The shape of a diamond is one of the most crucial aspects of ring building. While many consider diamond shapes to be selected based on their aesthetic appeal, this is only true for some.
While the diamond-buying experience differs from person to person, the two most important things to consider are the cut quality and the clarity of the diamond. However, there are more important aspects, like your personal taste. So, to understand which diamond will work best for you, you first need to lay down the pros and cons that each diamond persists.
This guide will take you through different diamond shapes to help you determine the best fit for your dream engagement ring.
Popular Diamond Shapes
Round Brilliant
- Description: The round brilliant diamond is traditionally the most popular shape in the market today. The symmetrical shape, with its 58 facets, emits maximum brilliance and fire, which is the number one reason behind the popularity of this diamond shape. Additionally, round diamonds are the only shape GIA gives a cut grade. The cutting technique used in round-cut diamonds helps conceal the color and clarity exceptionally well, allowing you to go up to two grades lower in color and clarity. Apart from being one of the most popular diamond shapes on the market, they are also one of the most expensive among all diamond shapes.
- Ideal For: Round diamonds are a perfect choice for engagement rings, primarily for solitaire diamond rings, which let the diamond shine without distraction. If you are into traditional diamond stones that fit beautifully in any setting you choose, this diamond shape is for you.
- Fun Fact: The first round cut diamond was developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919, making up for approximately 75% of all diamonds sold today.
Princess Cut
- Description: First developed in the 1960s, the princess cut diamonds are typically square, with similar brilliance and cut to the round cut diamond. As one of the most popular fancy diamond shapes, princes cut diamonds are highly sought-after among modern jewelry designs. Moreover, the princess cut pairs well with various ring styles, including solitaire and three-stone engagement rings.
- Ideal For: The diamond shape is a popular choice for engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and diamond-set wedding bands. Princess-cut diamonds can be placed adjacent to one another without any room for gaps, creating the perfect circle for an eternity ring.
- Fun Fact: A princess-cut diamond costs 30% less than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
Cushion Cut
- Description: The cushion-cut diamond combines a square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow, hence the name. While generally less brilliant than a round-cut diamond, cushion-cut diamonds often offer a better display of fire, which is part of their appeal. Cushion-cut diamonds have been around for almost 200 years and, until the 20th century, were considered a de facto diamond shape.
- Ideal For: Cushion-cut diamonds are well-suited for vintage-inspired styles and best complement the east-west, two-stone, and double-band settings.
- Fun Fact: Cushion cut is popularly referred to as the 'pillow-cut' or 'candlelight diamond' due to its soft and rounded corners and more significant facets.
Oval-Cut
- Description: Oval diamonds are essentially an elongated version of round diamonds with equal or as many facets as a round-cut stone. However, when shopping for an oval-cut diamond, it is crucial to be mindful of the "bowtie effect," a potential dark area in the diamond's center. If you enjoy a rounded design but need a stone with more character, then an oval diamond is for you. A 1ct oval diamond appears bigger than a 1ct round diamond and is usually priced lower than the round diamond.
- Ideal For: If you don't want to spend on a traditional round diamond but need a diamond with the same rounded exterior, an oval diamond is the perfect choice. It is best for engagement rings and pairs well with almost all ring settings.
- Fun Fact: Invented in the 1300s, oval diamonds are one of the oldest diamond shapes around.
Emerald Cut
- Description: The emerald-cut diamond owes its unique look to its pavilion's step cut and large, open table; instead of the sparkle of a brilliant cut, an emerald diamond produced a hall of mirrors effect caused by the interplay of light and dark planes.
- Ideal For: Emerald diamonds suit Art Deco-inspired rings, mostly solitaire and three-stone settings.
- Fun Fact: The average 1ct diamond will have a 5% larger surface area when it's an emerald cut diamond than a round brilliant cut diamond.
Marquise-Cut
- Description: Named after the Marquise de Pompadour, mistress, friend, and advisor to Louis XV, a marquise diamond is often described as a round diamond with pointed ends. The marquise cut is widely popular because the shape of the diamond makes it look bigger than its actual carat weight.
- Ideal For: A Marquise diamond is perfect for those looking to bag a bigger diamond without paying extra bucks.
- Fun Fact: Named after Marquise de Pompadour, the Marquise cut is often referred to as the Navette cut.
Pear Shape
- Description: A pear-cut diamond is a brilliant diamond, often called the ' teardrop diamond' because of its water droplet-like shape. With a pointed edge at one end and a rounded surface at the other, pear diamonds are structured similarly to a round brilliant diamond and offer sparkle similar to the traditional round diamond.
- Ideal For: Pear-cut diamonds are considered romantic ideal for modern and timeless designs. A well-proportioned pear diamond can give your finger a more elongated look.
- Fun Fact: The pear-cut diamond combines the most popular shapes, the marquise and the round brilliant-cut diamond.
Asscher Cut
- Description: In an Asscher cut diamond, the facets are positioned in parallel lines to the girdle of the diamond, which gives this shape its famous look, often described as an endless hallway with reflective mirrors by the experts.
