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What Are Elongated Diamonds?
An elongated diamond is any diamond cut that has a length-to-width ratio typically greater than 1.15, creating a longer appearance compared to traditional square or round cuts. The most popular elongated diamond shapes include cushion, oval, emerald, radiant, marquise, pear, and old mine cuts.
What truly sets elongated diamonds apart is their unique faceting patterns and proportions. These diamonds feature a rectangular or oval outline with either soft, rounded corners or crisp, angular edges depending on the specific cut. The elongated silhouette creates an elegant, slender look on the finger that many find flattering and sophisticated.
Technically speaking, elongated diamonds are identified by their length-to-width (L/W) ratios. Most elongated cushion cut diamonds, for instance, have L/W ratios between 1.15 and 1.30, while more dramatically elongated cuts like marquise or pear shapes can have ratios of 1.50 to 2.00 or higher.
Elongated Diamond Ring Benefits
Elongated diamond rings have surged in popularity for several compelling reasons:
- Creates the illusion of greater size: Elongated diamonds cover more finger real estate than round or square diamonds of equal carat weight, making them appear larger and more substantial.
- Can offer better value: You can typically acquire an elongated diamond that looks larger than a round brilliant of the same carat weight, often at a lower price point.
- Provides a flattering effect on the hand: The lengthened silhouette creates a slimming visual effect on the finger, drawing the eye along the length for a graceful and sophisticated appearance.
- Expresses individuality: Elongated diamonds offer a distinctive alternative to the traditional round brilliant, enabling wearers to express their personal style while maintaining timeless elegance. Many elongated cuts bridge contemporary and classical styles, making them versatile for various setting designs and jewelry preferences.
Popular Elongated Diamond Shapes
From classic elongated cushions to modern elongated hexagons, these 10 popular elongated diamond shapes maximize visual impact and create a flattering appearance on the finger.
Elongated Cushion Cut Diamonds
The elongated cushion cut diamond combines the soft, rounded corners of a traditional cushion with a more rectangular silhouette, creating a distinctive shape that balances vintage charm with modern elegance.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Traditional cushion cuts: 1:1 to 1.05:1 (square)
- Slightly elongated cushion: 1.10:1 to 1.15:1
- Classic elongated cushion: 1.15:1 to 1.30:1
- Dramatically elongated cushion: 1.30:1 to 1.50:1
For most engagement rings, ratios between 1.15:1 and 1.25:1 offer balanced proportions that provide noticeable elongation while maintaining the cushion's distinctive character. More dramatic ratios (1.30:1+) create a bolder rectangular appearance that maximizes finger coverage.
When selecting an elongated cushion cut, consider how different ratios appear on your specific finger size. Larger hands may benefit from more dramatic elongation (1.30:1+), while petite hands often look best with moderate ratios (1.15:1 to 1.25:1).
Elongated Oval Diamonds
Elongated oval diamonds offer a sophisticated alternative to round brilliants, combining exceptional brilliance with a lengthened shape that flatters the finger.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Slightly elongated oval: 1.25:1 to 1.35:1
- Classic elongated oval: 1.35:1 to 1.50:1
- Dramatically elongated oval: 1.50:1 to 1.75:1
For most hand sizes, ratios between 1.30:1 and 1.40:1 provide ideal proportions that maximize the elegant, elongated effect while maintaining the oval's pleasing symmetry. Ratios closer to 1.30:1 create a fuller, more rounded appearance, while ratios above 1.50:1 yield a more dramatically elongated silhouette that makes a bolder statement.
When selecting your oval's ratio, consider both aesthetic preference and practical factors. More dramatically elongated ovals (1.50:1+) provide greater finger coverage but may require more secure settings to protect their extended outline.
