How to Choose a Diamond Shape for Your Engagement Ring or Jewelry in General

Whether you find yourself on the verge of engagement and want to drop a hint, or you are picking out fine jewelry for yourself, once you begin shopping, a very important questions occurs to many of us: "How do I choose the right diamond shape for me?" When it comes to choosing a diamond shape for an engagement ring, there are many things to consider. Sparkle, longevity of style, front-facing size vs carat weight, and personal preference are all important factors to keep in mind. Here is a quick rundown on the main differences and benefits of each shape.

Round Cut Diamonds

Round diamonds are the most popular choice, as they are classic and have the best sparkle. However, cut grade is the most important factor when it comes to sparkle. Round diamonds also tend to hide imperfections in clarity and color well.

Oval Cut Diamonds

Oval diamonds are highly requested these days because they look larger than their carat weight due to how they are cut. Oval diamonds also tend to hide imperfections in clarity, so you can sacrifice this grade a little to save money. However, don't skimp on color because it will show on the tips of the oval due to the shallow cut.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. They have a rectangular shape with step cuts, which gives them a more elegant and minimalist look. emerald cuts are forgiving with color, but not inclusions.

Asscher Cut Diamonds

Asscher cut diamonds are similar to emerald cuts, but they have a square shape. They also have similar qualities to emerald cuts, such as being more forgiving with color but not inclusions.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant cut diamonds are similar to asscher cuts, but they have a brilliant cut instead of a step cut. This gives them more sparkle and makes them better at hiding both lower clarity and color flaws. Elongated radiant cuts exist as well.

Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart shaped diamonds are a fun unique shape and come in different proportions. 1:1 is ideal, but some people prefer a shorter or longer shape. They feature a brilliant cut and thus hide clarity imperfections well.

Pear Cut Diamonds

Pear cut diamonds are another popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. They have a pear-shaped appearance and tend to hide inclusions well. However, they may not be the best choice for hiding color flaws.

Marquise Cut Diamonds

Marquise Diamonds have a slim shape that appear larger than their carat size due to their shape and shallow cut. Marquise is forgiving with clarity but not with color.

Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess diamonds have a brilliant cut which hides imperfections in clarity.

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamonds are another popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. They have rounded corners and a crushed ice appearance, which gives them a brilliant sparkle. cushion cuts typically hide inclusions well.

Ultimately, no matter what shape you choose, the best diamond shape for you is one that you personally love and feel good about wearing every day. Please contact us with any questions you may have and we can further discuss the differences between these stones and options for mountings, etc. We can't wait to help you custom build the ring of your dreams!