Which Diamond Shape Looks Biggest for Its Carat Size?

Diamonds are a symbol of elegance and luxury, but when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond, one of the most pressing questions people often have is: Which diamond shape looks the biggest for its carat size?

Imagine you’re about to propose to the love of your life, and you want a ring that stands out, but you’re also mindful of your budget. You know a larger carat weight translates to a larger diamond, but does the shape you choose also impact how big it looks on your finger? The answer is a resounding yes.

In this blog post, we’ll break down which diamonds shapes maximize the visual size, how to choose based on your budget and preferences, and compare popular shapes like the round and oval diamonds. By the end, you’ll know which diamonds shape will give you the biggest “bang for your buck.”

What Factors Affect How Big a Diamond Looks?

Before diving into the specifics of each shape, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence a diamond’s appearance. There’s more than just carat weight at play when it comes to visual size.

1. Shape and Cut: The overall shape of the diamond and how it’s cut can impact its appearance. A shallow cut can make a diamond appear larger than it actually is.
2. Depth and Table Size: Diamonds with a larger table (the flat surface) can appear bigger, as can those with a shallow depth. These factors affect how much light enters and reflects from the stone.
3. Setting: The setting of the diamond also matters. A diamond in a halo setting or a prong setting can create the illusion of a larger diamond.

Which Diamonds Shape Looks Biggest for Its Carat Size?

There’s no single answer to this question, as each diamond  has its own unique qualities that make it appear differently in size. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular shapes and how they compare when it comes to looking bigger than their actual carat size.

1. Oval vs Round Diamond Size: Which Looks Bigger?

Round Diamonds are undoubtedly the most popular and widely recognized diamonds shape. While round diamonds are cut to maximize brilliance and sparkle, they don’t necessarily maximize size appearance. The round shape’s symmetry tends to make it look slightly smaller than other shapes with the same carat weight.

Oval Diamonds, on the other hand, often appear larger than their round counterparts. Because of their elongated shape, oval diamonds cover more surface area, making them seem bigger despite having the same carat weight. If you’re looking for the largest visual size for your budget, oval diamonds are a great option.

Pro Tip: An oval diamond can look up to 20% larger than a round diamond with the same carat weight due to its elongated shape.

2. How Do Pear-Shaped Diamonds Compare to Round and Oval?

Pear-shaped diamonds are another excellent choice for buyers who want a diamond that looks bigger than it actually is. The pear shape is an elongated form that combines the round and marquise shapes, giving it the ability to stretch across the finger and appear larger. Because the shape tapers toward a point, the surface area is maximized, providing a dramatic visual effect.

Real-world example: If you’re deciding between a 1.00 carat round diamond and a 1.00 carat pear diamond, the pear shape will likely appear larger due to its shape and how light reflects from the pointed end.

3. Does the Marquise Shape Look Larger Than the Others?

Yes, marquise diamonds are often considered one of the most “size-illusion” shapes. The marquise’s elongated, football-like shape creates the illusion of a larger stone, making it look significantly bigger than other shapes with the same carat weight. This is particularly true when it comes to diamonds with high clarity and excellent cut quality, as the elongated shape allows for a greater visual spread.

Case Study: Many clients looking for engagement rings on a budget often choose marquise diamonds because they can achieve a larger visual impact without the higher price tag of larger carat diamonds.

Pro Tip: Marquise diamonds can appear up to 30% larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

4. Does a Cushion Cut Look Bigger Than a Round or Oval Diamond?

Cushion cut diamonds are a combination of square and round, often referred to as “pillow-cut” diamonds. They have a larger surface area than round diamonds, which can create the illusion of a bigger diamond. However, since the cushion cut is deeper than a round or oval, it can appear smaller when viewed from the side.

Real-world example: A 1.00 carat cushion cut may appear visually smaller than a 1.00 carat oval or marquise diamond due to its depth and shape, despite having a similar surface area.

5. Do Emerald Cut Diamond shape Appear Larger?

Emerald cut diamonds are another popular shape, known for their distinctive “step cuts” and rectangular shape. These diamonds tend to have a smaller visual spread than round or oval diamonds of the same carat weight. However, they are still an elegant option that offers an appealingly large table surface, though they may not appear as large as other shapes.

Pro Tip: If you want an emerald cut to appear larger, select a diamond with a shallow depth and larger table size.

6. How Does the Princess Cut Compare?

Princess cut diamonds are square and have sharp corners, unlike the rounded edges of a cushion cut. While they may not look as large as oval or marquise shapes, they do provide a good balance between size and brilliance. Princess cuts are generally more affordable than round diamonds with the same carat weight and are often used for engagement rings when budget and visual size are a concern.

What Is the Best Diamond Shape for Your Budget?

When it comes to getting the biggest diamond for your money, oval, marquise, and pear cuts consistently offer the most visual size. However, the choice also depends on personal preference, style, and how much sparkle or brilliance you desire.

For example:

• Oval and Marquise cuts are fantastic for maximizing size on a budget.
• Round cuts are timeless, though they might not appear as large.
• Cushion cuts offer a balance of brilliance and size but can appear smaller if cut too deep.
• Emerald cuts prioritize elegance and uniqueness over size.

Conclusion

Selecting the right diamond shape is more than just about carat weight. If you’re aiming for the biggest visual impact without splurging on a higher carat, shapes like oval, marquise, and pear are your best bet. These shapes maximize surface area, making them appear larger than other cuts, such as round and cushion diamonds.

When deciding, think about your budget, the style you prefer, and the visual effect you’re after. With the right knowledge, you can make a smart, confident choice that’ll give you the largest, most beautiful diamond for your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which diamond shape looks the biggest for its carat size?

Oval, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds generally appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat size due to their elongated shapes.

2. Do oval diamond shape look bigger than round diamonds?

Yes, oval diamonds often look bigger than round diamonds of the same carat size because of their elongated shape, which maximizes surface area.

3. How does the marquise diamond shape compare in size to others?

Marquise diamonds can appear up to 30% larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight because of their unique, elongated shape.

4. Are cushion cut diamonds larger than round diamonds?

Cushion cut diamond shape have a larger surface area than round diamonds, but due to their depth, they may appear smaller when viewed from the side.

5. How does the emerald cut compare in terms of size?

Emerald cut diamond shape tend to have a smaller visual spread than round or oval diamonds, but they have a large table surface that can create an elegant, striking appearance.

6. What shape is best for maximizing visual size on a budget?

Oval and marquise cuts offer the best size-to-carat ratio, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious buyers.

7. Should I prioritize size or brilliance when choosing a diamond shape?

If size is your top priority, opt for oval or marquise cuts. If brilliance is more important, a round diamond might be the right choice, though it may appear slightly smaller for its carat weight.

8. Which diamond shape looks largest on the finger?