A. Your Guide To The Most Popular Engagement Ring Shapes
If you research engagement ring forms on the Internet, you can guess that your own proposal will soon be in the pipeline. It’s not the case? No sweat – it costs nothing to find out about the future. The many different forms of engagement rings are fascinating. Who knew there were so many different types?
According to the ring experts at Ernest Jones, there are eleven iconic diamond shapes to choose from:
- Round
- Princess
- Emerald
- Oval
- Baguette
- Pear
- Gurney
- Heart
- Radiant
- Pillow
- Brillant
Of course, engagement rings don’t have to be a diamond stone – these days, the most exclusive rings include gemstones like opal, emerald and sapphire. Pink engagement rings, Disney engagement rings and Harry Potter engagement rings are even available in some stores. Basically anything is possible as long as it’s right for you and your partner. Getting engaged and saying you’re going to spend the rest of your life with someone you love, respect and value is a huge milestone. Make sure which engagement ring shape is right for you with our handy guide from the professionals at Ernest Jones.
1. The round shiny cut
This cone-shaped ring with a rounded tip is the most iconic and classic of all. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the most popular. A standard diamond with a brilliant-cut round diamond has 58 facets for maximum light reflection, which translates to brilliant AF.
2. The princess cut
The princess cut is another traditional style of engagement ring that offers a lot of sparkle. The square shape with sharp corners looks even better on a diamond-studded ribbon.
3. The emerald cut
The step-cut facets of this rectangular stone are perfect for a diamond of greater purity. Glamorous and vintage, this shape looks best in a geometric setting.
4. The oval cut
This smooth design stretches each hand thanks to its perfectly symmetrical shape. The bigger the oval cut, the better it looks, but a diamond halo can give that illusion for less money.
5. Cutting the baguette
Like an emerald cut, only thinner, this stone looks best when it’s very large or placed next to other similar stones.
6. The cut of the pear
A pear-cut diamond sits somewhere between a marquee and an oval stone. The teardrop shape has a single point with a rounded edge, which makes smaller stones often look larger.
7. The marquise cut
Originally modeled on a woman’s smile, this is one of the engagement ring shapes if you are looking for something different. An elongated diamond with sharp edges will look especially flattering in the hand, but be careful. You may need a custom wedding ring that fits comfortably next to it.
8. The cut heart
The heart-cut diamond is a modification of a round brilliant stone. Some may see it as the ultimate symbol of love, others as a little extravagant, but as long as you wear it with confidence, it will look beautiful.
9. The radiant cut
The radiant cut combines a square or rectangular shape with a round shine and gives 70 facets of pure shine.
10. Cutting the pillow
Rounded corners in a pillow cut mean larger facets, which means even more shine. This diamond is perfect for a vintage-inspired backdrop, but it can also look just as beautiful in a more modern band.
11. The Trilliant Cut
One of the most unique diamond ring cuts, a Trilliant stone will look larger than a round one of the same carat. The glare may not be as strong, so you need to decide where your offset is. Now that you know all the engagement ring shapes to choose from, maybe it’s time to start shopping…?
12. What Engagement Ring Shapes Can I Choose?
From classic and conventional reeds like the round diamond, to exclusive options and, well, 2020 like the heart ring cut, there are also many variations of these styles. Are you wondering what a heart ring cut is? The clue is in the name, and yes, you guessed it right – it’s actually an engagement ring with a heart-shaped jewel of love. Take a look at the handy diagram below to discover all the available engagement ring shapes.
B. 6 Engagement Ring Diamond Shapes To Know
When designing your dream engagement ring, one of the first decisions you need to make is the shape of your diamond. Choosing the perfect cut depends on personal taste, but there are certain benefits associated with each diamond shape that can influence your mind. Below, we describe six diamond shapes for engagement rings and what to look for and priorities when shopping.
