Choosing the Perfect Diamond Shape for your Engagement Ring
As a professional jeweller and GIA Graduate Diamond alumni, I understand that selecting the perfect diamond shape for your engagement ring is a deeply personal choice.
The shape of a diamond not only reflects your or your partner's style but also complements the hand and the other rings you pair it with.
Your partner probably already has an idea in mind of what shapes they prefer. It is always a good idea to try to find out your partners preference - this can be done with the help of a family member or a friend if the engagement is a surprise, give us a call and we can give you some ideas!
All diamonds with an exception of a round brilliant cut are called fancy shape diamonds. Fancy shape diamonds only get a polish and symmetry GIA grade as opposed to the round brilliant, which gets an official cut grade on the GIA certificate.
In diamonds, there are brilliant cuts and step cuts, and they both reflect the light differently. Brilliant cut diamonds will catch your eye from across the room while step cuts are understated and do not sparkle per se, they show a stunning hall of mirrors effect of larger flashes of light and fire.
Round Brilliant: Classic and Timeless
The round brilliant cut is still the most popular diamond shape in the world today for engagement rings, renowned for its exceptional brilliance and fire. With its symmetrical design and brilliant faceting, this classic shape is a long-time favourite and is versatile enough when stacked with different wedding bands. Round brilliant's ability to reflect light from all angles ensures a mesmerising sparkle that never goes out of style.
Oval: Sleek and Elegant
Oval is one of the most popular diamond cuts in 2024 and for the last few years. For those seeking a touch of sophistication, the oval diamond offers a unique twist on traditional round brilliant. Oval-shaped diamonds elongate the fingers, making them appear slimmer and more graceful - a very flattering shape indeed. Oval cut diamonds tend to look larger than most other diamond cuts including the traditional round brilliant diamond of equal carat weight due to its elongated shape.
Marquise: Regal Elegance
The marquise cut, with its elongated shape and pointed ends, adds drama with a touch of regal elegance to an engagement ring. It's a bold shape and a stunning choice. When David Beckham first proposed to Victoria in 1998, he did so with a three-carat marquise-cut diamond set on a plain yellow gold band. Marquise's unique elongated silhouette embodies sophistication, perfect for those who wish to make a bold statement.
Pear: Exquisite and Feminine
The pear-shaped diamond combines the round brilliant and marquise cuts, resulting in a charming and unique silhouette. It elongates the finger while providing a delicate touch of femininity. The pear shape's versatility makes it an excellent choice for a solitaire ring, emphasising grace and sophistication. Similar to an oval diamond, a pear cut diamond faces up much larger than most other diamond cuts due to its elongated shape.
Emerald: Timeless Beauty with Geometric Precision
The emerald cut, characterised by its rectangular shape, clipped corners and perfect step-cut faceting, exudes an air of sophistication. Known for its clean lines and remarkable clarity (is a must!!), an emerald cut diamond showcases a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. It suits those with a penchant for understated elegance and clean lines offering a balance between classic and contemporary styles.
Baguette: Sleek Simplicity
With its rectangular or elongated shape, the baguette cut is often used as side stones in engagement rings. Recently becoming more popular as the centre stone, especially set east-west, it bears a similarity to the emerald cut but with the squared corners. This elegant shape offers a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, perfect for those with a preference for clean lines and a modern touch.
Radiant: The Perfect Blend of Elegance and Brilliance
The radiant cut diamond is a brilliant choice for those who appreciate both the timeless beauty of a round brilliant cut and the sophistication of an emerald cut. At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we lovingly call this shape - crushed ice, it is a firm favourite. This square or rectangular shape captivates with its exceptional brilliance and fire, offering a stunning balance between traditional and contemporary styles.
Cushion: Vintage Glamour
The cushion cut diamond, with its soft and romantic rounded corners, evokes a sense of vintage charm and nostalgia. It showcases larger facets, emphasising its brilliance and enhancing the diamond's natural beauty. The cushion cut is an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of old-world glamour.
Princess: Modern Royalty
The princess cut is a popular choice for those desiring a modern and contemporary look and is definitely back in vogue in 2024 engagement ring styles. With its square shape and brilliant faceting, the princess cut diamond displays a stunning fire and scintillation. It provides a perfect blend of elegance and edginess, making it an ideal choice for the fashion-forward individual.
Heart: Sentimental Romance
The heart-shaped diamond is the epitome of romantic symbolism and a highly feminine cut, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings. This shape demands attention and represents love and devotion. Its distinctive curves require careful consideration to ensure the proportions are flattering and symmetrical.
Asscher: Timeless Sophistication
Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut exudes an air of timeless sophistication. Its unique octagonal shape with cropped corners showcases a breath taking play of light and shadow. The Asscher cut is perfect for those who appreciate vintage-inspired designs and desire a distinctively elegant appearance.
Trilliant: Triangular Brilliance
The trilliant cut, also known as the triangle cut, offers a unique and unconventional shape that stands out from the crowd. Its triangular form boasts a fiery brilliance and captivating sparkle. The trilliant shape suits those who embrace individuality and are drawn to modern and daring designs.
Old Mine and Old European: Vintage Charms
Old mine and old European cuts take us back to the romantic and luxurious styles of the past. These antique cuts showcase a unique blend of vintage charm and elegance whilst bringing history into your life. Cut by hand under candlelight, with their larger facets and gentle curves, they reflect light in a much more delicate manner, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty.
Hexagonal: Contemporary Edge
For the avant-garde bride or groom, the hexagonal diamond shape offers a distinctive and modern appeal. Its angular lines and geometric symmetry create a striking visual impact. This unconventional shape appeals to those who seek a contemporary yet sophisticated alternative to traditional cuts.
Shield: Bold and Dramatic
One of the newer diamond cuts taking over the engagement ring trends is the shield cut. This beautiful diamond cut embodies a strong and bold aesthetic with a hall of mirrors effect. This diamond can be set traditionally or east west depending on your preference. Its distinctive silhouette features a unique combination of straight and curved edges, resulting in an eye-catching design. This shape is perfect for individuals who desire a daring and adventurous statement piece and want to stand out from the crowd.
Lozenge: Sleek and Symmetrical
Another beautiful new diamond shape is the lozenge cut. More symmetrical than a shield cut the lozenge diamond offers a modern twist. Its elongated hexagonal outline creates a bold and sophisticated look. The lozenge shape is a fantastic choice for those seeking an unconventional yet refined design. You will be hard pushed to find anyone else with this diamond shape. The hall of mirrors effect twinned with the sharp lines are bound to stand out and give that wow factor.
Bullet: Sleek Precision
The bullet cut, also known as the tapered baguette cut, presents a sleek and precise shape with its elongated form and pointed end. Often used as side stones, the bullet shape adds an elegant touch to any design. Its streamlined appearance enhances the overall beauty and balance of the ring.
When choosing the perfect diamond shape for your fingers, consider your personal style (or the style of your other half), the latest trends, and the unique features of your hand and at the end of the day, it's all down to personal preference. Chose the cut you love the most, the diamond will stay with you forever and be passed down generations.
At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we are here to help you find the perfect diamond for your engagement ring. Drop us a message to arrange a coffee or a video call, where we can use our extensive knowledge to help with your loose diamond selection and unique engagement ring design.
