The round diamond is the most popular classic of diamond shapes. It has been around since the 1700s but has witnessed many developments to meet the beauty and the brilliance standards it’s at now. What makes it the most desirable? It has a superpower of maximizing the light return better than most other shapes.
Bulgari’s The Magnificent Inspirations high jewelry collection – “Gemme Straordinarie” ring featuring one round diamond
 
 

The Marquise cut diamond’s elongated shape flatters the hand and symbolizes true eternal love. Its name comes from the Marquise de Pompadour, for whom King Louis XIV of France had a stone fashioned to resemble her perfectly shaped mouth. Because this diamond is long, it gives the illusion of greater size. If disproportionate, a dark bow-tie shape will appear in the center of the diamond and to protect the two points and the finger of its wearer, it should always be set with prongs.
Les Blés de Chanel high jewelry collection – Légende de Blé earrings featuring 14 marquise-cut diamonds
 
 

The pear-shaped diamond is a fusion between the traditional round and the Marquise. Also called “teardrop”, its narrow end should be worn pointing towards the hand. From slim to wide, it comes in different dimensions. If you would wish a piece in which the diamond looks big, a 1-carat pear-shape will look larger than most 1-carat round diamonds. Make sure that the stone you chose doesn’t have any imperfections, as a dark bow-tie shape should never appear at its center.
Cartier Magicien high jewelry collection – Magie Blanche bracelet featuring a pear-shaped diamond
 
 

The Princess-cut is the most popular square shape among all diamonds and precious stones. It has the brilliance of a round diamond and the modern feel of hard edges, which makes it a fashion-forward choice. If this shape was your choice for an engagement ring and you are the kind of woman who works a lot with their hands or tend to be accidental, it might not be the most practical for you. It is also worth mentioning that a higher clarity is recommended for this shape as it allows the inclusions to be more easily seen. 
Dior à Versailles high jewelry collection – Boiserie Yellow Diamond ring
 
 

The oval shape is a twist on the traditional round diamond. It stands halfway between the Marquise cut and the round shape, as it is rounded, elongated and has that amazing sparkle. If disproportionate, it shows a dark bow-tie shape in the center.
De Beers’ Aella ring featuring an oval yellow diamond
 
 

The Emerald cut embodies elegant beauty. With its rectangular shape and cut corners, the bottom of the gemstone is cut to look like stairs – which makes them less scintillating. Its large facets don’t hide imperfections very well. Therefore, you need to choose the highest quality when searching for an emerald-cut diamond.
Tiffany & Co. – necklace from the Blue Book 2016, The Art of Transformation high jewelry collection
 
 

The cushion cut combines the characteristics of both the round and the oval. It resembles a pillow due to its rounded corners and its brilliance is increased thanks to its larger facets. Want a vintage-style jewelry piece? Nothing will serve you more than this shape.
Dior à Versailles high jewelry collection – Acanthe diamond ring

Nothing embodies true love more than a heart – or a heart-shaped gemstone. When looking for this rare shape, symmetry is key. It is extremely important that the two halves of the heart are identical. For the perfect heart diamond, larger diamonds are recommended because it’s more difficult to achieve this shape in smaller stones.
Graff – Heart-shape diamond necklace