Melbourne client care · Made in Surat
Every diamond shape available at Fenora — from the classic round brilliant to the Dutch Marquise, Hexagone, Portuguese, Lozenge and beyond. Each shape has a completely different character, a different effect on the hand and different considerations for setting style and cut quality. This is the complete guide to all 15 shapes.
Shape and cut are two different things. Shape refers to the outline of the diamond — round, oval, pear, emerald. Cut refers to the quality of the faceting — how precisely the stone has been worked so that light performs as it should.
Every shape can be cut well or cut poorly. The IGI cut grade of Excellent applies specifically to round brilliant cuts — the only shape for which industry-standard cut quality ranges are fully published. For all other shapes (fancy shapes), cut quality is assessed through the specific proportions and through visual examination in video under controlled lighting. Yash Chandpara assesses every fancy-shape stone in video before presenting it in a consultation.
The three shapes that account for the majority of engagement ring purchases worldwide.
Elongated shapes create the most dramatic finger-lengthening effect. Each has a specific character and setting requirement.
Step-cut and geometric shapes with a distinctly sophisticated, architectural character.
Three shapes that occupy a distinctive position in the Fenora collection — each offering something genuinely different from the mainstream options.
The same diamond shape can look very different on different hands. Understanding the relationship between shape and hand type helps buyers choose with confidence.
| Hand Type | Shapes That Suit Best | Why | Shapes to Consider Carefully |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorter, wider fingers | Oval, pear, marquise, Dutch marquise, elongated cushion | Elongated shapes create a longer visual impression of the finger | Round, cushion, princess, asscher — shapes without strong directional elongation |
| Longer, slim fingers | Any shape works. Emerald, asscher, cushion, hexagone particularly beautiful | Longer fingers provide the canvas for every shape including the most geometric | Nothing to avoid — longer fingers are most versatile |
| Wider hands | East-west oval, elongated cushion, radiant, lozenge | Wider shapes work with wider hand proportions | Very narrow marquise can appear proportionally small |
| Small hands | Oval, pear — appear larger than carat weight suggests | Elongated shapes read as larger on smaller hands | Very large stones can appear unbalanced |
| Any hand | Round, oval — the most universally flattering | Both work across all hand types and finger lengths | Neither is wrong for any hand |
Different shapes of the same carat weight appear very different in size on the hand. This is because carat is a weight measurement, not a size measurement — and different shapes distribute weight differently across their surface area and depth.
Every shape has setting styles that work best for it. This table is a complete reference.
| Shape | Best Settings | V-Prong Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Any — 4-prong, 6-prong, bezel, halo | No | The most versatile shape — every setting works |
| Oval | Prong, halo, bezel, east-west bezel | No | Follow the oval outline for any halo. East-west setting very contemporary |
| Cushion | 4-prong, halo (cushion-shaped), pavé band | No | Cushion-shaped halo more cohesive than round halo around cushion |
| Princess | 4-corner prong, bezel | No | Corner prongs essential to protect sharp corners |
| Emerald | 4-corner prong, bezel, geometric halo | No | Clean settings suit the architectural character. Avoid busy pavé |
| Radiant | 4-corner prong, bezel, halo | No | Suits both square and elongated halo configurations |
| Pear | 3+V-prong, bezel, halo | Yes at tip | V-prong or bezel essential at the pointed tip |
| Marquise | V-prong both ends, bezel | Yes at both tips | V-prong or bezel essential at both points. East-west very distinctive |
| Asscher | 4-corner prong, bezel, geometric halo | No | Octagonal bezel particularly period-authentic |
| Heart | 5-prong (V at cleft), bezel | Yes at point | Prongs must show the heart outline clearly. V or cleft prong at the top |
| Dutch Marquise | V-prong both ends, bezel | Yes at both tips | Similar to marquise but tips less acute — slightly more forgiving |
| Hexagone | Bezel (most natural), 6-prong | No | Bezel follows the hexagonal outline perfectly. Very contemporary |
| Portuguese | Round prong, bezel, round halo | No | Standard round settings — the Portuguese cut is round outline |
| Elongated Cushion | 4-prong, halo (oval or elongated) | No | Oval-outline halos suit the elongated format better than square halos |
| Lozenge | Bezel, 4-corner prong | Yes at top and bottom points | Points at top and bottom need protection. Bezel the most natural setting |
The bow-tie effect is a dark shadow across the middle of certain elongated fancy-shaped diamonds. It is caused by light not being reflected back through the top of the stone in the central area, creating a shadow that resembles a bow-tie or butterfly.
Common questions about choosing from the Fenora shape collection.
Book a free online consultation. Yash Chandpara shows every shape in the Fenora collection in video under controlled lighting — from the classic round to the hexagone and Portuguese — so you can find the right one.
