The cut refers to all the angles and proportions a skilled Diamond cutter creates in transforming a rough diamond into a stunning polished diamond. Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will within, reflect light from one mirror-like surface to another, and then diffuses it and reflects it through the top of the stone. The result is a stunning display of brilliance and fire. Diamonds that are badly cut, like cut too deep or too shallow. Then they would lose or leak light through the side or bottom of the Diamond, resulting in a less brilliant diamond and a lower value Diamond.

Cutting styles are completely different than the diamond shapes below. The easiest and most common way to explain the cutting styles is to categorize then into three basic types: The Step-cut, The Brilliant-cut and The Mixed-cut.

Here is a list of some Diamond Shapes:

Round Brilliant - Do not confuse this with the round diamonds. The round brilliant is the more modern version of the round diamond which has been refined for a maximum shine. The round brilliant is by far the most preferred today and has the best angles for the best maximum shine brilliance.

Oval - Not as popular for solitaires, but very popular for three stone anniversary rings, with two matching diamonds on the sides.

Princess - This square cut diamond has refractive properties almost near round brilliant. The stunning princess cut Diamond is the more popular square cut shape over the radiant.

Emerald - More of a traditional shape, the emerald is not as popular as it once was, but has an old world sophistication to it.

Radiant - Before the princess shape we had the Radiant shape. The Radiant has more facets than a princess cut Diamond, but has all the corners trimmed just like the emerald shape has. This shape is not very popular anymore.

Heart - Can be very hard to find due to the low demand for them, but some people prefer a heart shape diamond for emotional purposes.

Marquise - As like the emerald shape, the marquise is a very traditional shape. This is probably the 4th most popular choice of shapes. The first is the round then the princess and in 3rd place the oval.

Pear - This cut/shape mostly used in pendants and rings, the pear shape diamond is shaped into a tear drop shape and has good proportions to reflect light really well.

Barion cut - This is a traditional step-cut crown and with a modified brilliant-cut pavilion. For example, a square barion cut diamond has 61 facets, excluding the culet.