Most people give their preference to a classic round shaped brilliant diamond. However there are many different shapes of diamonds and all of them are beautiful in their own way. The shape of a diamond is strictly a preference you must know the taste of your loved one to pick the right diamond.

I found this table that may be helpful to you in choosing the shape of a diamond for your loved one:

Here are some of the common diamond shapes:

	Round Shape Diamond This is the most common diamond shape. Some will say that it accounts for almost 75% of all jewelry diamonds out there. The uniqueness of this shape is its cut. It is said to be a perfect way to cut a diamond to achieve maximum fire in brilliance. There are 58 Facets divided amongst its crown (top), girdle (wide part) and pavilion (base).
	Oval Shape Diamond An Oval Diamond is almost as beautiful and as brilliant as Round Shaped Diamond. Its unique characteristic and a selling point is its ability to create a flattering illusion of length to the hand. Very popular shape amongst women with short fingers and smaller hands. When purchasing Oval Diamonds look out for "bow-tie effect" which is detectable by the naked eye in poorly cut Oval Diamonds.
	Marquise Shape Diamond Marquise Diamond shape maximizes the carat weight. It give an illusion of a much larger diamond than it really is. The length of the Marquise Diamond makes the fingers look longer and slender. The name comes from the fetching smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by the Sun King, France's Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to match it. When purchasing Marquise Diamonds look out for "bow-tie effect" which is detectable by the naked eye in poorly cut Marquise Diamonds.
	Pear Shape Diamond Pear Shaped Diamonds are not commonly used in Rings. They are much more suitable for Pendants or for earrings due to the "Teardrop" effect. Pear Shaped Diamond cut is a combination of Round and Marquise cut. When purchasing a Pear Shaped Diamond look out for "bow-tie effect" which is detectable by a naked eye in poorly cut Pear Shaped diamonds.
	Heart Shape Diamond Heart Shaped diamonds are very similar to Pear Shaped diamonds. In fact most of the time a well experienced cutter would choose to cut the diamond into a heart shaped due to some inclusions located in the clef.. Of course the Hear is the ultimate love symbol and therefore the diamond shaped into a heart has this appeal. Heart shaped diamonds may have "bow-tie effect" so watch out for that when purchasing heart Shaped diamond.
	Emerald Shape Diamond The name "emerald cut diamond" was originally developed for cutting emeralds not diamonds. This particular cut is also known as "Step cut" Emerald Shaped Diamond is unique because of its pavilion. The pavilion is cut with rectangular facets resulting in even better brilliance. The clarity of the diamond is very important in this particular shape as the shape of the diamond brings out the clarity. Emerald Cut Diamond will not have a "bow-tie effect". Remember if you choose Emerald Cut diamond you should go for a higher quality diamond because its shape will reveal the inclusions and clarity.
	Princess Shape Diamond Princess Cut was introduced fairly recently. It was invented about 30 years ago by Basil Watermeyer from Johannesburg. Due to the fact that Princess Cut Diamond has extra faceting, and the effects it produces, princess cuts are naturally more brilliant and sparkly than ordinary square diamonds. Any inclusions are less visible, and any slight yellowish or brownish color is less noticeable, helping to create more attractive diamonds at more reasonable prices. Solitaire Engagement Rings with Princess Shaped Diamond are suitable for a hand with longer fingers.
	Radiant Shape Diamond Unique Characteristics of this Radiant Diamond Shape is its trimmed corners. This particular shape is very versatile. 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction. Due to its shape the color imperfections may be more visible on this diamond you must consider this when purchasing Radiant Shaped Diamond.
	Trilliant Shape Diamond Trilliant Shape Diamond was first developed in Amsterdam. The design usually varies depending on a diamond's natural characteristics and the cutter's preferences. It may be a traditional triangular shape with pointed corners or a more rounded triangular shape with 25 facets on the crown, 19 facets on the pavilion, and a polished girdle. Trilliant Shape Diamonds are definitely for the adventurous.
	Cushion Cut Diamond Also known as Pillow Cut. This particular Shape is one of the most popular ways to cut diamonds ever. Beginning from 1830 to 1900 diamonds were cut into this shape. Largest diamond in the world Golden Jubilee -545.67 ct. is shaped as Cushion Diamond. Until recently the diamonds of this shape were hard to come by but recently Cushion Cut Diamonds are showing back in the stores. This is definitely a very romantic cut that has an antique look to it.
	Asscher Shaped Diamond Asscher unique shape is almost identical to the emerald-cut, except that it is square. Furthermore Asscher shape has a pavilion hat is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald-cut. Developed by Asscher Brothers of Holland It is a stepped square cut, often called the "square emerald cut" and like an, the Asscher has cropped corners. Asscher Cut Diamond was featured in the famous television show "Sex and The City" which boosted its popularity and in turn triggered its availability in most jewelry stores.