparkle while maintaining a sophisticated rectangular or square shape.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape for You

The perfect diamond shape is ultimately the one that resonates most with you. Some individuals are drawn to the timeless brilliance of a round brilliant diamond, while others prefer the elegant proportions of an oval or the understated sophistication of an emerald cut.

Your choice should reflect not only your personal style but also how you want your jewellery to feel and be enjoyed for years to come.

Discover Your Perfect Diamond at Brufords

At Brufords, we understand that selecting a diamond is about more than simply choosing a shape.

Our experienced team is here to guide you through every aspect of the diamond selection process, helping you compare different diamond shapes and discover the perfect diamond for life's most meaningful moments.