When choosing a diamond for an engagement ring or a piece of jewellery, size often plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Diamonds come in various shapes, each offering a unique visual appeal and perceived size. While the carat weight of a diamond is an objective measure, certain shapes create the illusion of being larger than others. Understanding which diamond shapes can maximise the appearance of size can help you make a stunning choice that provides the most impact for your budget.

Let’s explore which diamond shapes give the illusion of being largest, why some appear bigger than others, and how you can make the most of your selection.

Understanding What Makes a Diamond Look Bigger

When we talk about how big a diamond looks, we’re really discussing its face-up appearance – how large it appears when viewed from above. Several factors contribute to this perception, including the surface area, cut quality, and even the ring setting. Here are some key aspects that can affect a diamond’s apparent size:

Surface Area and Dimensions: Diamonds with a larger surface area on the top (also known as the table) can appear larger than those with more depth. The more of the diamond’s carat weight that is concentrated towards the top, the bigger it will seem.
Cut Depth: Diamonds can be cut to varying depths. If a diamond is cut too deeply, more of the weight is hidden below the surface, making it look smaller. Conversely, a shallower cut can give the appearance of a larger stone from above.
Ring Setting: The way a diamond is set can significantly impact how big it looks. Settings that expose more of the diamond or use additional accent stones can make the central diamond appear larger.

Let’s delve into the diamond shapes that provide the most “wow factor” when it comes to visual size.

Oval-Cut Diamonds: The Elongated Look

Oval-cut diamonds are a fantastic choice if you’re after a diamond that looks larger than its carat weight suggests. The elongated shape maximises the stone’s surface area, creating the illusion of greater size. Compared to a round-cut diamond of the same carat, an oval-cut can appear noticeably larger due to its extended shape. This illusion is particularly effective because the eye is naturally drawn along the length of the stone.

Moreover, the rounded edges of an oval diamond soften its appearance, making it a versatile option that complements various ring settings and finger shapes. If you're interested in oval diamonds, you can check out our collection of oval lab-grown diamonds for stunning options.

Marquise-Cut Diamonds: The Pointed Shape Creates Length

Marquise-cut diamonds are renowned for their striking, elongated shape, which can make them look larger than many other cuts. The pointed ends draw the eye outward, giving the diamond an impressive length. This shape offers one of the largest surface areas for a given carat weight, making it a popular choice for those seeking maximum impact.

The marquise cut's dramatic shape can also have a slimming effect on the fingers, creating a flattering look. However, due to its design, the marquise cut is prone to what is known as the "bow-tie effect," a shadow across the centre of the diamond. For those interested, explore our marquise lab-grown diamonds to find a perfectly cut stone.

Pear-Cut Diamonds: The Teardrop Effect

With its teardrop shape, a pear-cut diamond blends the best of round and marquise shapes, creating an elegant and visually impressive stone. Its combination of a rounded bottom and a pointed top draws attention and maximises the stone's surface area, making it appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat.

Pear-cut diamonds are also a popular choice for creating a slimming effect on the finger, as the elongated shape directs the eye along the length of the hand. To get the most out of a pear-cut diamond, it’s best to choose one with excellent symmetry and minimal bow-tie effect. Check out our selection of pear lab-grown diamonds for beautiful options.

Emerald-Cut Diamonds: The Rectangular Face-Up View

An emerald-cut diamond is characterised by its large, open table and step-cut facets, creating a unique appearance. The broad, flat surface of an emerald cut gives it a larger face-up appearance compared to many other shapes, despite its less brilliant sparkle. This shape’s elongated form adds to the illusion of size, especially in higher carat weights.

Emerald-cut diamonds are perfect for those who prefer a sophisticated and understated look. While they may not have the same fire as a brilliant cut, their elegance and visual size make them a sought-after choice for vintage-style jewellery. Discover our range of emerald lab-grown diamonds for classic and elegant options.

Radiant-Cut Diamonds: Maximising Sparkle and Size

Radiant-cut diamonds combine the elegance of the emerald shape with the sparkle of a brilliant cut. With their rectangular or square silhouette, they provide a substantial face-up view, making them appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. The radiant cut's extra facets enhance its sparkle, giving it a lively and eye-catching appearance.

This shape is a fantastic choice for those who want the best of both worlds – the brilliance of a round cut and the sophistication of an emerald cut. Browse our radiant lab-grown diamonds to find the perfect blend of sparkle and size.

Shapes That Appear Smaller Than Their Carat Weight

While some shapes maximise a diamond’s appearance, others may seem smaller due to their depth and cutting style. Here are a few shapes that, while still stunning, may not look as large as elongated cuts:

Round-Cut Diamonds: Although they are the most popular choice for engagement rings, round diamonds can appear smaller than other shapes because of their deep cut. Check out our selection of round lab-grown diamonds for brilliant options.
Cushion-Cut Diamonds: This shape is known for its rounded corners and brilliant facets, but it tends to have a deeper cut, which can make it appear more compact. Explore our cushion lab-grown diamonds for timeless beauty.
Princess-Cut Diamonds: The princess cut has a square shape with sharp corners. Its depth and cutting style can make it seem smaller than elongated shapes like oval or marquise cuts. View our princess lab-grown diamonds for stunning square-cut options.

Tips for Choosing a Diamond Shape That Appears Larger

If you're looking to maximise the visual impact of your diamond, consider the following tips:

Opt for Elongated Shapes: Oval, marquise, and pear-cut diamonds typically appear larger due to their elongated form. These shapes draw the eye along the length of the stone, enhancing the impression of size.
Choose the Right Setting: Certain settings, such as halo or pavé, can make a diamond look bigger. A halo setting, for example, surrounds the centre stone with smaller diamonds, creating a frame that boosts the visual size. Thin bands can also make the central diamond appear larger by contrast. Explore our fancy-coloured diamonds for even more unique choices.
Look for a Shallow Cut That Retains Brilliance: While a shallower cut can make a diamond look bigger, it’s important to balance this with the diamond’s brilliance. A cut that’s too shallow may result in less sparkle.

The Impact of Carat Weight on Size Perception

Carat weight is the most familiar measure of a diamond’s size, but it doesn’t always equate to how large a diamond appears. For example, a one-carat oval diamond will look larger than a one-carat round diamond because of the way the weight is distributed. As you compare different shapes, consider how the carat weight will affect the visual impact.

FAQs

Which diamond shape appears the largest for its carat weight?
Oval, marquise, and pear shapes generally appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight. These elongated shapes maximise the surface area and draw the eye along the length of the diamond, making them look bigger.

Do round diamonds look smaller than other shapes?
Round diamonds can appear smaller than some other shapes because they are typically cut deeper. Although they are known for their brilliant sparkle, the depth of the cut can concentrate more weight below the surface, reducing the apparent size.

Does the ring setting affect how big a diamond looks?
Yes, the setting can significantly impact the perceived size of a diamond. Halo settings, which surround the centre stone with smaller diamonds, can make the diamond appear larger, while thinner bands can create a contrast that enhances the central stone's size.