When choosing a diamond, size perception is often a very important factor in addition to the carat weight. Depending on the way a diamond is cut and its proportions, two diamonds may be the same carat weight but look completely different. That is where the shape of the diamond comes into play.
This article will break down the most popular diamond shapes and compare how large they look when worn on a finger. We will also provide guidance on which shapes have the largest visual impact without having to increase your budget.
What Makes Diamond Shapes Give The Maximum Size Perception?
Not all diamond shapes distribute weight evenly. Some shapes have more surface area than others, which means they have a greater carat weight available to be seen from the top view. Other shapes are heavier in depth and therefore have less carat weight available to be seen from the top view.
When comparing how large a diamond looks to its actual carat weight, jewellers typically consider three things:
- Surface area (i.e., what does it look like from the top down)
- Length to width ratio
- Facet layout and how it reflects light.
Because of this, a 1-carat diamond in one shape may appear much larger than in another shape. Being aware of this difference is important when making a diamond shape choice that will maximise the diamond's visual presence.
Comparing Diamond Shapes: Which One Provides The Greatest Perceived Size?
Let's examine the size comparison of various diamond shapes and see how each of these shapes compares to one another regarding which shape has the greatest size illusion when factors such as carat weight are taken into consideration.
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Oval Diamond - Elongated Shape
With their elongated shape, oval diamonds create an optical illusion, therefore increasing the perceived size of the diamond. Therefore, when compared to a round diamond, they appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight and flatter the finger beautifully. The modern lab-grown diamond engagement ring might be characterised by an oval cut if you are looking for an elegant and eye-catching style.
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Marquise diamond
A marquise diamond cut is one of the largest-looking cuts because of its long, narrow shape, which maximises the surface area and makes it appear larger than most other shapes. A marquise diamond cut is often the largest-cut shaped diamond and will outperform ovals and pears in terms of visual spread.
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Pear-shaped diamonds
Pear-shaped diamonds have a hybrid shape between a round diamond and a marquise cut, offering a great perception of size. A tapered tip at the bottom of a pear-shaped diamond permits the observer to see along the entire length of the diamond, therefore heightening its overall visual appeal, as well as enhancing the visual appeal of a pear-shaped diamond when used as an earring or the aforementioned long tapered design as a statement earring; this has made them more popular over time and has led to many people choosing them over other shapes of diamonds in creating a more spectacular effect.
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Emerald-cut diamonds
Emerald-cut diamonds do not always appear larger than other types of diamonds; they provide a very open, reflective look when looking down from above because of their cutting style. Emerald-cut diamonds do not typically rank as the largest-shaped diamond, but they do have a very understated, classic presence.
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Round brilliant diamonds
Although round brilliant diamonds rank as the most popular shaped diamonds, they generally have smaller proportions than other shapes with the same carat weight. Round diamonds tend to create an illusion of being larger than other diamond shapes due to their evenly distributed weight along the depth of the diamond, rather than the width. Round diamonds are well-known for their brilliance, which compensates for their perceived size as compared to other cuts of the diamond.
Winner of the biggest diamond shapes? Emerald-cut diamonds reign supreme! When viewed from a size-only perspective, marquise diamonds are amongst the largest-looking diamond shapes available. At almost equal size perception, oval and pear shapes are also closely matched in terms of apparent size comparison.
However, larger does not mean better; therefore, your own personal taste and style, how you plan on wearing the diamond, and how you intend to mount this diamond all play into deciding on what shape is best for you.
As buyers searching for a diamond that appears to be the largest weight, we must also realise that the size perception of any shape relates more to its face-up dimension than the carat weight.
Examples include:
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An oval-shaped diamond weighing 1 carat appears larger than a round diamond weighing that same amount (1 carat).
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Although the appearance of a too-shallow oval-shaped diamond may be visually greater, it will also reduce the overall amount of brilliance.
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An elongated oval shape appears to stretch longer across the finger than other shapes.
Therefore, it is important to know how each shape will impact your size perception as it pertains to purchasing a diamond.
What are the criteria for selecting the best diamond shape that maximises the appearance of size?
- Elongated shapes (i.e. oval, marquise, pear).
- Size perception is related to surface area rather than depth.
- Proportionally larger fingers and hands require appropriate elongated shapes.
- Pair elongated shapes with minimalist or halo settings.
Many modern shoppers are now turning toward lab-created diamonds for their engagement ring options, allowing the maximum variety of size and shape of diamond styles without the expensive increase in pricing.
Beyond Rings:
Although many individuals discuss diamonds in the context of rings, the shape of the diamond you choose will be equally important in all other types of jewellery.
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The elegant look of lab-created elongated shapes is excellent for the creation of lab-created diamond earrings.
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Emerald and oval-cut lab-created diamonds can be combined to create lab-created diamond bracelets to provide symmetry.
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A creative layered look of several different diamond shapes will provide visual interest through the mix of styles.
Understanding how diamond shapes, size, and balance all work in conjunction with each other and provide the wearer/producer of jewellery with the best results.
FAQs
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Do marquise diamonds appear to be the largest in carat weight?
Yes, marquise diamonds generally give a larger perceived size due to their larger face area and elongated shape.
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Are oval diamonds larger than round diamonds in size?
Yes, in the vast majority of diamond shape comparison charts, oval diamonds represent a greater size visually than round diamonds.
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Does the shape of diamonds affect pricing?
Yes, prices for round brilliants and other shapes will generally be higher than comparable shapes. Other shapes also provide a more significant size at a lower cost than round brilliants and the majority of other shapes.
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What shapes are appropriate for wearers with smaller fingers?
Elongated shapes create visual impact on the diamond's apparent size when worn on smaller hands (excluding pear, oval, and marquise shapes).
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What is the best diamond shape for everyday wear?
Know your shape! An everyday-worn diamond must also provide durability and a proportionate balance between style and perceived size of the diamond. Rounded-edge-shaped diamonds are typically the most practical shape for everyday wear.
Conclusion
Choosing a diamond is dependent on a variety of criteria and perceptions other than the carat weight; therefore, understanding how various shapes affect the appearance of size will assist in selecting the perfect diamond. Whether you are looking to purchase an engagement ring or a beautiful bracelet, understanding how diamond shapes and sizes correlate will ensure that you wear a diamond that appears more significant than its weight suggests.