The Most Popular Diamond ShapesDiamond shapes refers to the actual shape that the stone has been transformed into by a skilful gem cutter. All diamonds shapes - except for the round - are called Fancy Cut. The round shape is called the Brilliant Cut and is the most popular shape for cut diamonds. The shape that you choose will affect the price of the finished stone. If you choose the round diamond shape you may find that it is more expensive than the "Fancy Cut" if all the characteristics of the 4 C's are equal.
1. Round ShapedLoose round diamonds are the most popular of all the shapes, with most rough stones ending up as rounds. The "Round Brilliant Shape" diamonds are the most popular ones chosen for engagement rings. They are also very popular as stud earrings and in pendants.The round shape forms the standard around which the other shapes are based on. However, bear in mind, when doing your price comparison, that it is also the most expensive cut.
 The "round brilliant shape" has 58 facets and it is also called the "Ideal Cut" because it is the most brilliant of all the cuts. Again this term refers to the attempt to cut a Round Diamond into the best proportions to achieve maximum brilliance and fire. 2. Oval ShapedThe oval diamonds shape is very similar to the round shape except that it is more egg-shaped. It was created by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s.Oval symmetrically shaped diamonds are well suited to women who have tiny hands. (The oval shaped diamond is an even, perfectly symmetrical diamond and popular among woman with small hands or short fingers.) Its elongated cut gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand. An oval loose diamond has 55 - 56 facets. 3. Marquise ShapedThe Marquise diamond shape is an elongated cut with pointed ends. This cut was first commissioned by France's King Louis XIV who was inspired the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. It is gorgeous when set alone in a ring or when enhanced by smaller diamonds. A Marquise diamond has 55 - 56 facets.4. Heart ShapedThe Heart shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of romance and love. Heart shaped loose diamonds bear some similarity to the pear shape, except that there is a cleft at the top.The reason why cutters may choose a heart shape over a pear shape may be that the rough diamond contained an inclusion (impurity) located in the cleft. A heart shaped loose diamond has 57 - 58 facets. 5. Pear ShapedThe pear shaped diamond is a hybrid shape, combining the best of the Oval and the Marquise; it is shaped most like a sparkling teardrop.Pear shaped loose diamonds are particularly beautiful for pendants as well as earrings due to the tear drop shape. The pear shaped diamond has 56 - 57 facets and it also called pendeloque. 6. Cushion ShapedThe Cushion shaped diamond with its unique antique cut is similar to the oval shape. This shape is also This cut is also called the pillow cut and candlelight. Cushion cut diamonds have large facets like those of Emeralds, and their shape varies from square and rectangular. It also has rounded corners and 57 - 58 facets.The inclusions (flaws) of this shape are easily noticeable. Therefore, if you choose this shape I would recommend that you choose high clarity diamond. 7. Emerald ShapeThe Emerald shaped diamond is also called a cut-cornered, square or rectangular diamond. It is a Step Cut as opposed to a Brilliant Cut.It has 49 - 50 facets which are broad with planes resembling the steps of a stairs. That is why it is referred to as a Step Cut. Inclusions (impurities) are more noticeable in Emeralds than in other cuts. Therefore, I would recommend again that you go for the higher quality Emeralds. 8. Asscher ShapeThe Asscher loose diamond shape was created by the Asscher brothers of Amsterdam, Holland (Netherlands) in 1902. It is an improvement of the Emerald shape with the Asscher shape being more brilliant, having a smaller table, deeper pavilions and bigger step facets. In all it has 48 - 49 facets. 9. Radiant ShapeThe Radiant shaped diamond has a square or rectangular cut with 70 facets. It has the class and elegant of the Emerald, but without sacrificing the brilliance of the Round Brilliant Cut.Radiant shaped diamonds require more weight to be directed towards the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance and sparkle. 10. Princess ShapedThe diamond Princess is a square or rectangular shape. The shape has both brilliant and step-cut facets. The Princess shape is a relatively new and very attractive shape.Some people like it because it is rectangular and yet have some of the sparkle of a Round Brilliant Cut. It is also popular in solitaire engagement rings. The shape requires more weight to be directed towards the diamond's depth in order to maximize brilliance and fire. This diamond cut has 53 - 54 facets. 
11. Triangle ShapedThe Triangle shaped cut is a spectacular wedge of brilliant fire. It is a triangular shaped loose diamond that has equilateral sides and is a combination of the Brilliant and Step Cut.When it is cut correctly it has a wonderful brilliance and sparkle. Triangles are often cut shallow and often look large for their carat weight. This is a very versatile diamond cut which has boundless uses because it can be used for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, solitaires and wedding bands. This shape usually has 40 - 41 facets. After you have decided on the diamond shape, the next step for you is to decide on the Carat (Stone Weight). I would recommend that you look for the loose diamond shape which has the best clarity and color to suite your budget and carat preferences.
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