Guide: Gemstone Cuts

Welcome to the Griffin & Co. Gemstone Cut Guide. Choosing the shape of your diamond or gemstone is the first and most personal step in creating your bespoke ring. It’s the single best way to express your unique style.

It can be overwhelming. In this guide, our jewellery experts break down the most popular cuts head-to-head. We compare their unique sparkle, visual size, and how they feel on the hand, so you can find the perfect shape that tells your story.

Below, you will find our expert comparisons.

Diamond Cut Shapes: The Complete Visual Guide
buying guide diamonds gemstone cuts
Cian Griffin 6 min read
Diamond Cut Shapes: The Complete Visual Guide
Every common diamond shape compared — brilliant, step and mixed cuts, what each does to perceived size, and which hides inclusions best.
Marquise vs. Pear
diamonds gemstone cuts
Cian Griffin 3 min read
Marquise vs. Pear

Ready to make a statement? We’re diving into two of the most elegant 'fancy' shapes. The Pear (or "Teardrop") is all about graceful, romantic curves. The Marquise is a regal, dramatic shape that creates a stunning, finger-lengthening effect. Discover which unique silhouette is right for you.

Oval vs. Round Brilliant
diamonds gemstone cuts
Cian Griffin 3 min read
Oval vs. Round Brilliant

It’s the battle of the brilliance. The Round Brilliant is the timeless icon, perfected for unmatched sparkle. The Oval is its modern, flattering counterpart, offering the same fire in an elongated shape that slims the finger. Which classic will you choose? See our expert comparison.

Radiant vs. Emerald
diamonds gemstone cuts
Cian Griffin 3 min read
Radiant vs. Emerald

Choosing a rectangular diamond? The choice comes down to sparkle vs. sophistication. The Radiant cut is a modern, fiery "crushed ice" beauty, while the Emerald cut offers an elegant, Art Deco "hall of mirrors." We compare these two stunning shapes head-to-head to help you find your style.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the difference between a diamond's 'Cut' and its 'Shape'?

This is a great question and the most common point of confusion!

  • Shape refers to the outline of the gemstone—whether it's Round, Oval, Pear, Emerald, etc. This is what you choose based on your personal style.
  • Cut refers to the craftsmanship—the quality of the angles, facets, and proportions that make the diamond sparkle.

In our guide, we are comparing different Shapes. You can learn more about the technical Cut (the source of all sparkle) in our Cut - The 4Cs of a Diamond blog post.

Which gemstone shape sparkles the most?

For pure, unmatched sparkle, the Round Brilliant is the industry standard. Its 58 facets have been scientifically perfected to provide maximum brilliance and fire.

However, other "brilliant-style" shapes—like the Oval, Radiant, Pear, and Marquise we feature in our guide—are also designed for incredible, fiery sparkle. "Step-cuts," like the Emerald, are in a different category, offering a more sophisticated, icy "hall-of-mirrors" flash.

Which diamond shape looks the biggest for its carat weight?

This is a fantastic question for maximizing your budget! Elongated shapes like the Marquise, Pear, and Oval have a larger surface area (or 'spread') than a Round diamond of the same carat weight. This means they often appear larger and cover more of the finger, creating a very flattering, "finger-lengthening" look.

How do I choose the right gemstone shape for me?

The perfect shape is entirely personal. The best way to start is by asking what you're drawn to. Do you love a classic, timeless feel (Round Brilliant), a modern and flattering look (Oval), or sophisticated, clean lines (Emerald Cut)?

Our guide is the perfect place to start. We recommend reading our comparisons, but the best way to know for sure is to see them in person. We invite you to our Chichester showroom to try them on and see which shape truly captures your heart.

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