Engagement Shopping: The Official Diamond Cuts

Do you get overwhelmed when it comes to engagement ring shopping? Does the huge variety of options out there just feel like way too much sometimes? Many people don’t actually know all the details about diamonds and engagement rings so it comes without surprise, really, that this job of finding the perfect ring for you can be a daunting task. To help alleviate some of the stress, we’re going to cover the 10 different diamond shapes you’ll see in engagement rings. Besides choosing the style of engagement ring you want, the next big thing to determine is what shape your center stone will be. Being that your center stone is the star of the show, it’s a good idea to start here. There are 10 official diamond cuts (also known as diamond shapes).

Round Cut

The round cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape, representing approximately 75% of all diamonds sold. Due to the mechanics of its shape, the round diamond is generally superior to fancy shapes at the proper reflection of light, maximizing potential brightness.

Emerald Cut

Instead of the sparkle of a brilliant-cut, emerald cut diamonds produce a hall-of-mirrors effect, with the interplay of light and dark planes.

Asscher Cut

The asscher cut diamond was first produced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland, an is a forerunner to the emerald cut.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut diamond combines a square cut with rounded corners. This classic cut has been around for almost 200 years, and for the first century of its existence was the most popular diamond shape.

Heart Cut

The modified brilliant-cut heart shaped diamond is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love, popular in solitaire pendants as well as rings.

Marquise Cut

The marquise cut diamond is a football-shaped, modified brilliant-cut. Because the marquise diamond is long and narrow, it can also create the illusion of greater size.

Oval Cut

Because the oval diamond is a modified brilliant-cut (like virtually all round cut diamonds), the two diamond shapes possess a similar fire and brilliance. However, oval cut diamonds have the added advantage of an elongated shape, which can create the illusion of greater size.

Pear Cut

The modified brilliant-cut pear shaped diamond is a combination of a round and a marquise shape, with a tapered point on one end.

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut diamond is the first rectangular cut to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion, creating a vibrant and lively diamond.

Princess Cut

The princess cut diamond, first created in 1980, is the most popular fancy diamond shape, especially for engagement rings.