Diamonds come in many shapes, each with its own unique charm. Beyond the traditional round cut, there are ovals, teardrops, marquise, and emerald shapes that offer plenty of options for a distinctive look. Some newer shapes, like kite and hexagon diamonds, are becoming popular for their fresh appeal. Picking the right diamond shape can add a personal touch to your jewelry. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about these various diamond shapes and how to choose the one that’s perfect for you.
What Are Fancy Shape Diamonds and How Did They Evolve?
Fancy shape diamonds are any diamond cut other than the traditional round brilliant. They include popular shapes like oval, pear, marquise, and emerald, among others that are less common like kite, bullet, triangular, cat, butterfly, and bull shapes. Each fancy shape creates distinctive effects and can highlight specific diamond features that appeal to various tastes.
The development of these various cuts takes centuries, fueled by creativity and technology. Diamond cutting in the early days was hampered by available technology, and simple table cuts and rose cuts were seen in the 16th and 17th centuries. As technology in cutting became more advanced, more intricate shapes were developed—marquise and emerald cuts became fashionable in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 20th century witnessed enhanced precision with diamonds like the princess cut, but contemporary decades have seen more inventiveness and unusual shapes. Modern technology nowadays allows cutters to create highly refined fancy shapes like butterfly and cat eye diamonds which could not be done with precision. Contemporary fancy-cut diamonds bring unprecedented scope for expressing distinctiveness in engagement rings and other luxurious jewelry.
What Are the Top Trending Fancy Diamond Cuts for Modern Jewelry?
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamonds are a top choice for those who love the brilliance of round diamonds but require something a bit different. The elliptical shape of oval diamonds has an optical effect of length, which makes fingers appear longer and thinner. Oval cuts also provide an illusion of bigger carat weight and have an ageless modern glamour, which makes them a hot choice for modern jewelry settings.
Pear (Teardrop) Diamonds
Pear diamonds, also known as teardrop diamonds, combine the best characteristics of round and marquise cuts to form a unique, graceful shape. The cut typically has one end rounded and the other end tapering to a point, allowing flexibility in setting styles. Pear diamonds can make the hand appear slender when worn as a ring and are fashionable yet timeless.
Marquise Diamonds
The marquise diamond, with its pointed tips, is cut to get maximum carat weight, which makes it appear larger in size. The narrow shape not only complements most of the jewelry designs but also lends a slim and regal elegance. The marquise shape is ideal for a person looking for a dramatic and bold statement piece.
Emerald Shape Diamonds
Emerald-cut diamonds are identifiable by their step-cut facets, which create a hall-of-mirrors effect that showcases clarity over sparkle. The rectangular form of this cut with clipped corners delivers a traditional and elegant appearance, often favored by individuals who prefer understated luxury. Emerald cuts are in demand due to the fact that they highlight the transparency and color of the stone, making them a fashionable choice for engagement rings and other luxury jewelry.
What Are the Rising Star Shapes in Fancy Diamonds?
Kite Diamonds
As their name suggests, kite diamonds are cut to resemble the shape of a kite, featuring four sides with two pointed angles. This geometric shape provides a strong and contemporary appearance, making it more sought after by individuals looking for special jewelry items. Used as accent stones in most cases, kite diamonds can also be used as dramatic centerpieces, particularly in art deco designs that highlight the symmetry and simplicity of lines.
Hexagon Diamonds
For the individual who desires something different, hexagon diamonds are a great choice. With six equal-length sides, these diamonds offer a fresh take on the traditional cut. The design of the hexagonal facets retains light in a captivating way, finding the perfect middle ground between brilliance and subtlety. Ideal for modern minimalist designs, hexagon diamonds are increasingly being used in engagement rings and centerpieces as a seamless blend of age-old and contemporary designs.
Bullet Diamonds
Bullet diamonds, whose name is a dead giveaway, are a bullet or shield cut with a pointed tip and broader base. The less common cut is a head-turner, perfect for anyone who wants something out of the ordinary. Side stones on rings featuring emerald or oval cuts, and bullet diamonds add a tough, contemporary look that will thrill aficionados of unorthodox styles.
What Are the Novelty & Symbolic Diamond Shapes?
Cat-Shaped Diamonds
Cat-shaped diamonds are a whimsical choice for individuals who wish to express a love of cats or add whimsy to a collection of fine jewelry. Cat-shaped diamonds tend to feature the silhouette of a cat's head, with ears that are sharp and protrude from a circular head. A perfect choice for pendants or unique ring styles, cat-shaped diamonds offer an engaging way of infusing individual interests into fine jewelry without sacrificing sophistication and refinement.
