When it comes to diamonds, brilliance and sparkle are what truly make these gems captivating. These qualities refer to how well a diamond reflects light and the way it dazzles the eye. While all diamonds are precious, some shapes outshine others in terms of brilliance. Choosing a diamond shape that maximises sparkle can make a significant difference in how your jewellery looks. Here, we'll explore which diamond shapes offer the most brilliance and why, helping you make an informed decision for your perfect diamond.

What Is Diamond Brilliance and How Is It Measured?

Brilliance refers to the amount of white light a diamond reflects back to the eye, while fire describes the dispersion of light into different colours. Together, these elements create a diamond's sparkle. The way light moves through a diamond and reflects back depends heavily on the stone's cut quality and faceting style. The more effectively the diamond reflects light, the more brilliant and sparkling it will appear.

How Cut Quality Affects Brilliance

The quality of a diamond's cut is crucial for maximising brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one facet to another before it returns to the top of the stone, producing a stunning sparkle. Factors like proportions, angles, and symmetry play a significant role in a diamond's ability to reflect light. Diamonds with an "Excellent" or "Very Good" cut grade tend to offer the most brilliance because their facets are designed to maximise light performance.

Diamond Shapes That Offer the Most Brilliance and Sparkle

While the quality of the cut is essential, certain diamond shapes naturally lend themselves to greater sparkle due to their faceting patterns. Let's take a closer look at the diamond shapes that shine the brightest.

Round Brilliant Cut: The Classic Choice for Maximum Sparkle

The round brilliant cut is renowned for its exceptional sparkle and remains the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings and fine jewellery. With 58 facets optimally positioned to reflect light, this shape is designed to maximise brilliance and fire. The symmetrical arrangement of facets ensures that light is dispersed evenly throughout the diamond, creating a stunning display of sparkle. This classic shape is a go-to for those who want a diamond that truly dazzles. For a selection of round diamonds, check out our round lab-grown diamond search.

Princess Cut: The Square Shape with Stunning Brilliance

The princess cut, known for its square or slightly rectangular shape, is the most brilliant among square-shaped diamonds. Its faceting style resembles that of the round brilliant cut, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a square shape without compromising on sparkle. The princess cut's sharp, geometric lines add a modern touch, while its brilliance ensures the diamond sparkles beautifully in various lighting conditions. Explore our princess lab-grown diamonds to find your ideal match.

Radiant Cut: Combining Brilliance with an Elegant Shape

The radiant cut is an excellent option for those seeking a balance between a rectangular or square shape and brilliant sparkle. It features a faceting pattern similar to that of the round brilliant, offering plenty of brilliance and fire. The radiant cut's versatility allows it to be set in various styles, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery. Its unique combination of shape and sparkle provides an eye-catching alternative to traditional cuts. Check out our radiant lab-grown diamond selection.

Cushion Cut: Rounded Corners and a Brilliant Faceting Pattern

The cushion cut, sometimes referred to as a "pillow cut," combines rounded corners with a square or rectangular shape. This shape has been gaining popularity due to its vintage charm and impressive sparkle. Modern cushion cuts often feature a modified brilliant-cut faceting style, which enhances their brilliance. While the cushion cut may not match the round brilliant's sparkle, it offers a beautiful balance between brilliance and a soft, romantic shape. Explore our range of cushion lab-grown diamonds for a selection of stunning options.

Oval Cut: Elongated Shape That Enhances Sparkle

The oval cut is another shape that delivers excellent brilliance, thanks to its elongated form and faceting pattern similar to the round brilliant. The shape's length adds a unique dimension to the diamond, making it appear larger while also enhancing its light reflection. The oval cut is well-suited for those who desire a brilliant diamond with a slightly different look from the classic round shape. Browse our oval lab-grown diamonds for eye-catching choices.

Pear Cut: A Unique Shape with Brilliant Facets

The pear cut, also known as a teardrop shape, is characterised by its rounded base and pointed tip. This combination creates a distinct appearance while maintaining a high level of brilliance due to its brilliant-cut facets. The pointed end of the pear cut helps to draw light into the diamond, enhancing its sparkle. This shape is ideal for those seeking a unique diamond with exceptional brilliance. Discover our pear lab-grown diamonds for your perfect fit.

