Diamond Shape

Shape refers to a diamond's outline when viewed from above and should not be confused with cut, which describes the gem's facet arrangement. The most popular shape remains the round brilliant, and any non-round shape (such as emerald, marquise, oval, or princess) is considered a "fancy shape." 

Each shape provides distinct benefits: emerald cuts produce an elegant "hall-of-mirrors" effect, oval and marquise shapes can make fingers appear slimmer, and princess cuts offer brilliant sparkle in a contemporary square silhouette. 

Beyond appearance, shape selection involves practical considerations: 

Price (fancy shapes typically cost less than round brilliants of comparable quality) 

  • Durability (pointed corners in marquise, pear, and princess cuts benefit from protective settings to prevent chipping) 
  • Visual impact (elongated shapes like oval and marquise often appear larger per carat than round brilliants due to their greater surface area)

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Heart

Types of Diamonds

Natural Diamonds


Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth under extreme conditions of heat and pressure over billions of years.
They are comprised of nearly 99.95% carbon — making diamonds the only gemstone constructed of a single element.
They are the hardest naturally occurring materials found on Earth and gem-quality diamonds are one of the most sought-after.
Because of their limited quantity, natural diamonds have been cherished for their enduring value and passed from generation to generation.

Lab Diamonds


Lab diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically the same as natural diamonds.
Their difference lies only in their origins — natural diamonds form within the Earth, and lab diamonds are grown by professionals with specialized equipment.
Another difference is cost; as lab grown diamonds are less rare than natural diamonds, they often come at a much more accessible price.
Do you think you can tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds just by looking?
Test your eye with these side-by-side images.

4 C’s of Diamonds Tips: Finding Your Perfect Combination

Finding your dream diamond requires balancing the 4 C’s with your personal priorities. Here are a few tips from our Brilliant Earth gemologists to help guide your decision:

  1. Master the 4 C's: To discover the ideal diamond for you, develop an understanding of how each factor affects a diamond's appearance and value. Then, determine which characteristics matter most to you personally. If exceptional brilliance is your priority, emphasize cut quality above all else. If impressive size makes the greatest impact for you, you might strategically compromise on color, cut, or clarity to get a greater carat weight. Remember that there's no universally "correct" combination — your aesthetic preferences should guide the way.
  2. Target value "sweet spots": Certain grade combinations offer superior value by delivering an excellent appearance without commanding premium prices:

    Color: H–J diamonds present exceptional value, appearing near colorless to the naked eye.
    Clarity: Depending on carat weight and shape, VS2–SI1 grades can appear "eye-clean" without the substantial premiums of higher clarity grades.

  3. Select your signature shape: Round diamonds offer unmatched brilliance and traditional appeal but typically command higher prices than fancy shapes, which can provide better value and a distinctive appearance. Choose the shape that resonates with your personal style, whether you're drawn to timeless rounds or the unique character of fancy shapes like oval, cushion, or emerald.
  4. Ensure proper certification: Your diamond should come with a comprehensive grading report from a respected independent laboratory such as GIA, IGI, HRD, or GCAL. These certificates verify your diamond's authenticity and provide objective documentation of its quality characteristics. Please note that all Brilliant Earth center stones are certified.
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4 C’s of Diamonds FAQs

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within 30 days of purchase with original packaging.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Delivery times and charges vary.