The Most Popular Diamond Shapes to Buy in 2026
By
Tiffany Moore , Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Diamond shape remains one of the most defining choices a buyer makes when selecting an engagement ring or loose diamond. It influences not only the overall style of the piece, but also how a diamond reflects light, how large it appears on the hand, and how timeless or distinctive it feels over time. As we move into 2026, buyer preferences continue to evolve, balancing enduring classics with a growing appetite for individuality.
Rather than relying on predictions or trend speculation alone, the most accurate way to understand what shoppers truly prefer is to look at real purchasing behavior. The diamond shape rankings in this article are based on actual sales data, offering a clear picture of which shapes customers actively chose and invested in. This approach highlights meaningful patterns—where traditional favorites continue to dominate, and where fancy shapes are gaining traction.
While popularity should never dictate a personal decision outright, it provides valuable context. Understanding which diamond shapes are most sought-after in 2026 can help buyers feel informed, confident, and aligned with broader design trends as they begin the search for a diamond that fits both their personal aesthetic and lifestyle.
How This Popularity Ranking Was Determined
The popularity rankings in this article are drawn from real-world diamond purchases rather than forecasts, surveys, or trend reports. By analyzing recent sales activity, this approach reflects what buyers are actually choosing when making one of the most important jewelry purchases of their lives.
The data includes a broad range of diamond shapes sold across
engagement rings and
loose diamonds, providing a representative view of current consumer preferences. Each shape’s placement in the ranking is based on its relative share of overall demand, allowing clear comparisons between classic cuts and fancy shapes without relying on anecdotal insight.
IN STOCK DIAMONDS
0.77 H VS2 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$2,575
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0.81 G SI1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$2,875
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0.780 F SI1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$2,350
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1.09 G SI1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$5,675
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Importantly, these rankings are not intended to suggest that one diamond shape is inherently better than another. Popularity simply illustrates prevailing tastes at a given moment in time. Personal style, lifestyle considerations, and individual priorities should always play a central role in choosing a diamond. Instead, this analysis serves as a guide—offering context, clarity, and a grounded perspective on how today’s buyers are shaping diamond trends heading into 2026.
The Most Popular Diamond Shapes of 2026
The table below provides a quick reference to diamond shape popularity based on recent purchasing trends. It offers an at-a-glance view of how buyer preferences are distributed across classic and fancy shapes, serving as a useful framework before exploring each shape in greater detail.
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Rank
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Diamond Shape
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Share of Sales
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1
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Round
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62.9%
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2
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Oval
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11.6%
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3
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Pear
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5.9%
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4
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Emerald
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5.7%
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5
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Radiant
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5.3%
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6
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Cushion
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3.7%
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7
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Princess
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3.3%
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8
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Marquise
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1.1%
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9
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Asscher
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0.3%
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10
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Heart
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0.1%
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What stands out immediately is the continued dominance of traditional brilliance, led overwhelmingly by the round cut. At the same time, a meaningful portion of buyers are gravitating toward elongated and step-cut shapes, signaling a steady interest in diamonds that feel distinctive while remaining timeless.
Below is a closer look at each shape, why buyers continue to choose it, and what defines its appeal in 2026.
Round Brilliant — 62.9% of Sales
The
round brilliant remains the clear leader, maintaining its position as the most popular diamond shape by a wide margin. Its enduring appeal lies in unmatched light performance, consistent proportions, and universal versatility. Buyers who prioritize maximum brilliance, classic aesthetics, and long-term wearability continue to gravitate toward this shape. It also offers the widest flexibility across settings, from traditional solitaires to intricate custom designs.
The inherent symmetry of the classic round brilliant facet design produces maximum optics (brilliance and fire) when cut with high precision. And its long history as the preferred diamond shape makes it almost trend-resistant. There is a reason that the round shape itself is inextricably tied to our mental image of a diamond.
Oval Cut — 11.6% of Sales
The oval cut stands firmly as the most popular fancy shape today. Its elongated silhouette creates a flattering appearance on the hand while delivering brilliance similar to a round diamond. Many buyers view oval diamonds as a modern alternative that feels both elegant and distinctive without straying too far from classic styling.
Pear Shape — 5.9% of Sales
Pear-shaped diamonds appeal to buyers seeking a balance between softness and individuality. Combining elements of round and marquise shapes, the pear offers a graceful taper that can appear larger than its carat weight. Its tear drop shape is particularly elegant in drop earrings and pendants. The recent rise in popularity of the pear shape reflects growing interest in unique silhouettes that still feel refined and wearable.
Emerald Cut — 5.7% of Sales
The emerald cut continues to attract buyers drawn to understated sophistication. Known for its step-cut facets and hall-of-mirrors effect, this shape emphasizes clarity and precision over sparkle. Its clean lines and architectural look make it a favorite among those who prefer elegance with a minimalist sensibility.
Radiant Cut — 5.3% of Sales
Radiant diamonds combine the sparkle of brilliant style cuts with the structured outline of emerald shapes. This hybrid design appeals to buyers who want more sparkle paired with an angular,contemporary form. Its cropped corners also add durability, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.
Cushion Cut — 3.7% of Sales
Cushion cuts continue to resonate with buyers who appreciate vintage-inspired design. With softly rounded corners and a variety of facet patterns, this shape offers flexibility in appearance, ranging from antique to modern. Its romantic character pairs especially well with halo and vintage style settings.
