The 10 Most Popular Engagement Ring Shapes
When most people think about diamond engagement rings, they picture the popular classic round shape. In reality, there are a variety of different ways to shape a diamond into something spectacular. Read on to learn the nine top engagement ring shapes in order of popularity, along with some tips for choosing a ring that’s right for your bride-to-be.
1. Round-Cut Diamonds
The most popular diamond shape of all, round brilliant cuts are coveted for their scintillating sparkle. In addition to being the most iconic diamond shape, the round-cut diamond is prized for its ability to glitter brighter than any other shape.
Ideally proportioned to give maximum beauty, scintillation, and fire, these gems capture and bend light in a more uniform way. This gives off a flash of brilliance with every glance from every angle. With 58 facets, round-cut diamonds set the standard for the ideal diamond aesthetic.
Since round diamonds are the trendiest and most researched engagement ring cut, they offer great flexibility in terms of balancing color, cut, prize and clarity grades.
2. Princess-Cut Diamonds
The second most popular engagement ring shape, the princess-cut diamond, has a square shape with sharp angles. The most popular of the fancy-shaped cuts, this particular shape is ideal for brides who love clean lines, symmetry, and contemporary design. Ideally, you should look for princess-cut diamonds without inclusions near the edges.
3. Cushion-Cut Diamonds
A cushion-cut diamond is a square or rectangular shape that includes rounded corners. A cross between a princess and a round-cut diamond, cushion-shaped diamonds have a soft, romantic allure. Also called a pillow cut, cushion-cut diamonds have the eye-catching pizzazz of a round cut with a more pronounced profile. The rounded corners and expanded facets create a compelling effect that makes the cushion cut a popular choice among countless modern brides.
4. Emerald-Cut Diamonds
A dramatic diamond shape, emerald-cut engagement rings shimmer with the beauty of the Art Deco era. With edgy, glittering depth, emerald cuts feature lengthy shapes and chiseled facets.
While the diamond has 58 facets, just like princess and round-cut gems, the stone’s color and clarity are highlighted by its parallel facets. Essentially an elongated shape with step-cut faceting and a large table, emerald-cut diamonds have a distinctive hall-of-mirrors effect that makes them especially appealing to many women.
5. Marquise-Cut Diamonds
Also known as a Navette cut, the marquise shape is loved for its regal feel. An elongated oval, the cut includes pointed ends that give it a sort of boat-like shape. This shape maximizes the diamond’s carat weight, creating the illusion of a bigger gemstone.
Due to their delicate edges, Marquise-cut diamonds are more prone to chipping and breakage when the ring isn’t set properly. It can also have a sort of "bowtie" appearance across its center if the gem is cut poorly.
6. Oval-Cut Diamonds
Essentially a longer version of a round-cut diamond, the oval diamond shape has a brilliant facet pattern. Its elongated shape makes the stone appear bigger while making the finger appear to be longer. An elegant and non-traditional, great choice, oval cuts generally appeal to vintage-loving brides.
7. Radiant-Cut Diamonds
Radiant-cut engagement rings have a rectangular shape with corners that appear cropped. The square-cut gemstone has a brilliant-cut faceting pattern. Depending on its length-to-width ratio, the cut is also available in shapes that appear more rectangular. Loved for their sparkle, radiant-cut diamonds are typically set in prong-style solitaire settings.
8. Pear-Cut Diamonds
Also called a teardrop, pear-shaped diamonds are a blend of styles dating all the way back to the 1400s. Incorporating both the marquise and oval cut, this distinctive shape is a great option for brides who appreciate vintage-inspired ring styles.
Since more of the diamond shows from the above view, pear cuts tend to look larger than they actually are. Because the shape has a pointed tip, this cut works best in half-V or bezel settings, which both reduce the risk of chipping. Bear in mind that pear-cut diamonds have trouble hiding inclusions and lack brilliance when cut improperly.
9. Asscher-Cut Diamonds
Asscher-cut diamonds have octagon shapes with cropped corners and compelling angles that set the cut apart from any other shape. First developed around the Art Deco period, this diamond shape is a blend of an emerald and princess cut. With a vintage or antique feel, Asscher cuts have distinctive faceting that can mask lower color grades and some inclusions.
10. Heart Shaped Engagement Rings
The epitome of romantic symbolism, heart-shaped engagement rings convey a message of love that transcends words. Classic styles of heart-shaped engagement rings often use a solitaire setting to highlight the shape, creating an impressive visual impact.
Vintage-inspired elements can be used to add a distinctive flair to heart-shaped rings. Intricate detailing around the band, be it filigree or milgrain, and the incorporation of smaller diamonds can give the ring a charming, nostalgic feel.
While diamonds are the typical choice, other gemstones like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds can make for an equally stunning heart-cut ring. Customization options abound, allowing you to personalize the ring according to your preferences, be it in stone color, setting, or metal type.
John Atencio can source stunning heart-shaped diamonds and craft custom rings around them. This approach ensures the perfect harmony between the diamond and the ring, creating a piece that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Contact our consultants to learn more.
Comparing Engagement Ring Shapes: Pros and Cons
When choosing diamond ring shapes, various factors need to be considered. Each shape has its pros and cons. For instance, while round-cut diamonds offer unparalleled brilliance, they're often more expensive due to their high demand.
Emerald cuts exude a vintage elegance, yet they require higher clarity grades due to their large, open tables. The choice depends on the wearer's style, budget and personal preferences. If you’re not sure which shape is right for you, consider getting expert insight from one of John’s attentive jewelry consultants.
Characteristics of a Vintage-Inspired Engagement Ring Shape
Vintage-inspired engagement rings often incorporate design elements from different historical eras, such as the Edwardian, Victorian or Art Deco periods. Traditional cuts, such as the old European cut or the rose cut, are often used to enhance the antique appeal. These rings also showcase intricate detailing and craftsmanship that add intrigue to the design.
Engagement Ring Shapes and Gemstone Suitability
The versatility of round cuts makes them compatible with nearly all ring styles. On the other hand, geometrically influenced cuts like princess or Asscher cuts work well with modern, angular ring designs. Some engagement ring settings, such as the bezel or prong setting, are designed to highlight the unique shape of certain cuts, like the pear or marquise. For those seeking a vintage vibe, cuts like the old mine cut or the Asscher cut offer a throwback feel that complements vintage-inspired ring designs.
Buying Engagement Rings from John Atencio: A Trusted Option
Choosing John Atencio for your engagement ring guarantees a blend of quality, craftsmanship, and personalization. His extensive range of engagement ring shapes accommodates diverse tastes and preferences. Each ring is uniquely designed around the diamond, ensuring the dimension of the ring remains consistent even as the center stone grows in size.
This custom approach allows for a high level of personalization, enabling you to create an engagement ring that truly symbolizes your unique love story. With John Atencio, your engagement ring becomes not just a piece of jewelry but a cherished keepsake to be passed down through generations.
A skilled cutter uses precise workmanship and masterful artistry to fashion a diamond so it delivers breathtaking visual effects. At the same time, a ring’s beauty depends on the setting and overall design.
At John Atencio, all of our stunning diamond shaped engagement rings are uniquely crafted to be a personalized expression of beauty and love. It starts with a beautifully conceived design and ends with a striking piece of artistry that sets the diamond and ring in a harmonious union based on the taste and lifestyle of your bride-to-be.
Let our attentive experts help you choose the perfect ring for your love story. Use our helpful lab grown or natural diamond search and then make an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
To learn more about the different cuts of diamonds, be sure to check out our blog post: A Crash Course in Diamond Shapes.
Updated August 2023
