Crystal Shapes Explained: Heart, Iceberg, Rectangle, Notch & Diamond
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PrintMyPixels crystal photo shapes come in five options - Heart, Iceberg, Rectangle, Notch, and Diamond and each one changes the look, size, and best use of the finished piece. There's no single "best" shape among the five crystal photo shapes; the right one depends on your photo, your budget, and whether the piece is meant as a gift or a display piece.
In this guide
The Five Crystal Photo Shapes at a Glance
Every PrintMyPixels crystal starts from the same K9 optical crystal and the same laser engraving process - the shape is simply the outer form the block is cut into before engraving, which is why choosing between the five crystal photo shapes comes down to fit and look rather than material quality. Two of the five, Heart and Diamond, sit at a smaller, more affordable size. Rectangle is the classic middle-ground option. Iceberg and Notch are the two largest-format shapes, built for bigger display pieces.
Heart
The Heart shape starts from $70 and is the go-to option for romantic gifts - anniversaries, weddings, Valentine's Day, or any photo of a couple. Its compact size suits desks, nightstands, and shelves, and it pairs naturally with a single-subject or close-up photo rather than a wider group scene.
Diamond
Also starting from $70, Diamond offers a more modern, minimal alternative to Heart at a similar size and price. It suits the same close-up, single-subject style of photo but reads less overtly romantic, which makes it a flexible choice for gifts that aren't specifically couple- or anniversary-themed.
Rectangle
Starting from $64, Rectangle is the most affordable of the five crystal photo shapes and the closest to a traditional photo frame in proportion. Its wider, flatter form handles group photos, landscapes, and standard portraits well, and it's a sensible starting point if you're ordering your first crystal photo print.
Iceberg
Iceberg starts from $210 and is one of the two larger-format shapes. Its taller, more sculptural form gives it real presence as a display piece on a desk, a shelf, or a mantel and its larger internal volume gives the laser more room to work with for wider or busier photos.
Notch
Notch starts from $250, the highest of the five crystal photo shapes, and offers the most internal depth for detail-heavy engraving. Its distinctive angled top corner sets it apart visually from Rectangle, and its size makes it a strong option for a statement display piece or a premium gift.
How to Choose the Right Crystal Photo Shape
The shape you pick affects two things: how the finished piece looks on display, and how well it suits your specific photo. A few starting points make the decision easier.
- For a single close-up or portrait: Heart or Diamond generally give the cleanest result at a smaller, more affordable size.
- For a group photo or landscape: Rectangle's wider proportions handle multiple subjects without cropping tightly.
- For a bigger display piece: Iceberg or Notch both offer more visual presence and more room for detail.
- For a tight budget: Rectangle is the most affordable starting point among the five crystal photo shapes.
If you're also deciding between 2D and 3D engraving for your photo, it's worth reading 2D vs 3D crystal engraving: what's the difference alongside this guide - shape and engraving style work together, and a shape with more internal depth like Iceberg or Notch tends to make the most of 3D engraving's layered look.
Do the Crystal Photo Shapes Come in Different Sizes?
Yes. Each of the five crystal photo shapes has its own size range listed on its product page, and custom sizing is available on request if none of the standard options fit what you have in mind. Heart, for example, comes in a smaller size suited to desks and a larger size built for a bigger display presence and the other shapes follow a similar small-to-large pattern.
Comparing the Five Crystal Photo Shapes
| Shape | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Heart | From $70 | Romantic gifts, couple photos |
| Diamond | From $70 | Modern, minimal single-subject keepsakes |
| Rectangle | From $64 | Group photos, landscapes, first-time orders |
| Iceberg | From $210 | Large statement display pieces |
| Notch | From $250 | Premium display, detail-heavy photos |
Can You Add an LED Base to Any Shape?
Yes, every one of the five crystal photo shapes can be paired with an LED light base, sold separately. PrintMyPixels offers six bases, from a Mini Cube starting at $15 up to a Wide Rectangle at $40, and a Rotating Light Base if you want the piece visible from every angle rather than lit from one side only.
Every crystal, regardless of shape, is produced within 24–48 hours, ships free, arrives in about 7 days, and comes with a 30-day guarantee - the shape you choose changes the look and price, not the timeline or the service behind it. If you'd rather start by understanding what a crystal photo actually is before comparing shapes, what a 3D crystal photo print actually is is a good place to start.
FAQ
Which crystal photo shape is the most popular?
Heart and Rectangle tend to be the most commonly chosen among the five crystal photo shapes - Heart for gifting occasions, Rectangle as an affordable, versatile first order.
Are all five crystal photo shapes made from the same material?
Yes. Every shape - Heart, Iceberg, Rectangle, Notch, and Diamond is engraved from the same K9 optical crystal using the same laser process. The shape only affects the outer form, not the material or engraving quality.
Which shape is best for a group photo?
Rectangle, Iceberg, and Notch all offer more width or internal depth than Heart or Diamond, making them better suited to group photos with multiple subjects.
Can I get a custom size for any of the crystal photo shapes?
Yes. Beyond the standard sizes listed on each product page, custom sizing is available on request for any of the five crystal photo shapes.
Found your shape? Design your custom crystal.