1. Round cut diamond
Round diamonds are the classic choice for an engagement ring and add exceptional sparkle and fire. In fact, round cuts are the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings because of their brilliance, light output and ability to provide maximum brilliance. They represent about three quarters of all diamond purchases. However, round cut diamonds are also the most expensive. Due to the shape, a lot of diamond is lost in the cut, which increases the final price. Only round diamonds are given a cut that is determined by the exact proportions of the diamond. We only offer round diamonds that are excellently cut to ensure they are as brilliant as possible. Its intense glare is also great for hiding inclusions, so you can safely buy a lower clarity to balance your budget.
2. Oval cut diamond
Oval engagement rings, especially as attractive solitaires, have enjoyed increasing popularity recently. By far our most popular cut, ovals are popular for their gloss and flattering elongated shape. Ovals also have a wide distribution, which means that, because of their longer shape, they tend to look larger than their actual carat weight. The oval cut spreads out the color so you can’t see any heat from a lower color level.
3. Pear cut diamond
For those who want to stand out and love something unique, a pear shape is a great choice. A pear-cut diamond owes its name to its single point and rounded edge. Pear-cut diamonds, like ovals, have a slimming effect on the fingers. Super shiny and flattering oblong in shape, pears are another scattered diamond that tends to look larger than their carat weight.
4. Emerald cut diamond
Sleek and sophisticated emerald cuts are ideal for the minimalist. An emerald cut diamond is cut with rectangular facets, which gives it a unique look, and its rectangular shape is super stylish and elongates the finger. Emerald cuts are step cuts – they have long, linear facets that resemble a ladder. These facets make it easier to see the inclusions of a diamond, so we recommend VS2 or better clarity for this diamond shape.
5. Cushion cut diamond
Cushions have been popular for over a century. A square or slightly elongated square with rounded corners, each pillow shape is unique. The pillows are very shiny and super sparkling which helps to disguise the inclusions.
6. Radiant Cut Diamond
Radiants are the perfect solution if you love the shape of an emerald and the shine of an oval! This diamond shape is a mixed cut with a combination of brilliant and stepped cut facets. Its shape intensifies the color, so we recommend purchasing color I and higher.
C. Top 7 Diamond Shapes & What They Say About You
What does your choice of diamond shape or engagement ring say about you? The first step in choosing an engagement ring is usually to determine the shape or different diamond cuts (round, princess, marquise, etc.) of the diamond you like best. Below is a comprehensive list of the most popular diamond shapes and their properties. Shape (different cuts of diamond) describes the shape of a diamond, seen mostly from above; and although a round or brilliant diamond is the most popular, there are many other different diamond cuts that should be considered. Oval, round, princess, radiant, pillow or marquise shapes are well suited as the keystone in a multi-stone ring. Did you know that the diamond shape you prefer in your engagement ring can reveal something about your personality, your style or your love life?
1. Diamond shape: round
Round diamonds are the most commonly chosen shape, their classic and simple design ensures maximum shine! This stone shape is for the woman who loves elegance, simplicity and tradition in one piece. Round engagement rings have a classic look and whether you are looking for a classic engagement ring or a pavé halo style, our round diamond engagement rings are handcrafted to the highest standards. Distinguished by its 58 facets and symmetrical 360 formatodegree shape, round is always the right choice when in doubt. Geometrically, the “Brilliant Round” diamond is ideal for maximizing light return. In a less technical sense, the round shape of the round diamond means love without end. When choosing a round diamond, we recommend color H (J for yellow gold bands) and clarity VS2. Some celebrities who have received round diamond engagement rings include Madonna, Barbara Streisand and Miranda Kerr.
