Choosing the right engagement ring can be thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially when you want everything to be just right for that big moment. With so many diamond shapes out there, how do you know which one is the perfect fit?
Each cut has its own unique charm, blending sparkle, elegance, and personality in different ways. Just like when you know your partner is “the one,” knowing the differences between diamond shapes will help you pick the ring that feels like it’s “the” ring, too. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular diamond cuts of engagement rings, making it easier to choose the ring that will make the moment unforgettable.What Are the Common Types of Diamond Shapes?
For centuries, diamond rings have been the gold standard in engagements. The better the cut and clarity, the more impactful the ring. But it’s not just about the size of the diamond — shape matters. Although the round brilliant is the standard go-to, consistently hitting the number one spot for most-sold diamond engagement rings, today’s modern brides-to-be want a stone that matches their personality. Now, it’s common to see diamond ring shapes like princess-cut, emerald, oval, heart, marquise, cushion, and, since the Taylor Swift engagement, the vintage old mine brilliant cut.
Diamond Shapes vs. Cuts Meaning
With so many shapes of diamond rings, how do you know which style to choose? And where does the term “cut” come into play?
As you shop for the perfect wedding ring diamond shapes, “cut” keeps showing up in your searches. “Diamond cut” and shape are connected but different. The shape of a diamond is the final general feature, such as round or princess. But the cut refers to the craftsmanship involved as the jeweler shapes the stone.
What kind of angles does the diamond have? How symmetrical is it? These factors determine how the diamond interacts with light, and we all know that there’s nothing quite like the breathtaking sparkle of a well-cut diamond, no matter the shape.
What You Should Know About Popular Diamond Ring Shapes
Does your diamond engagement ring need to be, well, diamond-shaped? Must it be a solitaire? Can it have other stones, too? These questions come from hundreds of years of myths about engagement and wedding ring shapes. Some superstitious people even once thought that the wrong shape could doom a marriage! No wonder there’s so much confusion around choosing the perfect engagement ring diamond shapes, but we simplify all of that here. Let’s check out the most common diamond ring shapes and bust the myths with pure fact.
1. Round-Cut Diamond
The answer lies in its versatility. Round-cut diamonds look stunning in any setting, from simple solitaires to intricate halos. They also do a great job of hiding inclusions, which are tiny imperfections or flaws within the diamond.
2. Oval-Cut Diamond
3. Pear-Cut Diamond
Pear-cut diamonds, like oval and marquise cuts, have a slimming effect on the finger. However, their pointed tip can make them more susceptible to chipping, so it’s essential to find a setting that protects this delicate point.
4. Emerald-Cut Diamond
The emerald cut is known for its large, open table, which can make inclusions and color more noticeable. Because of this, it’s important to choose a diamond with a higher clarity grade. But what the emerald cut lacks in sparkle, it makes up for in its striking appearance. This shape is often associated with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, making it a favorite for modern and vintage-inspired engagement rings.
5. Cushion-Cut Diamond
Cushion-cut diamonds are known for their brilliant facets, which help hide inclusions and enhance the stone’s sparkle. They come in both square and rectangular shapes, making it easier to decide.
6. Marquise Diamond
The marquise diamond shape, also known as the navette or “little boat,” elongates the traditional diamond into pointed ends (hence the boat-like reference). This cut is ideal for those who want their fingers to look more slender or longer, and can give you the most diamond surface for the carat weight.
Modern marquise cuts typically have 58 facets (most comparable to the round brilliant). However, variations like the French tip reduce the facets at the points, making the cut more personalized. With a 2:1 ratio of length-to-width, the diamond has been likened to an eye or a football, but the overall appearance is both classy and elegant.
