A 1 carat oval measures about 7.7mm by 5.7mm. Size charts, length-to-width ratios, settings and how to judge size honestly.

A 7mm princess cut is about 2 carats. Here is how princess and round compare on sparkle, size, price and durability.

Round is the outline, brilliant is the faceting. No, not all round diamonds are brilliant cut. Rose, single and old European explained.

Same rectangular outline, opposite personalities. A plain-English guide to radiant vs emerald cut diamonds, with real UK ring prices.

Both are step cuts, but they do very different jobs. A plain-English guide to baguette vs emerald cut diamonds, with real UK prices.

How diamonds were cut before machines, what a French cut diamond is, and whether rose cut diamonds are actually valuable.

Baguette diamonds cost less per carat than round ones, yet baguette rings can cost more. Here is exactly why, with real UK prices.

One diamond, one setting, one band. What a solitaire is, how claw counts change it, and where to spend the budget.

Marquise diamonds are not outdated, but 1980s settings are. Six practical ways to modernise a marquise ring you already own.

Which way the point should face, how to stop a pear ring spinning, protecting the tip, and the bands that pair with it best.