- Ideal For: If you are inclined towards vintage jewelry and designs from the early 20th century, you may find the Asscher cut diamond your perfect match.
- Fun Fact: The Asscher Cut diamond was first created in 1902 by Joseph Asscher.
Radiant Cut
- Description: A Radiant Cut diamond is a relatively new shape. It was first designed in the 1970s by Henry Grossbar, who created a cutting technique that combined the best elements of emerald and round shapes to form a radiant diamond. These diamonds boast incredible brilliance and fire, becoming a modern-day alternative to many popular diamond stones.
- Ideal For: Radiant cut diamond is a widely popular choice for solitaire diamond rings and ring designs that are contemporary and of age.
- Fun Fact: Radiant cut diamonds can be square or rectangular.
Heart Shape
- Description: A Heart-shaped diamond begins its life as a pear-shaped cut; in fact, pear-cut and heart-cut diamonds share a striking resemblance in design and facets. The aperture in a heart-shaped diamond cuts out an inclusion that would otherwise form a pear-shaped diamond.
- Ideal For: A heart-shaped diamond is often seen as a romantic diamond cut and pairs well with solitaire diamond rings. The prong and bezel settings are suitable for a heart-shaped solitaire diamond ring.
- Fun Fact: Queen Elizabeth I gave one of the earliest known heart-shaped diamonds to Mary Queen of Scots in 1562.
Choosing the Right Shape for Your Style
Your engagement ring will be one of your wardrobe's most cherished jewelry pieces, and the diamond on your finger says a lot about you. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose a diamond that complements your style and the setting and metal on your ring. While there are multiple aspects to shopping for a diamond, your preference\ style and the shape and size of your hand and fingers play a pivotal role.
Personal Style and Preferences
The diamond you choose will significantly depend on your lifestyle and how often you wear your ring, as well as the budget you have in mind. Round-cut diamonds are expensive compared to the other fancy diamond shapes. So, if you need a less expensive diamond that appears larger on your finger, the round diamond is not for you. In this case, you should opt for an oval, pear, or marquise-cut diamond.
Furthermore, a cut diamond is a great choice for a romantic feel. If you want to bring a vintage feel to your finger, opt for a Cushion or Asscher-cut diamond.
Hand and Finger Shape & Size
If you have smaller hands or shorter fingers, you'll opt for a smaller stone that only takes up a little room on your finger. Round, Asscher, Princess, and Cushion cuts are the most suitable shapes for smaller hands.
On the other hand, if you have wider or longer fingers and larger hands, you might want to look for a diamond shape with an elongating effect, such as oval, marquise, pear, or emerald cuts.
Customization Options
You can always look for custom options if off-the-shelf rings do not meet your expectations. A custom-made ring will allow you to combine elements ( metal and ring setting) that you might not find among readymade rings.
Custom Engagement Rings in Houston
Jianna Jewelers specializes in custom engagement rings. You can choose from our diamond shapes to create your dream ring. Get on a call with our bespoke specialist and explain to them what you want, and they will guide you in designing the perfect ring. We use CAD software to create a digital representation of your design, which allows you to make the necessary adjustments before we start the final design process.
Customization Tips
- Set Up A Budget
- Choose A Reliable Jeweler
- Find Inspiration For Your Ring Beforehand
- Book A Design Consultation For Better Understanding
- Pick A Diamond
- Select A Metal & Ring Setting
- Trust Your Jeweler & Be Present Throughout The Process
Budget Considerations
Cost of Different Diamond Shapes
According to industry experts, oval, cushion, and princess cut diamonds are among the most affordable diamond shapes, often costing 20% to 30% less than a round brilliant cut diamond. The main reason behind their affordability is that they offer more surface area for the price, giving you a bigger diamond for the money you pay.
Round-cut diamonds are often among the most expensive diamonds, as they require more raw material to produce. The oval, cushion, and pear-cut diamonds appear more prominent and cost less than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
Saving Tips
- Choose a diamond with a color from G – J to save significantly on your diamond.
- Compare diamonds of different cuts and dimensions to save a lot of money on your diamond. You may find that the diamond that has the look you want is actually one with a smaller carat weight or a lesser cut, which would make it less expensive!
- You can save big by buying a smaller diamond and setting it in a halo setting, which will make the diamond look bigger but will not cost as much as a bigger diamond.
Houston-Specific Insights
Local Jewelers and Trends
Jianna Jewelers has been a prominent name among Houston's jewelry stores for over thirty years. We are gradually embarking on a global expansion journey. With our custom designs and trendy jewelry pieces, we have served many of our customers in the past and are now ready to serve you. Count us as your trusted Houston-based jeweler for all your jewelry needs.
Houston Events
Keep an eye out for local bridal shows and expos to explore and find inspiration for your engagement rings. Unlike other internet streaming services, these events will offer you a deeper insight into the diamonds, ring settings, and metals. Make sure to swing by one of these events.
Visit Jianna Custom Jewelers or drop by our store for a personalized consultation for your bespoke engagement ring. Explore our wide range of diamond shapes and custom designs to build your dream ring with us today.