Diamond Cuts Explained: Choosing the Perfect Shape for Your Ring
Diamond cuts control how a stone returns light and how it reads on the hand. This guide explains popular diamond cuts and diamond shapes (round, princess, emerald, cushion and more), how they affect sparkle and wear, and which cuts suit which personalities and lifestyles.
What “cut” actually means
Quick shape guide (what each says about the wearer)
Practical matching (cut to setting & lifestyle)
- Active hands: choose bezel or low-set solitaire for protection.
- Prioritise cut over colour/car at if sparkle matters most.
- Try shapes in person — the same carat can look very different depending on table and length-to-width ratio. Use our in-store trials to compare.
How we help in-store
We show identical stones in different cuts to demonstrate brilliance differences and advise which cuts suit your hand and everyday life. For more on the technical side see GIA’s 4Cs resources.
If you’re unsure, start with cut: book a consultation at Olivia Green in York to try shapes under natural light and discover the diamond shape that feels like you.