Guides
Shape is the outline you see face-up. It changes style, size appearance, and which certificate fields matter most.
Round brilliants are the classic sparkle engine and the shape with the most mature cut grading. Fancy shapes — oval, cushion, emerald, pear, princess, radiant, marquise, heart — trade some of that grading simplicity for style.
Pick the silhouette first, then apply the 4Cs inside that shape. Do not force an emerald-cut budget into round cut rules without adjusting expectations.
Round: prioritize cut grade. Oval: watch bow-tie and ratio. Cushion: decide between chunky crushed-ice and steppier looks in video. Emerald: open facets show inclusions — clarity and eye-clean matter more. Pear: check symmetry of the point and belly. Princess: sharp corners need protective settings later.
Carat Mate listings are specific certified diamonds. Use the shapes row on search, compare photos, open the certificate, then request the stone you want set by your jeweler.
Carat Mate lists certified loose diamonds for shoppers in the United States, Canada, the UAE, London, and Australia. Prices are in USD everywhere. We ship to the United States, Canada, the UAE, London, and Australia.
