Diamond Buying Guide

Diamond cuts & shapes

Understand how a diamond’s cut and shape work together to create brilliance and beauty. From expert cutting techniques to precise proportions, explore what makes a diamond truly dazzling.

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Diamond Anatomy

Understanding the diamond anatomy

When a rough diamond is cut to create its polished form, it’s made up of a faceted structure which helps it perform and sparkle its very best.

Table

The large facet in the centre and on the top of the diamond. The table plays a vital role in sparkle and can vary in size depending on the diamond's cut.

Cutting Techniques

The diamond cutting techniques

The faceted structure of a polished diamond can be different depending on any inclusions and the size of its rough diamond form. There a three main cutting techniques that help to create the diamonds we know and love.

Brilliant Cut
One of the most popular cuts, the brilliant cut is made up of 57 or 58 kite and triangular facets. These facets radiate from the diamonds centre towards its girdle, fully optimising its brilliance and light return. Diamond shapes such as round brilliant, cushion, oval, marquise, pear and heart-shaped are all cut using the brilliant faceting style.
Step Cut
Resembling a set of stairs, the step cut showcases long and narrow four-sided facets in rows parallel to the girdle on both sides of the crown and pavilion. This faceting style is great for emphasising a diamond’s colour and clarity. The most common step cut is the emerald cut.
Mixed Cut
A cutting style that combines step cut and brilliant cut facets, mixed cuts have brilliant facets on the crown and step facets on the pavilion, or vice versa. You’ll most likely see this cutting pattern used a cushion or oval shaped diamond.

Which diamond shape to choose?

Thanks to its cutting technique, diamonds come in many different beautiful shapes and sizes. We’re here to help you find the one that’s perfect for you.

Oval Shaped

A twist on the brilliant cut for excellent scintillation.

Oval diamonds are a stunning twist on the classic round brilliant diamond. This means they radiate a similar exceptional sparkle to the brilliant cut, making them a popular choice for those looking for on-trend, modern style.

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Pear Shaped

Pear-shaped diamonds boast a brilliant cut for magnificent sparkle.

Known as both pear-shaped and teardrop diamonds, this style can be worn with the point facing upwards or downwards, depending on your preference. This shape is a beautiful combination of round brilliant and marquise diamonds, so you know its sparkle will be breathtaking.

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Emerald Cut

An elegant shape formed by the step cut and inspired by emerald stones.

The long facets of an emerald cut diamond will highlight its clarity. This style is perfect for lovers of vintage glamour and looks particularly beautiful with a halo of round brilliant diamonds.

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Princess Cut

A glamorous and contemporary square shape based on the brilliant cut.

A contemporary diamond shape, the princess cut showcases a modern square-shape with a glamorous feel. We love the luxurious feel of this cut and is a beautiful choice for a romantic solitaire diamond engagement ring.

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Cushion Cut

A cushion cut diamond is the most common mixed cut diamond.

Boasting a square shape that’s softened by rounded edges, the cushion cut blends faceted elements from both the brilliant cut and step cut for a unique spin on the beautiful round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.

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Marquise Shaped

Elongated brilliant cut for a visually larger diamond.

For something a little different, a marquise cut diamond is the perfect choice. Often described as ‘boat-shaped’, the elliptical shape gives you a visually larger diamond and can also help make your fingers look long and slender.

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Round Brilliant

Perfectly symmetrical for the most dramatic sparkle.

Typically cut with 57 facets, round brilliant diamonds are a very popular choice for engagement rings. The round shape lets the light disperse beautifully from the bottom and out through the top of the diamond for magnificent fire and sparkle.

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Baguette Cut

A baguette cut diamond creates contemporary but classic engagement rings. The rectangular stone is long and delicate in shape, and the angular edges make them truly eye-catching. The unique sparkle of a baguette diamond is simply striking.

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Learn more about diamonds

Browse the other sections in our Diamond Buying Guide

Inspiration & Advice

Discover more inspiration & advice

Wedding Ring Buying Guide

When it comes to creating Beaverbrooks wedding rings, we look at all the details of our engagement rings to help create the perfect fit, look, and feel for both to sit on your finger.

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Engagement Ring Buying Guide

With expert advice in our engagement ring guide and beautiful rings to choose from, we know that you’ll choose the ring they’ll treasure for a lifetime

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A Guide To Eternity Rings

We’re here for all those “you mean the world to me moments” and that’s why we want to help you show that special someone your love is never-ending with a beautiful eternity band.

View the guide