2. Diamond shape: princess
Princess cut diamonds are available for those looking for a square stone that has a shine or shine similar to a round diamond. This stone shape is for the woman who is attracted to emotion and is a true romantic at heart, as the stone princess shape is known for expressing beauty, style and edges. Truly “hopeless romantics” of all shapes, some refer to this shape as the square diamond. Princess cut diamonds are the most popular extravagant shape and are designed to maximize shine while maintaining a chic square shape. Invented by Arpad Nagy in the early 1960s, the “princess cut” was originally referred to as the “profile cut”. Princess-cut diamond engagement rings have the same sparkle as a round diamond, but in a smooth square shape.
3. Diamond shape: oval
With an elongated design, oval diamonds envelop you in their fascinating and elegant shape. This stone shape is for the woman who feels all that is creative and individualistic. Oval diamonds can offer the sparkle of round stones in a dazzling silhouette. This is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a uniquely shaped diamond, it is a different diamond cut that will accentuate long, slender fingers. Oval diamonds are ideal for anyone who likes to be ahead of trends but also loves a classic and elegant aesthetic.
4. Diamond shape: cushion
A pillow-shaped stone has a square-rectangular cut with rounded corners and large facets to bring out the stone’s shine. This stone shape is for the woman who knows that her past determines her future and is not afraid to embrace it with both hands! This antique-style cut has a classic, romantic look and is also known as a pillow-cut diamond. Cushion cut diamonds are synonymous with royalty and are coveted for their characteristic soft shape and sparkling facets. The rounded corners and flaming facets of a pillow cut have adorned brides’ fingers for centuries, creating a shimmering kaleidoscopic effect that captures the light and emphasizes the beauty of the stone. This is often one of the most important factors women worry about the most when looking at the different shapes of diamonds and what each has to offer!
5. Diamond shape: emerald
Emerald-shaped diamonds have long facets and layered corners that resemble stairs and are bold and bold—like their wearer. This stone shape is for the woman who likes flamboyant and flashy fashion. An emerald green shape highlights clarity better than any other shape. It is similar to a square diamond (princess cut) but oblong and has different facets. This popular style is best known for its beauty and precision, as the stone’s long lines emphasize its sophistication. Due to its large stepped facets, inclusions and body color can be seen much more clearly in this shape with the naked eye. Our diamond experts recommend a purity grade of SI1 or better. Remember, when purchasing an emerald cut diamond, you need to select the highest quality stone within your budget.
6. Diamond shape: marquise
Are you an eternal romantic looking for an engagement ring with an aristocratic look? Look at the marquise diamond! This stone shape is pronounced “mahr-keez” and is aimed at the woman who has a larger-than-life personality and loves everything that has glamour. An engagement ring with a marquise diamond is sure to give you extraordinary character and lots of sparkle. The elongated stone gives an illusion of larger size and many appreciate the fact that marquise diamonds make the fingers look longer and thinner. The points on each end of a marquise cut diamond are a clear indication of internal and external strength. Also commonly referred to as a soccer ball shaped cut, boat shaped cut or eye shaped cut.
7. Diamond shape: pear
Pear diamonds are a very elegant and bold mix between a round diamond and a marquise shaped diamond. A pear-shaped diamond engagement ring is for the woman who is always looking for adventure. They resemble an elegant teardrop with a pointed end and a rounded end – a pear-shaped diamond combines tradition and brilliance and is perfect for the bride attracted to emotion and the unexpected. Are you looking for the best way to clean your pear diamond engagement ring? Check out our guide on jewelry care and cleaning! The beautiful conical shape of pear diamond rings can make your hands look thinner and more graceful, perfect for an engagement ring.
8. Summary
It is important that you determine the size of your ring finger before you start shopping. While it’s not impossible to expand or contract the band, resizing it too much can damage or alter your ring. You can also use our online ring meter to get started! We hope this diamond shape guide has helped you understand what makes each shape special, so you can choose the perfect one! If you would like more information and to see styles in store with a professional diamond specialist, we recommend that you make an appointment. We’ve listed the top 7 diamond engagement ring shapes listed above, but we encourage you to look at it this way: What would you like to wear on your left hand? Because it will be there for a long time.