So many diamond shapes and so little time! But don’t worry, we’re here to finally demystify the diamond shopping experience…
Picking out your engagement ring is an exciting time. Unfortunately, with so many diamond cuts and shapes to choose from, that excitement can quickly turn into confusion.
With different terminology, lingo, classifications, measurements, and styles, the process can be overwhelming and hard to navigate.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect diamond for your perfect ring. Shopping for a diamond shouldn’t at all be stressful!
In this blog, we’ll cover popular diamond shapes from the classics to the more unique- as well as answer some commonly asked questions!
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between Diamond Shapes and Diamond Cuts?
This question is asked all the time- and for good reason!
When reading about diamonds, you’ve probably come across the terms ‘diamond shape’ and ‘diamond cut’ in the same sentence. You may have even thought that the two terms are interchangeable.
In reality, shape and cut refer to two different things.
Shape Vs Cut
Shape refers to a diamond’s overall form, the literal shape that it takes. Examples of this are oval, heart, round, emerald, and princess.
On the other hand, a diamond’s cut strictly refers to the diamond’s symmetry, proportions, and polish. This includes the facets and angles that the cutter produced when shaping the stone. A diamond’s cut has the biggest influence on its ability to reflect light and shine.
While shape and cut maybe two different features, they work together to create a beautiful and sparkling stone.
What Are The Different Diamond Shapes For Engagement Rings?
Round Diamonds
The round diamond shape is a tried and true classic! Round diamonds, also known as round brilliant diamonds, are the most popular of all diamond shapes.
This particular shape and a high number of facets enable peak light reflection, creating a brilliant shine. It is also a classic and versatile shape that is easy to incorporate into just about any look and ring setting.
Related post: The Best Engagement Ring For Each Diamond Shape
Cushion Cut Diamonds
A cushion cut diamond is a diamond that has been cut into a rectangular or square shape- but with rounded, soft corners. This pillow-like appearance is where the diamond gets its name!
This type of cut was very popular in the 19th century but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Due to their softer and more romantic appearance, cushion cut diamonds can often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.
The cushion cut is also known for its ability to hide inclusions and imperfections, making it the perfect choice for diamonds with lower-quality grades.
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamonds are similar to round diamonds. The oval shape, however, appears bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
The oval shape can also do wonders in creating the illusion of longer and slimmer fingers for the wearer.
Oval diamonds are great for those who enjoy the look of a round diamond but want something perhaps a little bit more unique.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their elegance and eye-catching allure.
A princess cut diamond is square or rectangular with pointed corners. This cut is known for its modern look of sharp, clean lines.
A princess cut diamond has beautiful facets and lines, creating excellent sparkle and shine.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
An emerald cut diamond is a type of diamond cut into a rectangular shape with angled facets and a flat plane on top of the stone.
If you’re looking for a diamond with striking clean-cut lines and symmetry, this is the shape for you!
Emerald cut diamonds are known for their elegance and sophisticated appearance. This diamond is a favorite for its unique shape and excellent clarity. While this diamond may be elegant and eye-catching, it is also slightly understated, creating a wonderfully balanced stone.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
Pear shaped diamonds are cut into a pear-like shape, with one rounded end on one side and a pointed end on the other.
As a combination of both the round cut and the marquise cut, this diamond has the best of both worlds and looks like a perfect teardrop.
Pear shaped diamonds are ideal for those who want to elongate their fingers while maintaining that brilliant shine.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
If you’re a fan of vintage styles, an Asscher cut diamond is the diamond shape for you.
This diamond is cut into a square shape with cropped corners and a unique step-cut pattern on the bottom portion of the stone. Inspired by the Art-Deco movement, this shape is admired for its antique aesthetic.
If you want a truly timeless engagement ring, check out Asscher cut diamonds.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
A marquise cut diamond is an elongated oval shape with pointed ends.
This unique cut is actually known for its remarkable ability to create the illusion of a larger diamond. Because of this, it is one of the most affordable shapes out there!
Regal and unique, opting for a marquise cut diamond will surely gain you some head turns and curious glances!
Heart Shaped Diamonds
The shape of love! Of course, heart shaped diamonds are a very romantic and sentimental shape for an engagement ring.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring full of symbolic meaning and a distinctive appearance, this may be your shape.
With its many facets, sharp points, and quintessential symbolism, this diamond is both a bright and adorable choice.
How Diamond Shape Affects Price
It’s quite common to equate a higher carat weight with a higher price, but shape, too, has a direct influence on your diamond’s price tag!
While every diamond is beautiful and special, there are a number of factors that may make one shape more expensive than another.
The round shaped diamond, for example, is the most popular shape for engagement rings. Not only does this shape have the highest global demand, it is the most technically difficult shape to cut from a rough diamond.
Generally speaking, the least expensive shapes are the ones that use the largest amount of the original rough diamond. Shapes like this include the: Asscher, emerald, princess, and cushion cut.
Keep this in mind when you discover that two diamonds of the same carat but different shapes have drastically different prices!
FAQs
1. What engagement ring shape is best?
The best engagement ring shape will ultimately depend on your personal preference! Look throughout this guide and read about what makes each shape unique. Once you determine your priorities, find one that checks off all your boxes. Your perfect engagement ring shape is out there!
2. What are the 4Cs of engagement rings?
The 4Cs of engagement rings are Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. If you want to learn more about the 4Cs, check out our blog on the topic.
3. How many carats should an engagement ring be?
Some people prefer larger, more impressive diamonds, while others prefer smaller, more delicate stones. It’s really up to you and what you value! It’s always important to remember that carat weight is not the only factor determining its value.
Conclusion
As we now know, there are so many diamond shapes and cuts, and so many things to consider when shopping!
Whether you’re looking for something classic and timeless, or something unique and bold, there is certainly a shape out there for you.
Use this guide when you need a quick reminder of what’s what- and before you know it, you’ll have a stunning rock on your finger!
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Armed with five years of writing experience, Rachel aims to turn dense topics into easily understandable content, one shining word at a time.