Diamond Shapes Guide: Man-Made Diamonds

In the world of diamonds, the cut and shape are paramount to their brilliance, appeal, and value. Man-made diamonds, also known as lab-grown diamonds, are no exception. Their beauty and versatility allow them to be crafted into a wide variety of shapes, each offering a unique aesthetic and radiance. Understanding the different diamond shapes guide is essential when selecting the perfect diamond for your jewelry piece. Below, we explore the most popular shapes and their distinct characteristics in relation to lab-created diamonds.

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

The round brilliant cut is, without a doubt, the most iconic and sought-after shape. Known for its exceptional light performance and sparkle, this cut consists of 58 facets strategically placed to maximize the reflection of light.

In man-made diamonds, the round brilliant remains the top choice due to its timeless elegance and superior brilliance. The symmetrical arrangement of the facets enhances the overall fire and brilliance of the stone, making it ideal for engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds are the second most popular choice for lab-created diamonds. This cut is loved for its sharp, square shape and modern appeal. With four pointed corners and a brilliant-style facet arrangement, the princess cut offers a dazzling sparkle comparable to the round brilliant.

This cut is especially favored for its ability to retain a significant portion of the rough diamond, resulting in less waste during the cutting process. Lab-grown diamonds in a princess cut are perfect for those seeking a geometric, contemporary design with an excellent level of brilliance.

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamonds have been a favorite for centuries, offering a soft, romantic appearance. As the name suggests, this cut features rounded corners and larger facets, resembling a cushion or pillow. The cushion cut is known for its vintage appeal and stunning light dispersion, giving the stone a beautiful, soft glow.

In lab-grown diamonds, the cushion cut is an excellent choice for those who prefer a balance between brilliance and vintage charm. This cut works exceptionally well in both modern and classic settings.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut is distinguished by its rectangular shape and step-cut facets. Unlike brilliant cuts, the emerald cut focuses on clarity and luster rather than sparkle. The long, straight facets create a “hall of mirrors” effect, emphasizing the diamond’s clarity and overall elegance.

For lab-created diamonds, the emerald cut is perfect for those who prefer a sleek, sophisticated look. It exudes an understated glamour, often seen in celebrity engagement rings. However, it’s important to note that due to its large, open facets, inclusions may be more visible in this cut, making the choice of a high-quality man-made diamond crucial.

Oval Cut Diamonds

The oval cut offers a unique blend of the round brilliant’s sparkle with an elongated shape, giving the illusion of greater size. The oval cut diamond is prized for its versatility and flattering appearance on the finger, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.

In lab-grown diamonds, the oval cut’s brilliance is just as mesmerizing, and its elongated shape can make the stone appear larger than it is. This cut is ideal for those looking for a classic yet distinctive diamond shape with a touch of modern sophistication.

Marquise Cut Diamonds

The marquise cut, also known as the navette cut, is an elongated shape with pointed ends. This cut creates a regal, dramatic look and maximizes the diamond’s surface area, making it appear larger than other cuts of the same carat weight.

When crafted from man-made diamonds, the marquise cut is perfect for those who desire a bold, statement-making piece. Its elongated shape also has a slimming effect on the finger, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and statement jewelry.

Pear Cut Diamonds

The pear cut, also referred to as the teardrop shape, combines the best features of both the round and marquise cuts. This cut features a rounded end tapering to a sharp point, offering a unique, elegant silhouette.

Lab-created diamonds in the pear cut are perfect for those seeking a distinctive and feminine design. The elongated shape of the pear cut also gives the stone a larger appearance, making it a popular choice for those who want to maximize their diamond’s visual size.

Asscher Cut Diamonds

The Asscher cut is a square step-cut diamond with cropped corners, giving it a vintage, Art Deco-inspired appearance. Like the emerald cut, the Asscher cut emphasizes clarity and luster over brilliance.

Man-made diamonds in the Asscher cut are ideal for those who appreciate a vintage, sophisticated look. The deep, square shape and step-cut facets offer a bold, clean design that stands out in both engagement rings and high-end fashion pieces.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

The radiant cut is a versatile hybrid between the round brilliant and the emerald cut. With its cropped corners and brilliant-cut facets, the radiant cut offers both exceptional sparkle and a unique, angular shape.

In lab-grown diamonds, the radiant cut is an excellent choice for those who want the brilliance of a round cut but prefer a more distinctive, rectangular or square shape. This cut works well in a variety of settings, from classic solitaires to elaborate halo designs.

Heart-Shaped Diamonds

For those who want to make a bold statement, the heart-shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of love. This cut is a modified version of the round brilliant, with a distinct heart silhouette that requires precision cutting to achieve perfect symmetry.

Lab-created diamonds in a heart shape are ideal for romantic individuals who want their jewelry to express emotion and individuality. The heart cut is often used in pendants and rings, creating a show-stopping piece that is as sentimental as it is beautiful.

Baguette Cut Diamonds

The baguette cut is a long, rectangular shape typically used as accent stones in larger pieces of jewelry. Unlike the radiant or emerald cuts, the baguette cut has fewer facets, making it less brilliant but highly elegant and streamlined.

man made diamonds in the baguette cut are perfect for those looking for a minimalist, refined aesthetic. These diamonds are often used to complement larger center stones in engagement rings or as part of intricate, multi-stone designs.

Trillion Cut Diamonds

The trillion cut is a triangular-shaped diamond with curved or straight edges. It is often used as a side stone to accentuate a larger center stone but can also stand alone as a unique, bold piece.

Lab-created diamonds in the trillion cut are ideal for those who desire a cutting-edge, avant-garde look. The sharp angles and dramatic shape make it perfect for fashion-forward individuals who want their jewelry to make a statement.

Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Shape for Man-Made Diamonds

When selecting the perfect lab-grown diamond, understanding the different shapes and their characteristics is essential. Each cut offers its unique style, level of brilliance, and personality. Whether you prefer the classic sparkle of the round brilliant or the modern sophistication of the emerald cut, man-made diamonds offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and occasion.