Diamond Shape

There are several diamond shapes to choose from, each offering a different aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular shapes:

• Round Brilliant Cut: The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, known for its classic appearance and exceptional sparkle. Its 58 facets are precisely cut to maximise brilliance, making it a timeless choice. A round diamond is ideal for those who want a traditional and elegant look.
• Princess Cut: This square-shaped diamond is the second most popular choice. Its sharp corners and modern, geometric shape give it a contemporary feel. Princess cuts offer excellent brilliance, making them a great alternative to round diamonds while still providing a lot of sparkle.
• Oval Cut: Oval diamonds have a similar brilliance to round diamonds but with a more elongated shape, creating a flattering effect on the finger. This shape is perfect for those looking to make their fingers appear longer and more slender. It’s a popular choice for a modern twist on a classic style.
• Cushion Cut: Known for its rounded corners and pillow-like shape, the cushion cut combines vintage charm with a romantic feel. It has a softer, less angular look compared to a princess cut. Cushion-cut diamonds often feature larger facets, which can enhance their fire and give them a distinctive, classic appearance.
• Emerald Cut: The emerald cut is characterised by its rectangular shape and step-cut facets, creating a “hall of mirrors” effect. This cut highlights the diamond’s clarity rather than brilliance, offering a sophisticated and understated sparkle. Emerald-cut diamonds are favoured by those who appreciate elegance and simplicity.
• Marquise Cut: The marquise, or navette, is an elongated shape with pointed ends, often resembling a football or boat. This cut can create the illusion of a larger diamond due to its extended surface area. Marquise diamonds have a vintage appeal and can make the finger appear longer, adding a touch of drama to an engagement ring.
• Pear Cut: Also known as teardrop, the pear cut combines the best aspects of round and marquise shapes with a single point at one end. It has a unique and elegant silhouette that’s perfect for those who want a standout piece. Pear-shaped diamonds can be set in different orientations to create a variety of looks.
• Radiant Cut: This cut combines the rectangular shape of an emerald cut with the sparkle of a round diamond. Radiant cuts feature many facets, giving them excellent brilliance. They are a versatile choice for those who want a balance between the geometric shape and a lot of sparkle.
• Asscher Cut: Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut has a square shape with large step facets, a high crown, and a small table. It’s known for its Art Deco appeal and vintage flair. The Asscher cut’s deep, stepped facets give it a unique, eye-catching pattern, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bold, classic look.
• Heart Cut: The heart-shaped diamond is a symbol of love and romance, making it an especially sentimental choice for an engagement ring. This shape requires a high level of precision to create a balanced and symmetrical heart. It’s a perfect option for those who want to make a romantic statement with their engagement ring.

Each diamond shape offers its own blend of style and sparkle, making it possible to find the perfect one that resonates with your personal aesthetic.

The shape of a diamond can have a significant impact on how a ring looks on the finger, as well as how it interacts with light. Here’s how different shapes can influence the ring’s overall appearance:

• Finger Lengthening: Shapes like oval, marquise, and pear have elongated forms that create the illusion of length, making the fingers appear more slender. These shapes are a great choice for those who want to add elegance to their hand.
• Size Perception: Some shapes, like the marquise and pear, appear larger than they are due to their surface area. If you’re looking for a shape that maximises size without increasing carat weight, these can be great options. Round and cushion cuts may appear smaller by comparison but offer more depth and brilliance.
• Sparkle and Brilliance: Round, princess, and radiant cuts are known for their brilliance, thanks to their many facets that reflect light beautifully. For those who prioritise sparkle, these shapes can deliver maximum shine. In contrast, step-cut shapes like emerald and Asscher have a more subdued sparkle, focusing on clarity and elegance.
• Vintage vs. Modern Appeal: Cushion, emerald, and Asscher cuts tend to have a vintage feel due to their historical popularity and classic proportions. Princess, radiant, and round cuts are often seen as more modern. Choosing a shape can be a way to align the ring with a particular era or style

Several factors come into play when choosing the right diamond shape for an engagement ring. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Personal Style: Consider your partner’s style preferences. Do they prefer classic, modern, or vintage styles? A round diamond is perfect for those who love tradition, while shapes like the pear, emerald, or cushion cut may appeal to someone with a more unique or romantic style.
• Engagement Ring Setting: The diamond shape can influence which setting styles look best. For instance, round diamonds pair beautifully with solitaire or halo settings, while elongated shapes like oval or emerald cuts look stunning in bezel or east-west settings. Think about how the shape will interact with the band and any accent stones.
• Budget: Different diamond shapes have different price points. Round diamonds are typically the most expensive per carat due to the amount of rough diamond that is lost during cutting. Shapes like princess and cushion cuts tend to offer better value, as they retain more of the rough stone during the cutting process.
• Lifestyle: If your partner is very active or works with their hands, certain shapes may be more practical. For example, round, cushion, and oval shapes have fewer sharp edges and are less likely to snag on clothing or surfaces, making them more durable for everyday wear

The round brilliant cut remains the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings. Its timeless design and unparalleled brilliance make it a favourite among couples. Round diamonds account for about 75% of all diamond engagement rings sold, thanks to their classic appeal and versatility.

However, the popularity of other shapes like oval and cushion cuts has been on the rise, especially among those seeking a modern twist on the traditional ring. Oval diamonds have become a go-to choice for those looking to combine the brilliance of a round cut with a more contemporary silhouette. Meanwhile, cushion cuts offer a vintage-inspired alternative that blends charm and sparkle.

The shape of a diamond can significantly impact its price. The price difference mainly comes down to how much rough diamond is lost during the cutting process and the demand for each shape. Here’s a general guide:

• Round Diamonds: Typically, round diamonds are the most expensive shape per carat because more of the rough diamond is removed during the cutting process. The demand for round diamonds also contributes to their higher price.
• Fancy Shapes: Fancy-shaped diamonds, which include everything other than round (e.g., princess, cushion, oval, marquise), are generally less expensive per carat. Princess cuts, for example, utilise more of the rough stone, which makes them more budget-friendly. Similarly, cushion and radiant cuts can offer a lot of sparkle without the premium price of round diamonds.
• Unique Shapes: Less common shapes like the Asscher or marquise can sometimes be more affordable, but this depends on market trends and rarity. Heart-shaped diamonds, while unique, can also come with a premium due to the precision required in cutting them.

The shape of the diamond you choose can have a considerable effect on your overall budget, so it’s worth considering how much you’re willing to allocate towards shape versus size and other aspects like cut quality and clarity.

When it comes to sparkle, the round brilliant cut is the undisputed champion. Its 58 facets are specifically designed to maximise light reflection, making it the sparkliest of all diamond shapes. If sparkle is your top priority, the round cut is the best choice.

Princess, radiant, and cushion cuts are also known for their brilliance. These shapes feature many facets that create a beautiful sparkle, though the effect is slightly different compared to a round cut. Princess cuts, with their angular shape, offer a crisp and fiery brilliance, while cushion cuts provide a softer, romantic glow.

For those who appreciate a more subtle, sophisticated sparkle, step cuts like emerald and Asscher offer a unique appeal. While they don’t have the same level of brilliance, their larger, open facets create a “hall of mirrors” effect that showcases the diamond’s clarity and depth.

Selecting a diamond shape for an engagement ring is a personal decision, influenced by style, budget, and the kind of sparkle you desire. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a round cut or the unique charm of a marquise, each shape offers a beautiful way to symbolise your love story.