Key Takeaways
- Round is the most popular shape.
- Oval diamonds provide a flattering effect on the finger.
- Princess diamonds have a modern, geometric look.
- Pear diamonds have a unique, asymmetrical elegance.
With so many different types of diamond cuts and shapes available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when picking out the perfect engagement ring. We’re here to help! In this blog, we highlight the most popular shapes and cuts, including modern and traditional styles.
Before diving in, it’s important to differentiate between a diamond’s shape and its cut. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Keep the following information in mind as you choose diamond engagement ring shapes and cuts.
- Shape refers to the outline of the diamond when viewed from above.
- Cut refers to the arrangement, proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond’s facets, which affects how the stone sparkles and shines.
1. Round: The Timeless Classic
As you probably guessed, round diamonds are circular in shape. They typically have a brilliant cut, which is a specific arrangement of 57 or 58 facets that are strategically placed to maximize the amount of scintillation (sparkle), brilliance (brightness), and fire (ability to disperse white light into flashes of color).
If you’re seeking a stone that really sparkles, shimmers, and shines, round is an ideal choice. Round is the most popular of all of the diamond engagement ring shapes, and because of its minimalist beauty, it attracts the eye and exudes luxury. Round diamonds make a statement, while being elegant and traditional.
The Mae is a quintessential solitaire round engagement ring. The dainty 14k band beautifully complements the prominent solitaire diamond or moissanite, ensuring that the stone is the star of the show.
In summary, if you’re searching for different types of diamond cuts and shapes that maximize sparkle, choose a round diamond with a brilliant cut. While the round shape is understated compared to the bolder and more unique shapes available, the dazzling sparkle is unmatched.
2. Oval: A Sophisticated Alternative to Round
Oval is another one of the most popular diamond engagement ring shapes. Oval diamonds offer much of the same brilliance and sparkle as round, brilliant-cut diamonds, but the elongated shape creates the illusion that the wearer’s fingers are longer and more slender, which can be quite flattering.
Another reason why oval diamonds are so popular is because they give the appearance of being larger than their actual carat weight. The elongated shape distributes the sparkle across a larger section of the finger, creating a more prominent presence. If you’re working with a tight budget, but you really want your ring to pop, an oval diamond is a great choice.
Oval diamonds strike a balance between traditional round diamonds and modern shapes. While the look is undoubtedly more unique than round diamonds, the oval diamond engagement ring shape is still very tasteful and elegant.
The Norah is a 14k gold band, oval diamond ring (also available in white and rose gold). The solitaire oval diamond is majestically placed in a vertical position to ensure that it provides the most flattering effect when worn. The Bella, Bella Gold, and The Bella Rose feature simulated oval diamonds that are perfect for couples who are saving the majority of their budget for their modern wedding rings.
3. Princess: A Modern Shape With a Geometrical Cut
As you explore different types of diamond cuts and shapes, you’ll find that although they’re distinct terms, they sometimes encompass both. For example, “princess” refers to a specific shape with a specific cut.
Princess diamond engagement ring shapes typically have a square or rectangular outline with a flat top. A princess cut refers to a modified version of the brilliant cut that has clean, geometric lines. Like the original brilliant cut, the princess cut is designed to maximize scintillation, brilliance, and fire.
Princess diamonds are widely considered by some to be the second most popular shape and cut after round brilliant. They’re perfect for someone who wants the larger-than-life sparkle of a round brilliant cut, but with the modern aesthetic you get from the geometric shape and lines.
If not designed correctly, princess diamonds can have sharp corners and be both susceptible to damage and uncomfortable. That’s why we designed The Olivia, our solitaire princess-cut diamond ring, with carefully crafted prongs that protect the corners. Our version of one of the most popular diamond engagement ring shapes is both beautiful and practical, making it the ideal choice for the discerning princess!
4. Pear: Out-of-this-World Elegance
Also known as teardrop diamonds, pear diamonds have a unique rounded edge that tapers to a delicate point. While there are different types of diamond cuts for pear diamonds, they typically have a modified round cut, much like oval and princess diamonds. The cut is modified to fit the teardrop shape, ensuring that the diamond’s scintillation, brilliance, and fire are optimized to sparkle and shine incredibly brightly.
The pear shape has a certain romance to it that’s reminiscent of the glamour of yesteryear. However, pear diamond engagement ring shapes are truly timeless. Pear diamonds really pop with a solitaire setting. The Zahra is our take on an engagement ring with a solitaire pear diamond, crafted in solid 14k gold, rose gold, or white gold. The dainty band and solitaire setting ensure that the center stone’s beauty doesn’t go unnoticed.
How Diamond Cuts Are Graded
When shopping for a diamond ring, you’ll also want to consider the cut’s grade. Grades are determined based on how the diamond interacts with light, including scintillation, brilliance, and fire, as well as other factors like symmetry, polish, and proportions. The cut grades are: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Ideal, and Super Ideal.
In addition to carrying all four of the most popular diamond engagement ring shapes, we proudly use D VVS2 diamonds with excellent cut grades. The “D” represents the highest possible color grade, meaning the diamond is completely colorless. VVS2 is a high-clarity grade that signifies that the diamond has extremely minor inclusions that can only be detected with professional magnifying equipment.
Find the Perfect Engagement Ring Today
Now that you’re familiar with different types of diamond cuts and shapes, have a look at our solitaire diamond engagement ring collection to find the one that’s right for your sweetheart. Or, send a timely hint to your fiancé so he can see your favorite engagement style (text or email him the ring link, wink wink). We also have a large selection of modern rings for both men and women, including matching couple’s wedding ring sets. After picking out your rings, explore our modern watches. They make super meaningful groomsmen gifts that mark the occasion forever in time, especially if you get them engraved.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our diamond engagement ring shapes or cuts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our diamond ring specialists will be happy to answer all your questions and help you select the engagement ring of your dreams. Shop today!