What Diamond Cut is the Prettiest?
A truly stunning diamond doesn’t just shine: it captivates. It catches the light from every angle, radiates elegance, and reflects a distinct sense of style. With so many options to choose from, one question naturally rises to the top: What diamond cut is the prettiest?
Some shapes are all about sparkle. Others lean into soft curves, vintage charm, or striking geometry. The most beautiful diamond cut isn’t just about technical perfection: it’s about the feeling it gives you the moment you see it. From classic favorites like the round brilliant to trending silhouettes like the princess and radiant, we’re breaking down the top contenders to help you discover which cut wins your heart.
What You Need to Know About Diamond Cut
Diamond cut is all about proportion, symmetry, and polish: three key elements that affect how a diamond sparkles. A well-cut diamond will catch the light beautifully, creating that signature brilliance, fire, and scintillation you see when it moves.
That said, round brilliant diamonds are the only shape that receives a formal cut grade from labs like GIA (Excellent, Very Good, Good, etc.). That’s because their shape and faceting pattern follow a precise formula that makes it possible to consistently measure light performance.
For other shapes, like oval, pear, and emerald, there’s no official cut grade from GIA because these shapes have more variation in proportions and facet arrangements. But even without an official grade, cut quality affects how much the diamond sparkles, how symmetrical it looks, and how flattering it appears on your hand. So whether you're looking at a round, an elongated cushion, or a radiant cut, assessing the cut is always a key part of finding a truly beautiful stone. Now let’s take a look at the most popular diamond cuts today and what makes them so exceptional.
Trend-Forward Favorite: Oval Cut
The oval cut is a rising star, which is one of the many reasons why it’s the bestselling cut at Keyzar. It offers the same brilliance as a round cut but with an elongated shape that flatters the finger and makes the diamond appear larger. It’s graceful, bright, and works beautifully in both minimal engagement rings like The Katelyn and more intricate settings like The Adelle.
What sets the oval apart is its versatility. It feels modern but still timeless. The curved edges give it a softness, while the length adds elegance and a slimming effect on the hand. If you’re drawn to sparkle but want something slightly unexpected, the oval cut might be the prettiest diamond shape in your eyes.
The Reigning Classic: Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant is the most popular diamond cut in the world, and for good reason. With 58 carefully arranged facets, it’s engineered to reflect light in a way that maximizes brilliance. If you're the type who gravitates toward timeless elegance and dazzling sparkle, the round cut is hard to beat.
There’s a reason this cut has stayed in the spotlight for generations. It complements every setting style, from classic solitaires like The Lexie to nature-inspired pieces like The Twig, and has a symmetry that’s endlessly appealing. But while it’s a classic, its popularity can make it feel a little expected, especially for those looking for something a bit more unique.
The Romantic Contender: Cushion Cut
Soft edges. Pillowy shape. Glowing sparkle. The cushion cut blends the best of old and new. It’s a shape that’s been adored for over a century, yet it feels just as relevant in modern settings like The Abigail and three stone engagement rings like The Liv.
One of the things that makes the cushion cut so beautiful is its warm, romantic look. Rather than a sharp sparkle, it has a gentle glow that feels almost like candlelight. Its soft edges and timeless silhouette strike a perfect balance between vintage charm and modern elegance. If you’re drawn to diamonds with a dreamy, graceful presence, the cushion cut could easily be your perfect match.
The Elegant Standout: Elongated Cushion Cut
Graceful proportions. Effortless sparkle. The elongated cushion cut takes everything we love about the classic cushion and stretches it into a more modern, refined silhouette. The result is a diamond that feels elevated and elegant, with a flattering shape that elongates the finger and draws the eye.
This cut shines especially bright in styles like The Pave Skyler, where clean lines and delicate pavé create a stunning frame for the center stone, and The Pears Liv, where the elongated cushion takes center stage between two tapered pear side stones. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who want something timeless with a fresh, contemporary feel.
Chic and Clean: Emerald Cut
If understated elegance is your signature, you’ll love the emerald cut. Unlike brilliant cuts that dazzle with intense sparkle, the emerald cut creates a hall-of-mirrors effect with long, linear facets. It’s sleek, architectural, and undeniably sophisticated, especially on three-stone engagement rings like The Megan and side-stone designs like The Penelope.
