How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape for Your Engagement Ring

Choosing your diamond shape is a very important factor in having your ultimate engagement ring. There are many subtle nuances that most people do not think about. Below are a few thoughts to consider!

Shapes of traditional diamonds for engagement rings:

• Round Cut

• Old European Cut

• Emerald Cut

• Radiant Cut

• Cushion Cut

• Princess Cut

• Assher Cut

• Marquise Cut

• Oval Cut

• Pear Cut

• Heart Cut

All diamond shapes other than the round cut are called fancy shapes.

Round. This is the most popular of the diamond engagement ring shapes, and it holds this title because the round brilliant cut is designed to produce maximum brightness, fire, and sparkle in a colorless diamond. The beauty of round cut diamonds is their ability to be used in a modern setting or an antique setting. Round cut stones look good on most people regardless of finger length.

Old European Cut. This is the precusor to the modern round brilliant cut but with a higher crown and greater total depth than what is currently cut today. The old European cut is a popular choice for brides wanting an antique look.

Emerald Cut. Rectangular diamond shapes have a long history and a reputation for classic elegance in an engagement ring. This shape can make a bride’s finger look longer and more slender. The emerald cut is a step-cut diamond. It has four longer sides with beveled corners with two, three of four concentric rows of facets, parallel to the girdle, on the crown and pavilion.

Radiant Cut. Radiant cut is one of the newest rectangular shaped diamonds. It is a modified brilliant cut introduced in 1977. It has the fire of a round brilliant cut diamond in a rectangular or square shape with cropped corners.

Cushion Cut. The cushion cut has been in existence for centuries. The cushion cut diamond has curved sides and rounded corners. It usually has a high crown, small table, deep pavilion and large culet facet. The cushion cut retains more color face up than a brilliant cut which makes it well suited for colored diamonds. The cushion cut diamond is popular for a bride who wants an antique style for her engagement ring.

Princess Cut. The princess cut diamond is perfect for the bride who has long, slender fingers who wants them to look shorter. They are also a contemporary alternative to the classic round brilliant cut. The princess cut was created in 1981 and has a modified brilliant facet arrangement that gives excellent sparkle. The princess cut has pointed corners.

Asscher Cut. The Asscher cut was first introduced in 1902 but has since been modified for greater brilliance. It is similar to a square emerald cut but with larger step facets, a higher crown and a smaller table. The corners of an Asscher cut are cropped, giving it the appearance of an octagon. The Asscher cut is best for diamonds that are colorless or with colored diamonds as the cut enhances color. This is also a popular choice for a bride who wants an antique style.

Marquise Cut. An excellent choice for a bride who wants a stone that will look larger face up than a round diamond on the same weight. The marquise diamond can also make the bride’s finger appear longer and more slender. It is very important for a marquise diamond to have the tips protected with prongs as they are more prone to damage.

Oval Cut. This stone shape is many hundreds of years old. It may appear larger than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same weight (and can also help elongate shorter fingers). Oval cut has wonderful brilliance because of the faceting style. A big advantage over other fancy shapes is that the rounded edges make it less prone to chipping.

Pear Cut. The Pear Cut is a blend of the Marquise Cut and the Round Brilliant Cut. Worn with the point toward the tip of the finger, its graceful, tapered shape can make the hand look slimmer and more elegant. The point is the weakest feature and should be protected with a V-shaped prong.

Heart Cut. The Heart Cut is the rarest of diamond shapes for engagement rings. A well-shaped heart requires a large rough diamond. It also shows inclusions easily so it requires a higher clarity. It is a very flattering style for larger fingers.

The above is information and ideas regarding the possible stones shapes. The most important variable is what shape you love and how the stone makes you feel when you see it! Feel free to contact me any time if you’re interested in discussing different stone shapes for your piece of jewelry.