Choosing the perfect engagement ring can feel like a daunting task. Yet, it’s the one piece of jewelry that you’re looking to wear every day for the rest of your life. So saying it has to look and feel right for you is a bit of an understatement.
And there are quite a few options out there to choose from. So how do you know which cut you should opt for? Whether you’re newly engaged, or you’ve been planning your wedding since you were little, knowing the engagement ring cuts available will save you a lot of stress. Especially at a time of your life that should be fun and exciting.
Engagement Ring Shapes You Can Choose From
12 diamond shapes are the most popular when it comes to engagement rings. And which one you choose is mostly down to your personality and how you’d like the wear the jewelry into the future.
The 12 styles are:
- Round
- Princess
- Emerald
- Oval
- Pear
- Baguette
- Marquise
- Heart
- Cushion
- Radiant
- Trillion
- Asscher
While these are the most popular cuts for diamonds, don’t feel hemmed in by that statement. Engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes now, and very often, diamonds aren’t even the star of the show. You can choose from colored gemstones like emerald or go down the personalized route with a Harry Potter themed ring.
There are even options for the ethically-conscious bride with conflict-free and lab-made diamonds available from companies like Brilliant Earth. Getting engaged and looking to spend the rest of your life with someone is a massive life milestone. So make sure the ring you pick is right for you, not what people say your ring should be.
But how do you know which cut will fit your lifestyle and personality the best?
The Top 5 Engagement Ring Shapes
- The Round Cut
The round, brilliant-cut has brides everywhere flocking to it. So it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular choice. This classic cut maximizes the sparkles and catches the light more. If you love a good sparkle and a timeless finish, then the round cut is the one for you. It also makes for easy matching to a wedding band as the round edge is easy to mold around.
- The Princess Cut
Another classic shape, the princess cut, is sought after because of its versatility. The face-up form and squared-off sides make it a great choice no matter the ring style. In addition, the geometric style of the princess cut means you’ll have a diamond that’s more modern but has all the sparkle of a round cut.
It’s also a great choice for money-savvy brides, as it tends to be cheaper than a brilliant round cut diamond. But if you use your hands a lot, you’ll either want a protective setting or avoid the princess cut at all costs. That’s because it’s known for chipping or falling out.
- The Cushion Cut
The cushion-cut diamond has maximum facets and shows off the brilliance of the diamond. They’re becoming more popular as they have a vintage feel that lots of brides are looking for. However, the sparkle is less intense than other cuts, and it can’t be described as contemporary. So if you’re a bride that loves moving with the times, this might not be the choice for you.
- The Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a go-to for vintage, Art Deco aesthetic. And that’s thanks to its rectangular step cut, open table, and cropped corners. The emerald cut is a little more understated as it’s less of sparkle and more of a hall of mirrors effect. But the long lines still show off the clarity of the diamond to great effect.
The no-fuss style of the emerald cut means you have to make sure the diamond is free from blemishes and is a great color because there are fewer facets to distract from imperfections.
- The Marquise Cut
The marquise cut is distinctive. Its curved sides and pointed ends have an air of elegance and royalty about them. The marquise has brilliant sparkle and elongates the hand when set vertically. But thanks to its distinctive shape, it can be prone to chipping. So it’s not a great choice for clumsy brides or those who use their hands a lot.