This cut favors clarity over sparkle, so it’s often chosen by those who appreciate quiet luxury. It’s not the flashiest, but it draws the eye in a completely different way. Think confident, refined beauty. There’s something about its clean lines and bold shape that commands attention without ever trying too hard.
Bold with Personality: Radiant Cut
Radiant cuts are for those who love drama with a touch of edge. With cropped corners and brilliant faceting, they combine the structure of an emerald cut with the sparkle of a round. The result is a cut that’s full of life: bold, energetic, and undeniably eye-catching.
This cut creates a finger-flattering silhouette and lights up with intense fire and brilliance, especially on solitaires like The Kamellie, pave settings like The Pave Lexie or halo designs like The Michelle. It’s perfect for someone who wants something a little different but still wants that maximum sparkle factor.
Soft and Feminine: Pear-Shaped Diamonds
The pear cut is one of the most expressive shapes. It has a way of elongating the finger while adding a playful, romantic flair to the ring. The combination of a rounded bottom and pointed top gives it a unique balance of softness and edge.
One reason many consider the pear shape to be among the most beautiful diamond cuts is because of how dynamic it looks when worn. Whether it’s set pointing up or down, in a solitaire like The Sarah or surrounded by a halo in The Lenny, this shape always stands out. It’s graceful, emotional, and just a little unexpected.
Regal and Unforgettable: Marquise Cut
With its dramatic pointed tips and elegant curves, the marquise cut is unlike anything else. Originally commissioned for French royalty, this shape feels inherently glamorous. It gives the illusion of a longer, larger diamond while maintaining a sleek, striking silhouette.
The marquise is perfect for someone who wants a ring that feels regal, bold, and different. In a nature-inspired engagement ring like The Robin or three-stone piece like The Lauren, it creates a stunning finger-lengthening effect and a look that’s instantly memorable. If your style leans bold and fashion-forward, this might be your most beautiful diamond cut.
Timeless and Regal: Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut is a vintage-inspired classic with an unmistakable sense of sophistication. Known for its square shape, beveled corners, and mesmerizing step-cut faceting, this cut creates a hall-of-mirrors effect that draws the eye straight to the center. With its deep clarity and subtle sparkle, the Asscher cut delivers a look that’s both bold and refined.
It’s a natural fit for timeless, detail-focused settings like The Pave Ashley. The sleek lines of the cut complement the opulent silhouette of these pieces, creating a design that feels both graceful and modern.
Modern and Edgy: Princess Cut
The princess cut is the go-to for those who want bold sparkle with a clean, contemporary edge. Square in shape with sharp, pointed corners, this cut is second only to the round brilliant in terms of fire and brilliance, but with a completely different vibe.
What makes the princess cut so striking is the way it blends sparkle with structure, especially in engagement rings like The Charlotte and The Lindsey. Its faceting pattern creates a kaleidoscope effect that dances in the light, while the sharp lines give it a cool, geometric feel. It’s the perfect match for someone who wants maximum shine in a shape that feels a little more modern and edgy.
The Verdict: What Diamond Cut Is the Prettiest?
So, what diamond cut is the prettiest? The answer depends entirely on what beauty means to you. If you’re drawn to maximum sparkle, the round brilliant and radiant cuts are hard to top. For softness and romance, cushion, pear, and oval cuts take the lead. If elegance and structure appeal to you, the emerald or marquise cut might just be the most beautiful diamond cut in your eyes.
It’s not about chasing the most popular option: it’s about finding the one that feels right when you see it on your hand. Beauty is in the details: how the light hits the stone, the way it complements your setting, the emotion it sparks when you slip it on. The most beautiful diamond cut is the one that makes your heart skip a beat.
Conclusion
Looking for a ring that brings your vision to life? Explore our handpicked selection of engagement rings crafted to highlight the unique beauty of each diamond cut. Whether you're dreaming of timeless or trendsetting, we'll help you find the sparkle that feels like you. Shop now and make it yours!
