When shopping for a diamond ring, the shape of the diamond is one of the most important — and personal — decisions you'll make. Each shape has its own personality, brilliance profile, and visual effect on the finger. Here is our complete guide to every major diamond shape available in India.
Round Brilliant — The Classic King
The round brilliant cut is the world's most popular diamond shape, accounting for over 60% of all diamond sales globally. It was developed in the early 20th century through mathematical analysis of how light travels through a diamond. With 58 precisely angled facets, the round brilliant is designed to maximise three optical properties:
**Best for**: Anyone who wants maximum sparkle and timeless style. Perfect for solitaire engagement rings. Browse our diamond rings.
Oval — The 2026 Favourite
The oval cut is a brilliant cut (similar facet arrangement to round) but with an elongated shape. In 2026, oval diamonds are absolutely dominating engagement ring trends in India — appearing on celebrity hands and wedding mood boards alike.
**Why choose oval**: The elongated shape makes the finger appear longer and slimmer. Ovals also appear larger than their actual carat weight — a 1ct oval often looks as big as a 1.3ct round.
**Best for**: Women who want a modern, flattering look with excellent sparkle.
Princess Cut — Geometric Precision
The princess cut is a square diamond with sharp corners and a modified brilliant facet pattern. It was invented in the 1960s and quickly became the second most popular cut globally. Its geometric shape appeals to modern sensibilities.
**Why choose princess**: Maximises carat weight visible from above. Creates a very distinct, contemporary look. Generally 20-30% less expensive than equivalent round brilliants.
**Best for**: Women who love clean, geometric, modern design.
Pear Shape — Unique Elegance
The pear shape combines the round brilliant at one end with a pointed tip at the other — like a teardrop. It is one of the most distinctive and elegant diamond shapes available.
**Why choose pear**: Dramatically elongates the finger. Creates a truly distinctive look that stands out from conventional engagement rings. Also appears larger per carat than round.
**Best for**: Women who want something different, feminine, and elegant.
Emerald Cut — Art Deco Glamour
The emerald cut is a rectangular shape with truncated corners and a series of step-like facets. Unlike brilliant cuts, it doesn't maximise sparkle — instead it creates a "hall of mirrors" effect with dramatic flashes of light and shadow.
**Why choose emerald**: Exceptionally elegant and sophisticated. Loved by women with a classic, Art Deco aesthetic. Also one of the most affordable cuts.
**Best for**: Women who prefer understated glamour over maximum sparkle.
Cushion Cut — Romantic Vintage
The cushion cut (sometimes called "pillow cut") is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. Its vintage look references antique diamonds from the 19th century.
**Why choose cushion**: Romantic and soft. Often less expensive than round brilliants of similar quality. Works beautifully in halo settings.
Marquise — Regal Drama
The marquise is an elongated shape with pointed ends at both sides — like a diamond-shaped eye. It was supposedly created for Louis XIV of France to mimic the shape of his marquise mistress's lips.
**Why choose marquise**: The most finger-elongating shape of all. Creates maximum spread per carat. A truly regal, dramatic choice.