Elongated Emerald Cut Diamonds
The elongated emerald cut diamond exemplifies sophisticated elegance with its clean lines, step-cut facets, and distinctive "hall of mirrors" effect.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Slightly elongated emerald: 1.30:1 to 1.40:1
- Classic elongated emerald: 1.40:1 to 1.50:1
- Dramatically elongated emerald: 1.50:1 to 1.75:1
For most engagement rings, ratios between 1.40:1 and 1.50:1 offer ideal proportions that showcase the emerald cut's linear facets and elegant outline. More dramatic ratios (1.60:1+) create a bolder rectangular appearance that maximizes the stone's architectural qualities, while more moderate ratios (1.30:1 to 1.40:1) maintain a stronger presence without appearing too narrow.
The ratio you choose significantly impacts the emerald cut's overall character. More elongated stones emphasize the cut's linear nature and maximize the "hall of mirrors" effect, while less elongated stones preserve more substantial width for greater visual presence.
Elongated Hexagon Diamonds
The elongated hexagon diamond, with its unique six-sided shape, represents one of the most distinctive and modern diamond cuts available.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Slightly elongated hexagon: 1.15:1 to 1.25:1
- Classic elongated hexagon: 1.25:1 to 1.40:1
- Dramatically elongated hexagon: 1.40:1 to 1.60:1
For optimal proportions that preserve the hexagon's geometric precision while providing an elegant elongated appearance, ratios between 1.25:1 and 1.35:1 generally work best. More dramatic ratios (1.40:1+) create a distinctly rectangular hexagon, while more moderate ratios (1.15:1 to 1.25:1) maintain stronger geometric presence.
When selecting a hexagon's ratio, consider that more dramatic elongation emphasizes the parallel sides while de-emphasizing the angled corners, potentially altering the distinctive hexagonal outline. For many, the moderate 1.30:1 ratio provides an ideal balance between elongation and geometric definition.
Elongated Old Mine Cut Diamonds
The elongated old mine cut diamond represents a rare and distinctive antique variation that combines vintage character with elongated proportions.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Slightly elongated old mine cut: 1.10:1 to 1.15:1
- Classic elongated old mine cut: 1.15:1 to 1.25:1
- Dramatically elongated old mine cut: 1.25:1 to 1.35:1
Authentic elongated old mine cuts typically have ratios between 1.15:1 and 1.30:1, though variation is common due to their handcrafted nature. When selecting an elongated old mine cut, remember that these diamonds were cut by hand before standardized proportions existed, so finding the "perfect" ratio is less important than finding a stone with excellent visual appeal and authentic character.
For vintage-inspired modern cuts that echo old mine cut aesthetics, ratios between 1.15:1 and 1.25:1 typically provide the most authentic appearance while offering noticeable elongation.
Elongated Princess Cut Diamonds
The elongated princess cut diamond offers a contemporary twist on the traditional square princess cut, combining its brilliant sparkle with a more rectangular silhouette.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Traditional princess cut: 1:1 (square)
- Slightly elongated princess: 1.05:1 to 1.10:1
- Classic elongated princess: 1.10:1 to 1.20:1
- Dramatically elongated princess: 1.20:1 to 1.30:1
While classic princess cuts are square with 1:1 ratios, elongated princess cuts with ratios between 1.10:1 and 1.20:1 create a noticeably different appearance while maintaining the cut's brilliant light performance. Even slight elongation (1.05:1 to 1.10:1) creates a visibly different look compared to perfect squares.
Princess cuts with more dramatic elongation (above 1.20:1) are less common and may be classified as "rectangular modified brilliant cuts" rather than princess cuts. These provide maximum elongation but may display slightly different light performance characteristics.
Elongated Marquise Diamonds
The elongated marquise diamond, with its distinctive boat-shaped outline and pointed ends, offers perhaps the most dramatic length-to-width ratio of any diamond shape.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Classic elongated marquise: 1.60:1 to 2.10:1
- Dramatically elongated marquise: 2.10:1 to 2.20:1
Marquise diamonds are inherently elongated, with most falling between 1.75:1 and 2.00:1. For most hand sizes, ratios between 1.90:1 and 2.10:1 provide flattering proportions that maximize the elongated effect while maintaining pleasing symmetry. More moderate ratios (1.75:1 to 1.90:1) create a fuller appearance, while more dramatic ratios (2.10:1+) yield an exceptionally slender silhouette.