Butterfly-Shape Diamonds
Butterfly-shaped diamonds symbolize beauty and change and are therefore ideal for the majority. The diamonds are cut to replicate the delicate equilibrium of butterfly wings, with beautiful details that reflect light perfectly. A popular application in pendants, brooches, or large statement rings, butterfly-shaped diamonds appeal to those who have an eye for nature and the creative. It infuses a touch of magic in each piece, captivating romantics as well as fantasists.
Bull-Shape Diamonds
Bull-cut diamonds are designed to remind one of strength and determination, created to resemble the strong form of a bull. The distinctive shape is a dramatic flair in jewelry, selected by some who respect strength and leadership. Bull-cut diamonds are primarily utilized in bespoke pieces where symbolism and personal meaning are paramount, bestowing a powerful and commanding aura to the item and bringing to mind the wearer who possesses a lot of strength and personality.
How to Choose Your Fancy Diamond Shape
Choosing the ideal fancy diamond shape is an intimate experience that combines your own sense of style, functional needs, and budget considerations. While the classic round diamond remains trendy, there is something that makes choosing a shape that clearly speaks for itself even more enticing—whether it's a pretty oval, a distinctive kite shape, or a traditional heart shape.
Match Your Personal Style
Take a minute to think about what kind of jewelry tends to draw you in. If you've always had a thing for traditional beauty, perhaps an emerald or oval cut would be your style; on the other hand, if you prefer to stand out from the crowd, a kite or hexagon cut might be your style. Vintage lovers tend to love the slender lines of a pear shape, while those with their sights set on royalty tend to be captivated by the stretched fire of a marquise.
Find the Right Setting
The setting's relationship with the shape of the diamond is imperative to its overall appearance. Cushion cuts and round are both highly versatile—looking great in everything from dainty solitaires to grand halo styles; however, geometric shapes such as hexagons and kites really shine through in art deco-inspired settings. Take some time before your final decision to consider how the setting will draw out your chosen diamond's distinctiveness.
Look Good on Your Hand
Your hand's natural shape plays a surprisingly important role in how your diamond will look once worn. Elongated shapes such as ovals and marquises create an illusion of length that flatters shorter fingers; conversely, round shapes tend to balance wider hands. The best approach? Try on several different shapes while shopping to see which one naturally complements your hand.
Stick to Your Budget
It's also worth noting that diamond prices vary widely depending on shape. Round diamonds typically command higher prices because cutting them wastes more of the original rough stone; however, shapes like marquise or pear will appear larger for the same cost. If you're working with a $5,000 budget, you could get either a 0.8-carat round diamond or a 1-carat oval diamond of similar quality. Kite-shaped diamond rings can cost between $1,500 and $2,500, while bullet-shaped diamond rings usually range from $1,500 to $2,200, depending on the setting and quality of the stone.
Think About Daily Wear
Practicality is not to be overlooked, especially for a ring you're going to wear on a daily basis. Sharp-corner cuts—such as marquise, pear, or kite—are potentially more prone to chipping if you happen to be extremely busy with your hands; shielded settings will help minimize the risk, however. Some people prefer to save their more distinctive shapes for occasions and use smoother curves for daily rings.
Dare to Be Different with Fancy Diamond Shapes
Looking beyond round diamonds opens up exciting possibilities for truly personal jewelry. Each fancy shape—whether it's an elegant emerald, bold marquise, or distinctive kite—creates its own special effect and tells your unique story. Finding your perfect match means considering what flatters your hand, suits your lifestyle, and fits your budget. Some shapes like ovals make fingers look longer, while others like hexagons make a modern statement. Take your time trying different styles and ask jewelers about which settings work best with your chosen shape. With so many beautiful options available, now is the perfect time to express yourself with a fancy diamond shape that's as individual as you are.
Your Questions Answered: Fancy Shape Diamonds
Q1: Are fancy shape diamonds more affordable than round?
Yes, fancy-shaped diamonds are generally cheaper per carat than round diamonds. This is because the round diamond cutting process wastes more of the diamond, making the round diamonds more costly. Prices can be inconsistent depending on the vendor and the specific cut and quality of the diamond, however.
Q2: Which fancy cut holds the most value?
The oval and cushion shapes hold their value best among fancy shapes due to their enduring popularity and ability to maximize sparkle. The marquise shape can also offer good value by making the stone look larger than other shapes of the same carat weight.
Q3: How to clean kite-shaped diamonds?
Clean kite-shaped diamonds using a mild jewelry cleaner or a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Soak the diamond for 20–30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to dislodge dirt or oils. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Regular cleaning will ensure the diamond remains brilliant and lovely.
