Start with a Setting 
Start with a Diamond 
Round 
Oval 
Emerald 
Pear 
Round 
Oval 
Emerald 
Moissanite 
Sapphire 
Emerald 
Colored Diamond 
Aquamarine 
Morganite 
Alexandrite 
Blue 
Teal 
Peach 
Purple 
Pink 
It goes without saying that while looking for the engagement ring of your dreams, the cut of the center stone is everything. Choosing which one appeals to you is a terrific place to start because each sparkles uniquely. Consider your personal priorities when choosing daily jewelry. Do you prefer a more contemporary appearance or do you prefer to shop at consignment stores for your next amazing vintage one? Like rose gold or white gold band. Would you rather have a rock that appears to be enormous than longer-looking fingers? The stone cut affects each of these elements, and fortunately for you, we’re here to explain them all.
Round brilliant is the most widely used diamond cut for engagement rings. Round brilliant-cut diamonds are the classic sparklers because of their exceptional light performance and versatile shape that complements a plethora of setting designs.
However, there are solutions for all types of brides. A princess-cut diamond has just as much sparkle as a round-cut diamond but is more angular and modern looking. Or, if you prefer antique settings, choose a cushion-cut diamond, which has a classy glitter and a classic appearance. Step-cut diamonds exhibit more transparency than other cuts and are angular and elegant, like Asscher and emerald diamonds. Diamonds with a radiant cut resemble emeralds but have more facets for greater brilliance.
Pear, marquise, and oval-cut diamonds stand out and give the impression that your fingers are longer, while trillion-cut diamonds glitter in a contemporary triangle shape for something more distinctive. Choose a baguette diamond band instead of a center stone for the understated bride-to-be. Heart-shaped diamonds are also available, which kind of speak for themselves and are exclusively for the most passionate people.
Here are the top 10 diamond engagement ring cuts, whether you’re a bride looking for “something new” or want a more vintage-inspired look. Related: Women’s wedding ring styles.
Round Cut
Round diamonds are the most popular among brides. Since this cut maximizes the diamond’s fire at optimal light reflection, it’s no wonder that it’s the most popular stone (we’re all suckers for a beautiful sparkle). Solitaires, multi-stone, and retro-inspired geometric settings all look great with round, brilliant-cut diamonds. These diamonds are perfect for traditional bridal sets, but if you’re more of a free spirit, you may want to look at a few shapes that come up seldom on the market.
Princess Cut
Every bride deserves to be treated like a queen on her wedding day. One more well-liked choice for an engagement ring is the princess cut. The princess cut is a great option for almost any ring design due to its adaptable face-up shape, which can be square or rectangular. In addition to being far cheaper than the more conventional round-cut diamonds, square-shaped ones also have the added benefit of looking more modern and geometrical. However, princess-cut diamonds are prone to cracking at the corners or falling out of their settings, so it’s important to pick a secure one.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut diamond is popular due to its Art Deco style, which is characterized by its rectangular step cut, open table, and cropped corners. While its “hall-of-mirrors” effect is subtler than that of a traditional diamond, its lengthy silhouette and geometric lines do a beautiful job of capturing the diamond’s clarity while dramatically catching the light. When arranged in a vertical position, their form makes fingers appear longer and slimmer, making them ideal for engagement ring selfies. Clarity and color, however, are of the utmost significance because it has fewer facets to hide flaws. If you’re hoping for a major sparkler, this cut isn’t for you because it’s not particularly showy.
Cushion Cut
Due to its square-cut design with rounded corners and traditional 58 bigger facets, this excellent cut is frequently compared to a pillow because it enhances the stone’s brilliance. Since the 18th century, when most gemstones were cushion-cut, the cushion-cut diamond has been around, and in the 19th century, it was very popular (though it was referred to then as the mine cut). They have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity and exude an entirely old-world vibe that is ideal for historical settings. They do glitter less brightly than brilliant-cut diamonds, and while they look fantastic in contemporary settings, they aren’t the most modern-looking option.
Radiant Cut
A radiant-cut diamond, which Henry Grossbard created in 1977, is one that really catches the light. The overall form is reminiscent of an emerald cut gem, but the added glitter is a result of the unusual, deeply cut facets. The timeless appeal and custom-made spirit of this stone will appeal to brides who don’t want to veer too far from the traditional shapes. It actually has eight corners, which reduces the likelihood of chipping because it lacks the sharp edges of a princess-cut diamond. The radiant cut might not be for you if you want a big-looking diamond because the deep cuts make the stone look smaller. You might not be able to find a wide variety of gemstones in this cut because it’s extremely rare.
Marquise Cut
The Navette cut, or marquise cut, is another name for this opulent shape. It stands out thanks to its unusual profile, which is defined by rounded sides and pointy ends. When worn vertically, its long, slim profile not only makes the wearer’s finger appear longer and thinner, but also gives the impression that the stone’s size is greater . Also, it sparkles really brightly. However, if the ring is not fastened securely, it runs the risk of chipping and breaking due to its sharp points. There’s often a “bowtie” pattern right in the middle of the diamond as well. Not having the ring cut properly might be glaringly obvious and is not ideal.
Oval Cut
Oval diamonds, which are essentially stretched versions of round ones, can have as many facets as their round counterparts, giving them the potential for the same amount of brilliance. This unusual and stylish option can provide the illusion of a longer finger due to its elongated shape. However, if not cut correctly, it can have the same “bowtie” aspect as a marquise-shaped stone, as well as defects and inclusions, making it look less attractive. To avoid this, choosing a salt-and-pepper oval-cut diamond can make any undesirable inclusions an important component of your style. Read more about oval moissanite engagement ring.
Pear Cut
The pear-shaped diamond, also referred to as a teardrop, is a fusion of forms that dates back to the 1400s. This unusual form, which draws inspiration from both the oval and the marquise, is ideal for vintage-inspired brides who follow their own set of rules and believe that two is better than one. If size is important to you, this cut is a terrific option because pear-shaped diamonds tend to appear larger than they actually are from the top view. These diamond rings look best in a bezel or half-V setting because the pear cut has a sharp tip and is prone to chipping. They frequently exhibit inclusions and, if improperly cut, can produce less-than-brilliant results.
Asscher Cut
Since Carrie Bradshaw wore an Asscher cut during her brief engagement to Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City, it has been a favorite among those who are interested in fashion. The Asscher cut has an octagonal form with 58 significant step facets and is named after the jeweler who obtained the design’s patent in 1902. Its distinctively symmetrical geometric design, which was popular during the Art Deco era, still gleams and sparkles. It is less likely to break because it doesn’t have any sharp edges, and it looks wonderful in a variety of settings. However, because this cut tends to exhibit flaws, you must buy a high-quality diamond with plenty of clarity.
Heart Cut
Heart cut stones, a timeless representation of love, aren’t typically used in engagement rings and aren’t just for weddings on Valentine’s Day, but perhaps that’s what makes them so special. This modern cut, perfect for the hopeless romantic, has a feminine shape that looks wonderful as a solitaire on a basic ring or in a more ornate setting. You can end up paying more for the labor involved in achieving the symmetry and brilliance that make a heart-shaped stone glow because it’s a relatively difficult cut. If you’re searching for something indubitably timeless, this ring might not be for you because it is also perceived by some as being a little too trendy. Related: Best Heart Shaped Crystals 2022 – Symbols of Pure Love.