Diamond Shapes Guide
Seven shapes, one standard — how to choose the cut that’s right for you.
Shape is the most personal diamond decision and the first one you’ll make. Every Montare shape meets the same VVS, D/E, Triple Excellent floor, so this choice is purely about the look you love. Here’s how the seven compare.
The seven Montare shapes
- Round Brilliant — the benchmark. 58 facets for maximum fire; timeless and the most brilliant cut.
- Oval — an elongated brilliant that lengthens the finger and wears larger than its carat weight.
- Cushion — soft, pillowed corners with a romantic, antique glow.
- Radiant — trimmed corners with the fire of a round and the architecture of an emerald. Bold presence.
- Emerald — a step-cut hall of mirrors. Understated, architectural, endlessly elegant.
- Pear — a teardrop; brilliant facets meeting a single graceful point. Distinctive and flattering.
- Marquise — two points and maximum surface area, the largest-looking shape carat for carat.
Which shape wears the largest?
Carat for carat, elongated cuts spread their weight across more surface: marquise, oval, pear and emerald all read larger on the hand than a round of the same weight. If maximum presence is the goal — and at a 3-carat floor, presence is a given — these shapes amplify it further.
How to choose
- Want timeless & maximum sparkle? Round or cushion.
- Want it to look larger / lengthen the finger? Oval, pear or marquise.
- Want modern & architectural? Emerald or radiant.
The easiest way to decide is to see them. Open the ring builder, switch between shapes, settings and metals, and watch your design come together live.
Frequently asked questions
- Which diamond shape looks the biggest?
- Elongated shapes — oval, marquise, pear and emerald — carry their weight across a larger surface, so they tend to look bigger on the hand than a round of the same carat. Marquise looks the largest carat-for-carat.
- What is the most popular diamond shape?
- The round brilliant remains the most popular and most brilliant cut, thanks to its 58 facets engineered for maximum light return. Oval is a close, fast-growing second.
- Which diamond shape is best for smaller hands?
- Elongated shapes like oval, pear and marquise lengthen the finger and flatter smaller or shorter hands. A round or cushion suits almost everyone.
- Do all shapes meet the Montare standard?
- Yes. Every shape we offer — round, oval, cushion, radiant, emerald, pear and marquise — is held to the same D/E, VVS, Triple Excellent, 3 carat minimum floor.
Related guides
- How Much Does a 3-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Cost?
- Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds
- Lab-Grown Engagement Rings in Toronto
Design yours, or just ask us.
Build your ring in our live configurator, or book a complimentary one-on-one consultation with a Montare diamond specialist — no obligation, same-day response.
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