The round brilliant is the most popular shape, but there are a wide variety of other shapes.

The precision and delicacy with which your diamond is cut will determine its brilliance, its fire and its ultimate beauty. The shape you select is a matter of individual taste and today your choice is only limited by the skill and imagination of the craftsman.

ROUND BRILLIANT:

This shape is the most popular of all the polished diamond shapes, and accounts for more than 75 % of diamonds sold today. Its 58-facet cut, divided among its crown (top), girdle (widest part) and pavilion (base), is calibrated through a precise formula to achieve the maximum in fire and brilliance.

OVAL :

This is an adaptation of the round brilliant and appears larger than a round stone of the same carat weight. Popular among women with small hands or short fingers. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.

MARQUISE :

An elongated shape with pointed ends inspired by the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, who wanted a diamond to match it. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller diamonds.

HEART :

This ultimate symbol of romance is essentially a pear-shaped diamond with a cleft at the top. The skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. Look for a stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.

EMERALD:

This is a rectangular shape with cut corners. It's known as a step cut because its broad, flat planes resemble stair steps. Since inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in this particular cut, take pains to select a stone of superior clarity and color.

PEAR :

A hybrid cut, combining the best of the oval and the marquise, it is shaped most like a sparkling teardrop. The pear shape is the English name for the French "Pendologue" which is related to our word pendant. It also belongs to that category of diamond whose design most complements a hand with small or average-length fingers. It is particularly beautiful for pendants or earrings.

PRINCESS :

This is a square cut with numerous sparkling facets. It's a relatively new cut and often finds its w`ay into solitaire engagement rings. Flattering to a hand with long fingers, it is often embellished with triangular stones at its sides.