The ideal ratio depends significantly on finger length and personal preference. Longer fingers can accommodate more dramatic ratios (2.10:1+), while shorter fingers often look best with more moderate elongation (1.75:1 to 1.90:1).
Elongated Radiant Cut Diamonds
The elongated radiant cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegant rectangular shape of an emerald cut, offering exceptional sparkle in an elongated silhouette.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Slightly elongated radiant: 1.15:1 to 1.25:1
- Classic elongated radiant: 1.25:1 to 1.40:1
- Dramatically elongated radiant: 1.40:1 to 1.70:1
For most engagement rings, ratios between 1.25:1 and 1.40:1 offer balanced proportions that showcase the diamond's brilliant faceting pattern and rectangular outline. More dramatic ratios (1.50:1+) create a bolder rectangular appearance, while more moderate ratios (1.15:1 to 1.25:1) maintain greater width for substantial finger presence.
When selecting a radiant's ratio, consider that more dramatic elongation tends to enhance the stone's fire and brilliance due to the modified faceting pattern, potentially offering superior light performance compared to more moderate ratios.
Elongated Asscher Cut Diamonds
The elongated Asscher cut diamond offers a distinctive variation on the traditional square Asscher, combining its signature step-cut faceting and distinctive "windmill" pattern with an extended rectangular shape.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Traditional Asscher cut: 1:1 (square)
- Slightly elongated Asscher: 1.05:1 to 1.15:1
- Classic elongated Asscher: 1.15:1 to 1.25:1
- Dramatically elongated Asscher: 1.25:1 to 1.35:1
While traditional Asscher cuts are square with 1:1 ratios, elongated Asschers with ratios between 1.15:1 and 1.25:1 create a noticeably different appearance while preserving the cut's distinctive windmill pattern. Even slight elongation (1.05:1 to 1.15:1) creates a visibly different look compared to perfect squares.
Asschers with more dramatic elongation (above 1.25:1) are less common but offer maximum rectangular presence. These stones provide the greatest finger coverage while still maintaining the Asscher's signature stepped faceting pattern.
Elongated Pear Diamonds
The elongated pear diamond combines the rounded end of an oval with the pointed tip of a marquise, creating a distinctive teardrop shape that's both elegant and unique.
Length-to-Width Ratios:
- Moderately elongated pear: 1.45:1 to 1.55:1
- Classic elongated pear: 1.55:1 to 1.70:1
- Dramatically elongated pear: 1.70:1 to 2.00:1
Pear diamonds are inherently elongated, with most falling between 1.45:1 and 1.75:1. For most engagement rings, ratios between 1.55:1 and 1.70:1 offer balanced proportions that showcase the pear's distinctive outline without appearing too narrow or too wide. More moderate ratios (1.45:1 to 1.55:1) create a fuller, more rounded appearance, while more dramatic ratios (1.70:1+) yield a slender, elongated teardrop.
When selecting a pear's ratio, consider both aesthetic preference and finger length. Longer fingers can accommodate more dramatic ratios (1.70:1+), while shorter fingers often look best with more moderate elongation (1.50:1 to 1.60:1).
Tips for Choosing an Elongated Diamond
- Consider going down in color grade for brilliant-cut elongated shapes. Brilliant-cut elongated diamonds (ovals, radiants, pears) can potentially mask color better than step cuts, allowing you to choose I-J colors that appear white while saving significantly.
- Be more selective with clarity for step-cut elongated diamonds. Emerald and Asscher cuts reveal inclusions more readily due to their large, open facets, so prioritize VS2 clarity or better for these shapes.
- Evaluate the bow-tie effect in oval, pear, and marquise shapes. These elongated diamonds often display a dark shadow across their center, so examine potential stones under different lighting to ensure any bow-tie is minimal.
- Consider how different elongated shapes appear on your specific hand size. Longer fingers can accommodate more dramatic length-to-width ratios, while shorter fingers often look best with more moderate elongation.
