Which Diamond Shape Sparkles the Most
Sparkle (technically called scintillation) is one of the most desired diamond properties. Different diamond shapes produce different levels of sparkle because their faceting patterns interact with light differently. Here is an honest ranking of diamond shapes by sparkle performance, from the most brilliant to the most subtle.
1. Round Brilliant (Maximum Sparkle)
- The round brilliant was mathematically designed to maximize light return. Its 57 facets are precisely angled to capture and reflect the maximum amount of light
- Decades of optical research have optimized the round brilliant's proportions. It is the benchmark against which all other shapes are measured
- An Excellent cut round brilliant reflects approximately 95% of the light that enters it
2. Oval (Excellent Sparkle)
- Modified brilliant faceting delivers sparkle nearly equal to round. The elongated shape distributes this sparkle across a larger surface area
- Well-cut ovals produce beautiful sparkle patterns with broader light-dark contrast than round
3. Radiant (Excellent Sparkle)
- The radiant cut was specifically designed to bring brilliant sparkle to a rectangular shape. Its 70 facets produce intense, lively sparkle
- The sparkliest rectangular diamond shape available
4. Cushion (Very Good Sparkle)
- Standard brilliant cushions produce broad, bold flashes of light. Modified brilliant (crushed ice) cushions produce fine, scattered shimmer
- Cushion cuts are known for exceptional fire (rainbow flashes), which adds to their light performance
5. Pear (Very Good Sparkle)
- Modified brilliant faceting produces excellent sparkle, similar to oval. The pointed end can show slightly less brilliance than the rounded end
6. Marquise (Very Good Sparkle)
- Brilliant faceting produces good sparkle. The elongated shape can show a bowtie effect that slightly reduces overall brilliance in the center
7. Princess (Good to Very Good)
- Modified brilliant faceting produces good sparkle for a square shape, but the 90-degree corners do not return light as efficiently as curved shapes
8. Heart (Good Sparkle)
- Modified brilliant faceting. Good sparkle overall, though the cleft area can show slightly reduced brilliance
9. Emerald (Subtle)
- Step-cut facets produce broad, mirror-like flashes rather than sparkle. Beautiful but fundamentally different from brilliant-cut light performance
10. Asscher (Subtle)
- Like emerald, step-cut facets produce hall-of-mirrors reflections rather than traditional sparkle. Elegant but not sparkly in the conventional sense