Cut & certification
Lab-Grown Diamond Shapes: The 7 We Stock in GCAL 8X
Arelia stocks seven shapes, each graded GCAL 8X: round, oval, pear, princess, radiant, marquise and cushion. Rounds are the only shape graded for Hearts & Arrows; on elongated shapes, check the length-to-width ratio and the bow-tie.
Shape changes how a diamond handles light, how big it looks for its weight, and how much protection it needs in a setting. All seven below are graded GCAL 8X, D–F color and VVS2 or better.
RoundShop round →
OvalShop oval →
PearShop pear →
PrincessShop princess →
RadiantShop radiant →
MarquiseShop marquise →
CushionShop cushion →
Example GCAL 8X diamonds in each shape. Images: GCAL. Tap a shape to see the stones in stock.
Round
The most studied shape and the one GCAL built 8X around. Rounds return the most light and are the only shape graded for Hearts & Arrows, with the pattern photographed on the certificate. A 1ct round is about 6.4mm across; a round packs its weight into a compact outline, so it faces up smaller than an oval or marquise of the same weight. See Hearts & Arrows.
Oval
A stretched brilliant that faces up larger than a round of the same weight and lengthens the finger. Check the length-to-width ratio on the certificate and the bow-tie in the 360° video. GCAL's 8X shape-aesthetics score for ovals requires a very minimal bow-tie.
Pear
A round end tapering to a point. It faces up large for its weight. Check the bow-tie, that the two shoulders are even, and that the point lines up with the rounded end. Set it with a prong or V-tip over the point.
Princess
A square brilliant with sharp corners. It carries some weight in its depth, so face-up size varies with how deep it is cut; compare measurements, not just carat. The four corners are the most chip-prone part, so choose a setting that covers them.
Radiant
A rectangle or square with clipped corners and brilliant faceting. Length-to-width decides whether it reads square or rectangular, so check that ratio. The clipped corners make it sturdier than a princess.
Marquise
A long, pointed oval with the largest face-up size for its weight: about 10 x 5mm at 1ct. Check the bow-tie and that the two points line up. Both tips need protection in the setting.
Cushion
A softly rounded square or rectangle. The cushions we stock are elongated, so check the length-to-width ratio. Cushions carry weight below the girdle and face up smaller than a round of the same weight; in exchange they have no sharp corners.
Other shapes
Emerald, asscher and heart shapes are available by request at the same D–F color, VVS2 or better standard, with an Ideal or Excellent cut. GCAL does not grade them 8X yet. Contact us with the shape and size you want.
Every Arelia diamond is GCAL 8X, D–F color and VVS2 or better, in seven shapes.
Shop diamonds by shapeKeep reading
What Is GCAL 8X Certification?The eight cut criteria behind GCAL 8X, how to read the certificate, the laser inscription and GCAL's guarantee.Read the guide →
Hearts & Arrows and Super Ideal Cut, ExplainedWhat the hearts & arrows pattern proves, what it doesn't, and what super ideal means.Read the guide →
Lab-Grown Diamond Prices by CaratReal prices by carat band from Arelia's live catalog, and what moves the price within a size.Read the guide →
Frequently asked questions
Which diamond shape sparkles the most?
The round brilliant. Its facet pattern is built around light return, and it is the only shape graded for Hearts & Arrows. Oval, cushion, pear and the other brilliant shapes come close.
Which diamond shape looks biggest for its carat weight?
Elongated shapes. A 1 carat marquise measures roughly 10 x 5mm, against about 6.4mm across for a 1 carat round. Ovals and pears also face up larger than a round of the same weight; cushions carry more weight below the girdle and face up smaller.
What is a bow-tie in a diamond?
A dark, bow-tie shaped band across the middle of an elongated brilliant such as an oval, pear or marquise, where light leaks out instead of returning to your eye. Check the 360° video of the actual stone. GCAL's 8X grade for ovals requires a very minimal bow-tie.
Can I get an emerald, asscher or heart-shaped diamond?
By request, at the same D–F color, VVS2 or better, Ideal or Excellent cut standard. GCAL does not grade these shapes 8X yet. Contact us with the size you want.