Shape

The first step in choosing a diamond is selecting one of the many shapes available. There are three cutting styles: step-cut, brilliant-cut and mixed-cut. Step cut diamonds have rows of facets resembling a staircase and are usually four-sided and elongated. The emerald, asscher and baguette cuts are all step-cut diamonds.

The most common brilliant cut is round although heart, oval, marquise, and pear are all brilliant cuts, too. All brilliants have 58 facets (if they have a faceted culet or point at the bottom of the stone, otherwise they have 57 facets). These diamonds are the classic shape most people think of when they consider diamonds, thinking that these are the most brilliant. However, the shape of the diamond does not dictate the brilliance; the cut is more important than the shape.

The mixed cut has both step and brilliant cut facets, with step cutting on the crown and brilliant cutting on the pavilion. Radiant and princess cuts are both mixed cuts.