Diamond Shapes with Lower Brilliance

Although some diamond shapes offer extraordinary sparkle, others have a more subtle appearance due to their faceting styles. These shapes may prioritise clarity and elegance over brilliance.

Emerald Cut: Step-Cut Style That Prioritises Clarity Over Sparkle

The emerald cut is known for its elongated, rectangular shape and step-cut facets, which differ significantly from brilliant-cut diamonds. The step-cut style consists of parallel facets, creating a "hall of mirrors" effect rather than the dazzling sparkle of other shapes. While it lacks the intense brilliance of a round or princess cut, the emerald cut is appreciated for its sophisticated appearance and ability to highlight a diamond's clarity. Explore our emerald lab-grown diamonds to see the elegance they offer.

Asscher Cut: Another Step-Cut Shape with Limited Brilliance

Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut features step-cut facets arranged in a square shape. Although it does not possess the same level of brilliance as brilliant-cut shapes, the Asscher cut is admired for its vintage appeal and art deco style. Its faceting style creates a subtle sparkle that emphasises the diamond's clarity and symmetry. Check out our Asscher lab-grown diamonds for classic and unique options.

How to Maximise the Brilliance of Any Diamond Shape

Choose a High-Quality Cut Grade

Selecting a diamond with an "Excellent" or "Very Good" cut grade is essential for maximising sparkle. The cut grade determines how well a diamond reflects light, so higher grades will result in more brilliance.

Consider the Diamond’s Setting

Certain settings can help increase a diamond's sparkle. For example, prong settings elevate the diamond, allowing more light to pass through it. Halo settings can also enhance the brilliance by surrounding the centre diamond with smaller stones, creating a captivating sparkle. Learn more about fancy coloured diamonds for setting inspiration that adds a unique touch.

Opt for a Clean and Colourless Diamond

A diamond with minimal inclusions and a higher colour grade will reflect more light and appear more brilliant. When shopping for diamonds, look for stones with clarity grades of VS2 or higher and colour grades of G or better.

Regularly Clean Your Diamond

Over time, dirt and oil can accumulate on a diamond's surface, diminishing its brilliance. Regular cleaning helps maintain the diamond's sparkle. Use a gentle jewellery cleaner or warm soapy water and a soft brush to keep your diamond looking its best.

Comparing Sparkle Across Diamond Shapes: What to Consider

When comparing sparkle across different diamond shapes, keep in mind that the faceting style and the number of facets play significant roles in determining brilliance. Brilliant-cut diamonds, with their multiple facets, offer the highest sparkle, while step-cut diamonds provide a more understated appearance.

Faceting Style and Number of Facets

Brilliant-cut diamonds, such as round, princess, and radiant cuts, have numerous facets designed to maximise light reflection. Step-cut diamonds, like emerald and Asscher cuts, have fewer facets, resulting in a more subtle sparkle.

Shape Proportions and Light Performance

The length-to-width ratio and overall shape proportions can influence how light interacts with the diamond. Elongated shapes, such as oval and pear cuts, can enhance sparkle by directing light along the length of the diamond.

FAQs

Which diamond shape is the most brilliant?
The round brilliant cut is considered the most brilliant due to its 58 optimally positioned facets, which maximise light reflection and dispersion.

Why is the round brilliant cut so popular for sparkle?
The round brilliant cut's popularity is due to its symmetrical shape and faceting style, which are specifically designed to maximise brilliance and fire. This shape offers a dazzling display of sparkle in various lighting conditions.

Can step-cut diamonds like emerald and Asscher still sparkle?
Yes, step-cut diamonds can still sparkle, but their brilliance is more subdued compared to brilliant-cut diamonds. They are valued more for their clarity and sophisticated appearance than for intense sparkle.

Does the setting affect a diamond’s brilliance?
Yes, the setting can significantly impact a diamond’s brilliance. Settings that allow more light to enter the diamond, such as prong or halo settings, can enhance its sparkle.

How often should I clean my diamond to maintain its sparkle?
To keep your diamond looking its best, clean it once a month. Regular cleaning prevents dirt and oil from dulling its brilliance.