In recent years ovals have surged in popularity, and for good reason. Mainly because oval diamonds appear larger for their carat weight compared to other shapes. This is due to their clever cutting design, where the majority of the weight is distributed across the top, allowing for maximum coverage. So a 1 carat oval is usually going to look larger then a 1 carat round

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe. Biggest thing with Ovals is the BOWTIE which is a dark shadow in the middle that looks like a bowtie. There's no filter for this, but we're happy to send you some bowtie-free options.

Color: Ovals show color more than any other shape, so you really have to be careful. If you don't mind a little warmth you can do down to I, but typically I'd say H and above.

Clarity: Similar to rounds, ovals also hide clarity very well. You can even find a good Si2 and not see any inclusions in person, but to start, I would stick with Si1 and up. As always, make sure to avoid and large black inclusions.

Ratio: Ratio is a personal preference, and isn't an exact science, but I would stick to 1.35-1.48 for ovals.

I've always said cushions are the most complicated shape. You can have two diamonds that look nothing alike, and they can both be cushions! Their unique cut can make a more square, pillowy look, or a more elongated vintage feel.

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe. With cushions is more about ratios below.

Color: If a cushion is more brilliant cut with a bunch of facets, you'll want to keep it H or higher like an oval. If the cushion has larger facets, or more antique looking, you can get away with lower color.

Clarity: Similarly to ovals, cushions also hide clarity pretty well. You can even find a good Si2 and not see any inclusions in person, but to start, I would stick with Si1 and up. As always, make sure to avoid and large black inclusions.

Ratio: Ratio is tough for cushions. You can have a super low ratio for a more square shape cushion, or elongated with a 1.3+ ratio. It's completely a personal preference. Honestly, if your partner send you a photo of a cushion or told you they want a cushion, it's best to have me help directly - info.diamondsilike@gmail.com.

Emeralds are a personal favorite. Their glass like step cut creates a classic and elegant feel. Like the cushion, they can be tricky as well when it comes to cut. Not all emeralds are cut the same. Some have larger cut corners, some have bigger steps, etc. It's important to look closely when considering an emerald.

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe.

Color: Emeralds hide color really nicely. Right up there with rounds. You can definitely go down to J color and in natural light it won't be yellow. If you're particular though about color, stick to I and up.

Clarity: Clarity is the most important with emeralds. Due to their glass like step cuts, you can see everything. Meaning clarity has to be very high. You can get away with a good VS2 if you find one, but I'd stick with VS1 and up.

Ratio: Emerald ratio is extremely personal. Some people like fatter emeralds, and some like more elongated. Totally up to you! For fatter ratios I'd filter 1.30-1.45 and 1.45-1.60 for more elongated.

Radiants have really taken off in the last few years! They're similar to cushions, but typically have more surface area, meaning they look larger. They too can be either more square or elongated in shape.

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe. With radiants it's more about ratios below.

Color: Radiants show color easily. Not quite as much as ovals, but close. I would do I color lowest, but H and up if you're particular about color.

Clarity: Radiants have a ton of facets which hide inclusions nicely. You can definitely go down to Si1 as long as there are no visible black inclusions!

Ratio: Some people prefer more square radiants, while others prefer elongated. Elongated is definitely more popular currently, but a squarer radiant is just as pretty! For squarer I'd do 1-1.10, and 1.25-1.45 for longer.

Pears are so fun! Their rounded bottom and pointed top make them one of the most unique shapes. They look great in a number of settings and can have a more whimsical feel. You have to be careful with bowties in pears as well. The bottom of a pear can have a dark shadow in the middle which you want to avoid.

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe.

Color: The bottom half of pears are cut similarly to ovals which tend to show more color. Sometimes though, the top half of the pear can look whiter than the bottom, so make sure to double check the color consistency. I would stick with H and up.

Clarity: Pears can hide clarity really well, so you're fine with Si1, or even a good Si2. As long as the Inclusions are the right type, and in the right spot.

Ratio: Ratio is tough for pears. Yes, the higher the ratio the skinnier / more elongated it is, but you also have to double check the rounded part of the cut. You want to make sure it's evenly round. I'd stick to 1.45-1.60, with ~1.5 being the more traditional pear shape.

Marquise are one of the most unique shapes, and becoming increasingly popular! Their long slender shape looks great on longer fingers, or can be fun when set sideways! Most important tip about marquises though is you must protect both tips in the setting! They can chip easily.

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe.

Color: Marquises show color pretty normally, so you'd be ok with a good I or H and up if you're particular.

Clarity: Inclusions can hide fairly well in marquises, so you're safe with Si1 and up. Avoiding black inclusions.

Ratio: 1.85-2.10 is a safe range when looking at marquises. Marquises are pretty obvious if the ratio is off so you'd notice if it were way too skinny.

Princess cut diamonds have the most popular name, but lately have been lower in popularity. Their sharp cut corners can chip easily so make sure to protect them in your setting! They have larger tables that create a sparkling window of light!

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe.

Color: Princesses hide color fairly well so you can do I color and up and not see much yellow / warmth.

Clarity: Clarity with princesses can be tricky. Due to the table being larger, they often have inclusions on the table and visible to the eye. I would do Vs2 and up to be safe, but could also find a good Si1!

Ratio: Princess cut diamonds are squares, so ratio should be between 1.00-1.05. Keep it to under 1.05 though if you want a perfect square.

Last but not least, Asscher! Asschers are emerald cuts with a 1.05 ratio or lower. Same look as an emerald cut, but in a square shape. Meaning all the guidelines stay the same for asschers as they do emeralds, but with a lower ratio.

Cut: As mentioned above, fancy shapes (anything other than rounds) do not have official GIA cut grades, but keep it very good and up to be safe.

Color: Asschers hide color really nicely. Right up there with rounds. You can definitely go down to J color and in natural light it won't be yellow. If you're particular though about color, stick to I and up.

Clarity: Clarity is the most important with asschers. Due to their glass like step cuts, you can see everything. Meaning clarity has to be very high. You can get away with a good VS2 if you find one, but I'd stick with VS1 and up.

Ratio: 1.00-1.05 is best for square shape asschers!