How to Choose the Best Diamond Shape
Learn about the different diamond shapes and cuts with JCPenney’s diamond jewelry guide, and find out how to choose the best shape for your hand size!
Is Diamond Shape the Same as Diamond Cut?
Diamond shape refers to the actual physical form and geometric outline of the diamond – specifically as viewed from above. This is different from diamond cut. The cut of a diamond refers to the symmetry, proportioning, and number of cuts made within the diamond to enhance its brilliance. A poorly cut diamond will have less of a sparkle factor, and differently cut diamonds will refract and reflect the light in their own unique ways. The cut of a diamond can also influence the overall shape of a diamond, like with the popular princess-cut diamond.
Diamond shapes can be easy to spot, as it’s just the outline of the gemstone, but each shape does have a name and its own unique properties. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular diamond shapes.
While the cut of a diamond refers to its internal symmetry and brilliance, many popular diamond cuts also feature their own unique shapes. Here are some of the most popular diamond cuts.
Best Diamond Shapes for Different Hand Sizes
Now that you know about the different diamond shapes and cuts, which one would look best for you? It all depends on personal preference, of course, but certain diamond shapes are more flattering for different hand sizes if you’re looking to purchase a diamond ring.
Diamond Shapes for Short Hands
Smaller diamonds are best suited for people with shorter hands, because the small size looks more proportional to your hand. A smaller carat size is ideal for people with short fingers and square-shaped palms, and the most flattering diamond shapes and cut are small round, marquise, princess, oval, pear, and asscher diamonds.
Diamond Shapes for Long Hands
If you have long fingers and rectangular palms, you have several options to choose from and carat size is less of a concern, but you still want the diamond to be proportional to your hand size. The most flattering diamond shapes and cuts are round, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, and asscher diamonds.
Diamond Shapes for Wide Hands
Larger diamonds are best for people with broad palms and wide fingers; you want minimal skin to show so the diamond is a true statement piece. Multi-stone rings are also a great option for people with this hand size. The most flattering diamond shapes and cuts are large round, princess, horizontally-set marquise, pear, and oval diamonds.
Diamond Shapes for Thin Hands
If you have narrow fingers and oval palms, just about any diamond shape will work for you. You could also go for a small diamond or large diamond, depending on your personal sense of style. That being said, some of the more flattering shapes and cuts are round, cushion, emerald, princess, pear, and oval diamonds.