Diamond Shapes Chart
|
Shape |
Pros and Cons of Features |
Best for Finger Type |
Cost Considerations |
|
Round |
This classic circular shape gives you maximum sparkle and versatility; however, it can look smaller than the same carat in a fancier cut. |
Almost all, especially long, slender fingers |
Often the highest cost per carat, but these have optimal resale value. |
|
Oval |
The beauty and sparkle of the round with an elongated finish, but may show a bow-tie effect if it’s poorly cut |
Shorter or wider fingers that need length |
Generally moderately priced with a good resale value |
|
Pear |
The stylish shape of a teardrop, one end is rounded, and the other end is pointed, which can chip or snag |
Can visually lengthen the hand, good for shorter fingers |
Moderate-to-high priced |
|
Emerald |
This iconic diamond shape is rectangular, boasting cropped corners and stepped facets; this cut tends to have less sparkle and shows inclusions easily |
Good for long or slender fingers and those who love classic styles |
Moderately priced; for the best emerald cut, you’ll need to go with a high-clarity diamond, which is more expensive |
|
Cushion |
This cushion-like diamond can be rectangular or square with rounded corners, may face-up smaller |
Good for flattering wider fingers |
Moderately priced |
|
Marquise |
Whether you call it a football, an eye, or the traditional boat shape, this 2:1 length-to-width ratio gives you a narrow diamond with pointed ends, but may show the bowtie effect if poor quality |
Ideal for short fingers as it creates an elongating effect |
Pricier for higher-cut and secure settings |
Choosing the Best Clarity for Your Engagement Ring
Understanding how to choose the best clarity grade for your diamond will help you strike the right balance between beauty and budget. Here are a few tips to help you select the best clarity for your engagement ring:
- Setting: Certain settings, like halo or pave, can help hide inclusions, allowing you to buy a lower clarity grade without sacrificing appearance.
- Size: Larger diamonds tend to show inclusions more than smaller ones. If you're opting for a bigger stone, consider choosing a higher clarity grade.
- Cut: A well-cut diamond can mask minor inclusions. So, it's possible to select a lower clarity grade while still achieving a stunning sparkle.
- Clarity Grade: Familiarize yourself with the GIA clarity scale, which ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Most eye-clean diamonds, meaning you can't see any inclusions or flaws with your eye, fall within the Very Slightly Included (VS1) to Slightly Included (SI2) range. These grades indicate that while there are minor imperfections, they aren't noticeable without magnification and don't affect the diamond's beauty.
Which Diamond Shapes are the Most Popular for Engagement Rings?
Make the Moment Shine with Valerie Madison
Diamond Shape FAQ
What’s the difference between cut and shape?
When it comes to diamonds, the term “shape” refers to the outline of the gem, such as round, emerald, princess, or marquise, while the term “cut” refers to the facets: their symmetry, proportions, and light interaction.
Which cut sparkles the most?
The sparkle of a diamond depends on its cut. In general, the round brilliant has the most optimized facet arrangement. Its design maximizes the brilliance and fire of the diamond, ensuring it returns the most light.
What is the best diamond shape?
The best diamond shape depends on your preferences and goals for the gem. Traditionally, the round brilliant cut is the most popular, as it gives maximum sparkle and tends to look good on most fingers.
How do I choose a cut for my finger shape?
The shape and cut of your diamond should flatter your fingers. Ovals, pear, and marquise are ideal for lengthening shorter fingers and slimming wider digits. Long, slender hands show off any shape well, but princess, round, and cushion rings bring a good balance.
What is the most expensive diamond shape?
Because it is so popular (and therefore in the highest demand), the round brilliant diamond is the most expensive. The higher price is also due to the rough diamond that is wasted in obtaining the precise cut needed for its particular shape.
Which cut holds the best value?
To ensure you choose a diamond that will retain its value for generations, opt for the round brilliant. For the best value for your purchase, aim for the marquis, pear, or emerald, which give you more of a diamond-appearance for their carat weight and lower upfront cost.
What are the most popular engagement ring cuts?
When it comes to diamond engagement ring shape and cuts, the most popular include the round brilliant, princess, and oval, followed by the cushion, marquise, and emerald.