The main types of diamond cuts are the round brilliant, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, pear, marquise, radiant, Asscher and heart. Brilliant cuts such as the round, oval and princess maximize sparkle, while step cuts such as the emerald and Asscher show clarity in a “hall of mirrors” effect. The round brilliant sparkles most and usually costs the most per carat. Strictly speaking, “cut” also means how well a diamond is proportioned and polished, and that quality is a key driver of value. Diamonds and diamond jewelry are also strong collateral: Borro lends against them, so owners can raise cash without selling.
Types of Diamond Cuts at a Glance
| Cut (shape) | Style | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Round brilliant | Brilliant (57–58 facets) | Maximum sparkle; most popular and usually most expensive per carat |
| Princess | Brilliant | Square with sharp corners; lively sparkle |
| Cushion | Brilliant | Rounded square; soft, vintage look |
| Oval | Brilliant | Elongated; looks larger for its carat weight |
| Pear and marquise | Brilliant | Tapered shapes that lengthen the finger |
| Radiant | Brilliant | Rectangular or square with trimmed corners |
| Emerald and Asscher | Step cut | Clean lines; show clarity rather than sparkle |
Own diamonds or fine jewelry? Borro lends up to 50% of the value of diamonds and up to 65% of fine jewelry, with loans from $2,500, no credit check and funding in as little as one business day. Get a no-obligation quote or call 720-458-6788.
Cut Shape vs. Cut Quality
“Cut” means two things. The shape is the outline, such as round or oval. Cut quality, one of the 4 Cs alongside color, clarity and carat, describes how well the facets are proportioned, aligned and polished to return light. For round brilliants, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades cut from Excellent to Poor. A well-cut diamond shows more brilliance (white light), fire (flashes of color) and scintillation (sparkle) than a poorly cut stone of the same size.
Which Diamond Cut Sparkles the Most?
The round brilliant, whose modern proportions trace back to Marcel Tolkowsky’s 1919 calculations, is engineered to return the most light. Among fancy shapes, the oval, cushion, princess and radiant are also very bright. Step cuts like the emerald trade sparkle for broad flashes of light and an emphasis on clarity.
How Cut Affects Diamond Value
Round brilliants usually cost more per carat than fancy shapes, partly because cutting a round loses more of the rough crystal. Within any shape, a better cut grade raises value. Elongated shapes such as ovals, pears and marquises can look larger than rounds of the same weight. For more on the 4 Cs, see our guide to diamond cuts and the 4 Cs for collectors.
Can You Get a Loan Against a Diamond?
Yes. Borro lends up to 50% of the value of loose diamonds and up to 65% of fine jewelry, with a minimum loan of $2,500. A loose diamond valued at $20,000 could support a loan of up to about $10,000. A grading report from GIA or another major lab helps with valuation.
- No credit check and no personal guarantee. Your diamond secures the loan, and Borro does not ask for personal or business financial statements.
- Fast funding. Once your loan is approved, funds can arrive in as little as one business day.
- You keep ownership. Your diamond is held in fully insured, secure safekeeping for the loan term and returned when you repay.
- Private and discreet. Borro has lent more than $1 billion to clients across the country and holds an A+ BBB rating.
Learn more about Borro’s jewelry and diamond loans or borrowing against loose diamonds and diamond jewelry.
How a Diamond Learns to Hold the Light
Tilt a well-cut diamond under a lamp and watch what happens. White light snaps back at you, then a flash of color, then a scatter of small sparks that move when you do. It is a performance, and the stone has been rehearsing for years in the hands of the person who cut it.
The article has told you why cut matters, and it matters in your hands before it matters on paper. A round brilliant gleams with the confident energy of a chandelier. A cushion glows, softer and slightly vintage, like candlelight on silk. An emerald cut does the opposite of dazzle: it shows you something clear and still, a hall of mirrors in miniature, and asks you to look closer.
Each shape gives off a different mood, and each owner chooses without quite knowing why. Someone watches you turn your hand, catches the light in the stone, and says nothing at first. Then, quietly, they ask where you found it. That is the moment you remember a diamond for.
Because a stone like that carries memory, you would not sell it lightly. Borro lends against diamonds and fine jewelry, so you can borrow against your diamonds and jewelry without parting with them for good. Your piece is held in secure, fully insured safekeeping, ownership remains yours, and when you repay, it comes back to you, still catching the light exactly as it did before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I borrow against my diamond?
Yes. Borro lends up to 50% of the value of diamonds and up to 65% of fine jewelry, with loans from $2,500, no credit check and funding in as little as one business day.
What are the types of diamond cuts?
The main shapes are round brilliant, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, pear, marquise, radiant, Asscher and heart.
What diamond cut sparkles the most?
The round brilliant.
What is the difference between diamond shape and cut?
Shape is the outline; cut quality is how well the facets are proportioned and polished to reflect light.
Which diamond cut looks biggest?
Elongated shapes such as ovals, marquises and pears tend to look larger than rounds of the same carat weight.
See how much your diamonds could unlock. Borro’s loans start at $2,500, with no credit check and no personal guarantee. Apply now or call 720-458-6788 to speak with a valuation expert.