- Compare the visual size advantage of different elongated shapes. At the same carat weight, marquise and pear shapes typically appear largest, followed by ovals, radiants, emeralds, and cushions.
- Request specific measurements rather than relying on ratio alone. Two diamonds with identical ratios may have different proportions that affect their appearance, so always ask for exact length and width measurements.
- Consider east-west settings for a contemporary alternative. Mounting elongated diamonds horizontally across the finger rather than vertically creates a distinctive modern look that stands out.
- Remember that dramatically elongated shapes may require more secure settings. Extremely elongated diamonds with ratios at the upper end of their range often need additional prongs or reinforced settings for everyday wear.
Elongated Diamond Shape FAQ
What makes a diamond considered "elongated"?
A diamond is considered elongated when it has a length-to-width ratio greater than 1.10:1, creating a more rectangular or oval appearance rather than square or round. Most elongated diamonds have ratios between 1.20:1 and 2.00:1, depending on the specific shape. This elongation creates a distinctive silhouette that provides greater finger coverage and a slenderizing visual effect compared to traditional square or round shapes.
Do elongated diamonds look bigger than round diamonds of the same carat weight?
Yes, elongated diamonds typically appear larger than round diamonds of equivalent carat weight. This size advantage occurs because elongated shapes distribute their weight across a greater surface area, creating more substantial face-up appearance. For example, a 1-carat elongated cushion cut can appear 5 - 15% larger than a 1-carat round brilliant when viewed from above. This visual size advantage makes elongated shapes an excellent value for those seeking maximum impact for their budget.
Are elongated diamonds more expensive than round brilliants?
No, elongated diamonds are generally less expensive than round brilliants of comparable quality. Round brilliants command premium prices due to their popularity and the significant rough diamond wastage required during cutting. Elongated shapes like cushions, ovals, emeralds, and radiants typically cost less than round brilliants of the same carat weight and quality. Among elongated shapes, emerald and asscher cuts often represent the best value, while elongated ovals may command slightly higher prices due to their popularity.
How does the cut quality affect elongated diamonds?
For elongated diamonds, quality cutting is evident in several characteristics:
- Symmetrical outline with balanced proportions
- Proper facet alignment and consistent patterning
- Excellent light return with minimal dark areas
- Appropriate depth percentage for the specific shape
- Minimal bow-tie effect in oval, pear, and marquise shapes
Working with reputable vendors who specialize in fancy shapes helps ensure properly cut elongated diamonds.
How do I avoid the bow-tie effect in elongated oval, pear, and marquise diamonds?
While some degree of bow-tie effect is present in virtually all oval, pear, and marquise diamonds, these strategies help minimize its impact:
- Work with specialists who carefully select stones with minimal bow-tie
- Examine stones under different lighting conditions before purchasing
- Look for optimal pavilion angles that minimize light leakage
- Remember that proper cutting is more important than specific measurements
The bow-tie effect can't be assessed from grading reports alone, making visual inspection essential.
Which settings work best for elongated diamond shapes?
Optimal settings for elongated diamonds depend on the specific shape and personal style preferences:
For protection and security:
- V-tip prongs for shapes with points (pear, marquise)
- Bezel settings for complete protection of all elongated shapes
- Six-prong settings for oval and cushion cuts
For maximum light performance:
- Cathedral settings that elevate the diamond for greater light entry
- Four-prong settings that minimize metal contact with the stone
- Tension-style settings that showcase the diamond's outline
For enhancing elongated proportions:
- North-south orientations that emphasize length
- Three-stone settings with tapered side stones
- Halo settings that accentuate the elongated silhouette
Are lab-grown elongated diamonds different from natural elongated diamonds?
Lab-grown and natural elongated diamonds have identical physical, chemical, and optical properties, as both are pure crystallized carbon with the same crystal structure. The primary differences lie in origin and price, not appearance or quality. Lab-grown elongated diamonds typically cost less than natural diamonds of comparable quality, making them an excellent option for obtaining larger elongated shapes at lower price points. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are available in all elongated shapes