Princess Cut — 3.3% of Sales
Once the dominant alternative to round diamonds,
the princess cut now occupies a more specialized space. Its sharp lines and geometric appeal continue to attract buyers seeking a modern look, combining good brilliance with a more accessible price point compared to round diamonds of similar quality.
Marquise Cut — 1.1% of Sales
The marquise cut remains a bold, fashion-forward choice. Its elongated shape maximizes visual size and creates a dramatic presence on the hand. While still a niche option, renewed interest suggests growing appreciation among buyers who favor distinctive and expressive designs.
Asscher Cut — 0.3% of Sales
Asscher-cut diamonds appeal to a smaller but highly dedicated audience. With deep step facets and a square outline, this shape evokes Art Deco elegance and symmetry. Buyers choosing Asscher cuts often prioritize craftsmanship, clarity, and vintage-inspired aesthetics.
Heart Shape — 0.1% of Sales
The heart-shaped diamond is the most specialized option, selected primarily for its romantic symbolism rather than broad appeal. While rarely chosen, it holds strong emotional significance for certain buyers and is best suited for those seeking a statement piece that emphasizes sentiment above trend.
What These Diamond Shape Trends Say About 2026 Buyers
The diamond shape preferences emerging in 2026 reveal a buyer mindset that is both confident and considered. Rather than chasing novelty for its own sake, today’s shoppers are making deliberate choices that balance tradition, light performance, individuality, and long-term wearability.
One of the clearest takeaways is the continued trust in classic design. The sustained dominance of round diamonds underscores how strongly buyers value proven performance, versatility, and timeless appeal. For many, a diamond is viewed as a lifelong piece, and shapes with a long-established track record remain the safest and most reassuring choice.
LAB GROWN DIAMONDS
1.01 D VVS2 Round Ideal
Precision Lab Diamond
$955
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1.02 D VVS2 Round Ideal
Precision Lab Diamond
$960
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1.04 D VVS2 Round Ideal
Precision Lab Diamond
$975
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1.05 D VVS2 Round Ideal
Precision Lab Diamond
$985
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At the same time, the growing share of elongated fancy shapes—such as oval, pear, and marquise—signals a desire for personalization. These shapes offer visual distinction without sacrificing elegance, allowing buyers to express individuality while staying within the bounds of refined, recognizable design. The popularity of elongated silhouettes also reflects practical considerations, including a flattering appearance on the hand and strong visual presence.
Step-cut diamonds like emerald and Asscher cuts point to another important trend: an appreciation for understated elegance and craftsmanship. Buyers drawn to these shapes tend to prioritize clean lines, symmetry, and diamond quality over sheer sparkle. This shift suggests a more educated consumer who values subtlety and understands the nuances of cut, clarity, and proportion.
Finally, the overall distribution of shape choices highlights a move away from one-size-fits-all decisions. While a small number of shapes account for the majority of sales, the diversity beyond the top tier shows that buyers are increasingly comfortable selecting diamonds that reflect their personal style rather than following convention alone. In 2026, popularity provides guidance—but individuality is clearly shaping the final choice.
Choosing the Right Diamond Shape for You
While understanding diamond shape trends can be helpful, the most important consideration is how a particular shape fits your personal style and everyday life. The right choice is one that feels natural to wear, aligns with your aesthetic preferences, and complements how the ring will be used over time.
Lifestyle plays a meaningful role in narrowing down options. Buyers with active routines may gravitate toward shapes with rounded edges or protected corners, which tend to be more forgiving in daily wear. Others may prioritize visual impact or a distinctive outline, selecting shapes that make a stronger design statement even if they require more thoughtful setting choices.
14k Yellow Gold Valoria Four Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Hand shape and finger length also influence how a diamond appears when worn. Elongated shapes often create a lengthening effect on the finger, while square or round shapes deliver a balanced, symmetrical look. Trying on different silhouettes—or viewing them in comparable settings—can quickly reveal which proportions feel most flattering.
Setting compatibility is another critical factor. Some diamond shapes are exceptionally versatile and work seamlessly across solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs, while others shine best in settings specifically tailored to their outline. Understanding how a shape interacts with prongs, halos, or side stones helps ensure both security and visual harmony.
Budget considerations should be approached strategically rather than restrictively. Certain shapes can offer more visual size per carat or allow buyers to prioritize
cut quality within a given budget. Evaluating how carat weight, face-up appearance, and light performance interact by shape can lead to a more satisfying result without compromising quality.
Above all, cut quality remains essential regardless of shape.
Proportions, symmetry, and facet precision directly influence brilliance and overall beauty. Working with well-cut diamonds ensures that whichever shape you choose performs at its highest level, delivering a diamond that looks exceptional not just today, but for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Popularity vs. Personal Preference
Diamond shape popularity offers valuable insight, but it should always serve as a reference point rather than a rulebook. Trends reflect collective behavior at a moment in time, while a diamond is chosen for a lifetime. The most successful purchases are those that balance informed awareness with personal conviction.
14k Yellow Gold Custom Three Stone Princess Diamond Engagement Ring
The 2026 landscape makes one thing clear: buyers are increasingly thoughtful in their decisions. Classic shapes continue to lead because they deliver consistent performance and timeless appeal, while
fancy shapes are chosen with intention—often to express individuality, design preference, or lifestyle priorities. Neither approach is more “correct” than the other.
Ultimately, the best diamond shape is the one that feels right the moment it’s worn. Whether that means following a well-established favorite or selecting a less common silhouette, confidence comes from understanding the options and choosing based on quality, craftsmanship, and personal style. Popularity may point the way, but personal preference should always inform the final decision.