Diamond Shapes for a Bespoke Engagement Ring
When it comes to choosing a diamond for an engagement ring or a piece of fine jewellery, one of the most important decisions you'll make is not only the cut of the stone but also the shape.
A diamond shape significantly influences the diamond’s overall appearance and the way it reflects the light.
This is a blog explaining the most important diamond shapes, their unique characteristics, and why you might choose a certain shape.
- Round Brilliant
Overview: The round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape, accounting for nearly 75% of all diamond sales. Its 58 facets are meticulously designed to maximize light reflection, giving it unmatched sparkle and brilliance.
Why Choose It?
- Sparkle: Its superior ability to reflect light makes it the most brilliant of all diamond shapes.
- Versatility: It suits almost any ring setting and pairs well with various styles.
- Timelessness: A round brilliant diamond is classic and will never go out of fashion.
- Princess
Overview: The princess cut is the second most popular diamond shape. It is square or slightly rectangular with pointed corners and a brilliant cut pattern on the pavilion (the lower part of the diamond).
Why Choose It?
- Modern Elegance: It offers a contemporary look with excellent fire and brilliance.
- Value: Princess cuts tend to be more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight because they use more of the rough diamond.
- Oval
Overview: Oval diamonds are elongated versions of the round brilliant, offering similar brilliance with a unique shape that can make the fingers appear longer.
Why Choose It?
- Brilliance: Like the round brilliant, ovals are highly reflective.
- Finger Lengthening: Its elongated shape is flattering on the hand.
- Unique yet Classic: Offers a distinctive look while retaining a classic charm.
- Cushion
Overview: The cushion cut, also known as the "pillow cut," features rounded corners and larger facets, combining a square shape with soft, rounded edges. It has a vintage charm and a softer, romantic appearance and is the closest in appearance to the Old Mine Cut diamonds.
Why Choose It?
- Vintage Appeal: Perfect for those who love the romance of vintage styles.
- Brilliance and Fire: The larger facets can show more fire, the dispersion of light into colours.
Best For: Lovers of vintage styles or those who want a diamond with a romantic, old-world feel.
- Marquise
Overview: The marquise cut, also known as the "navette" or "little boat," is elongated with pointed ends. It was commissioned by King Louis XIV to resemble the lips of the Marquise de Pompadour.
Why Choose It?
- Elongation Effect: It can make fingers appear longer.
- Maximizes Carat Weight: This shape maximizes the visible size of the diamond.
- Pear
Overview: The pear shape, or teardrop, combines the round and marquise cuts, with a tapered point on one end. It's an elegant shape that can be worn with the point facing up or down.
Why Choose It?
- Elegance and Versatility: Can be worn in different orientations, each offering a unique look.
- Finger Lengthening: Its elongated shape lengthens the fingers.
- Emerald
Overview: The emerald cut is rectangular with stepped facets, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect. It emphasizes clarity over brilliance, offering a more subdued sparkle with a focus on the diamond's transparency.
Why Choose It?
- Sophisticated and Elegant: Ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance.
- Clarity: Highlights the clarity of the diamond, making it a great choice for high-quality stones.
- Radiant
Overview: The radiant cut combines the elegance of the emerald shape with the brilliance of the round. It is square or rectangular with cropped corners and a brilliant facet pattern.
Why Choose It?
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines the shape of the emerald with the sparkle of the round.
- Versatility: Works well in both classic and modern settings.
- Asscher
Overview: The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut but is square-shaped with a deep pavilion and high crown, offering a unique "hall of mirrors" effect. It has an art deco appeal and is often chosen for its vintage look.
Why Choose It?
- Vintage Glamour: Perfect for those who love the art deco style.
- Uniqueness: Its distinct look is less common, offering something different from the norm.
- Heart
Overview: The heart shape is the ultimate symbol of love. It is a modified brilliant cut and requires skilful cutting to ensure the shape is symmetrical and the lobes are well-defined.
Why Choose It?
- Symbolic: Ideal for romantic occasions, especially engagement rings.
- Distinctive: Its shape is instantly recognizable and conveys a strong message.
Best For: Hopeless romantics or those who want their jewellery to make a bold, symbolic statement.
Tips for Choosing the Right Diamond Shape
- Consider the Wearer’s Style: Think about the personal style and preferences of the person who will wear the diamond. Classic, modern, vintage, or unique tastes will guide the best shape choice.
- Focus on What Matters Most: Whether it’s brilliance, uniqueness, or a specific symbolic shape, prioritize the features that matter most to you.
- Try Different Shapes: If possible, try on rings with different diamond shapes to see how they look and feel on your hand.
- Set Your Budget: Some shapes maximize carat weight better than others. For instance, marquise and pear shapes can appear larger than round diamonds of the same weight.
Remember, the right diamond shape is not just about the cut or the carat weight—it’s about finding a piece that speaks to you and will be loved for a lifetime.
