The Jhunjhunwala Edit: Our Experts Pick the Most Iconic Diamond Cuts of All Time & Which One Is Right for You

By the Experts at Jhunjhunwala Diamonds | Reading Time: 5 mins | Category: Diamond Education

The cut of a diamond is perhaps the most consequential decision you will make when buying diamond jewellery. It is not merely about shape though shape matters enormously. It is about how light moves through the stone, how it catches the eye across a room, and what it quietly says about the person wearing it.

At Jhunjhunwala Diamonds, our experts have spent years working with every diamond shape and cut on earth. Here, we present our definitive guide to the most iconic diamond cuts and our honest, experienced view on who each one is for.

1. Round Brilliant - The Icon

The round brilliant is the most popular diamond cut in the world, and has been for nearly a century. Its 57 or 58 facets are mathematically optimised for one purpose: maximum light return. Nothing sparkles quite like a round brilliant.

Who is it for? The person who wants absolute, uncompromising brilliance. The round brilliant is for someone who values the timeless over the trendy, who wants a diamond that will never look dated, and who wants every facet of the stone to work in her favour.

Expert Tip: Round brilliants are the most efficiently priced shape their popularity means the market for them is highly competitive. You get excellent quality at transparent prices. At JJD, our round brilliants are all Excellent or Very Good cut grade on GIA certificates.

2. Princess Cut - The Modern Classic

The princess cut is a square or slightly rectangular diamond with sharp corners and brilliant-style faceting. It was developed in the 1960s–70s and became the second most popular cut in the world for engagement rings. It has the sparkle of a round with the architecture of a square.

Who is it for? The woman who appreciates geometric precision who likes her design choices to feel contemporary and intentional. The princess cut works exceptionally well in solitaire settings and looks striking on a pavé band.

3. Oval Cut - The Elongating Elegance

The oval cut has had its most remarkable decade in the 2010s and 2020s, rising dramatically in popularity thanks to several high-profile celebrity engagements. Its elongated shape makes the finger appear longer and more slender, and its 56–58 facets deliver brilliant-level sparkle.

Who is it for? The style-conscious, fashion-forward buyer who wants something with visual drama that still belongs firmly in the classics. Oval cuts pair beautifully with thin pavé bands and look magnificent in both prong and bezel settings.

Expert Tip: When choosing an oval, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.35–1.50 for the most flattering, universally appealing shape. Below 1.30, it looks almost round; above 1.55, it can look narrow.

4. Emerald Cut - The Sophisticate

The emerald cut is a rectangular stone with cut corners and a step-cut faceting pattern long, parallel facets that create a 'hall of mirrors' effect rather than traditional sparkle. It is the quietest of the classic cuts, and perhaps the most intellectually interesting.

Who is it for? The minimalist with exquisite taste. The woman who is drawn to architecture, to clean lines, to jewellery that is about confidence rather than display. The emerald cut is the choice of someone who knows exactly who she is. Importantly, emerald cuts require higher clarity grades because their large, open table makes inclusions more visible VS1 or above is recommended.

5. Pear Cut - The Romantic Drama

The pear cut teardrop-shaped, combining the round at one end and a point at the other is one of the most evocative diamond shapes. Worn with the point toward the fingernail, it elongates the finger beautifully and creates a distinctly romantic silhouette.

Who is it for? The romantic. The woman who sees jewellery as storytelling, who wants something that feels distinct and emotionally resonant. Pear cuts have been worn by some of the world's most celebrated jewellery collectors and suit both pendants and rings magnificently.

6. Cushion Cut - The Vintage Heart

The cushion cut has rounded corners and larger facets a shape that dominated the diamond world for centuries before the round brilliant emerged. Today, it has returned with extraordinary force, beloved for its soft, romantic appearance and excellent light performance.

Who is it for? Someone who is drawn to the romantic aesthetic of vintage jewellery who wants a diamond that feels heirloom-worthy from the first day it is worn. The cushion cut is particularly popular in halo settings and pairs beautifully with yellow gold a truly Indian sensibility.

Expert Tip: Cushion cuts vary significantly ask for a 'cushion modified brilliant' with a length-to-width ratio between 1.00–1.05 for the most traditional, square cushion appearance. JJD's team can walk you through specific stones.

The JJD Expert Verdict

Every diamond cut is extraordinary in the right context. But if our experts were buying for themselves today:

For timeless investment value: Round Brilliant.

For the contemporary bride who wants impact: Oval.

For the woman of supreme elegance and quiet confidence: Emerald Cut.

For the romantic at heart, invested in legacy: Cushion Cut.

None of these will ever go wrong. All of them will be worn, admired, and remembered.

✦ Explore JJD's curated diamond collection every cut, every shape, every budget. Our experts are available for a no-obligation consultation at JhunjhunwalaDiamonds.com