Engagement ring cuts and shapes

Engagement Ring Cuts and Shapes Explained

Looking at engagement rings?? Trust us we’re stifling squeals of excitement right now! If you’re getting ready to pop the big question and are here to do your homework, we are so thrilled for you. Even if you’re making plans for much further down the track, then where’s the harm in looking? The more you know about diamond cuts and shapes, the easier the big decisions will be when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. We know that there are heaps of factors to consider when it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring, from metal type to setting style. But when it comes to brilliance and sparkle, engagement ring cuts and shapes are exactly where you need to start your research. And to make it easy, we've created this comprehensive guide to help you discover everything you need to know about engagement ring cuts and shapes. 

What’s the difference between a diamond shape and a diamond cut?

The terms "diamond shape" and "diamond cut" are often used interchangeably, but they do mean slightly different things. A diamond shape refers to the overall outline or shape of the stone. Each shape has its own distinct appearance and proportions. 

On the other hand, a diamond cut refers to the precise way a diamond has been cut which determines its size, symmetry, and facets (a facet is the flat surface that’s been cut into the diamond). A well-cut diamond reflects and refracts light to create a dazzling display of brightness and sparkle. The diamond cut is an important factor in determining the diamond's overall beauty and value.

How to choose the best engagement ring cut and shape

You don’t need us to tell you that choosing your ideal engagement ring is all about personal taste. We’ve written about the many engagement ring styles before, so in this blog post we’ll focus on diamond cuts and shapes. But remember, although this is a great place to start your research, there’s nothing as good as booking in with a Hosking Customer Care Specialist so you can try on different engagement ring styles and diamond shapes to help you decide which suits you the best.

Round or Brilliant cut

One of the most popular engagement rings cut and shape is the simply beautiful round diamond. The classic round cut diamond has been a favourite for centuries, being a popular choice as far back as Ancient Rome. The round cut maximises the diamond's fire and sparkle and is often set in plain gold bands and called a solitaire. It’s said that the round solitaire engagement ring means “forever” and it is truly an iconic symbol of romance. Some famous round cut diamond wearers are Mila Kunis, Lauren Conrad and Rosie Huntingdon Whitely.  To see some examples, check out this white gold and round solitaire diamond ring or this stunning round cut centre diamond ring with offset round diamonds channel set into the band.

Square or Princess cut

With its geometric precision and simple elegance, the princess cut is a modern classic. And it is without a doubt the next most popular diamond cut among couples. Both Kate Bosworth and Nicky Hilton choose the princess cut for their engagement rings.

The princess cut diamond features a square shape with pointed corners, giving the stone exceptional brilliance and sparkle. The clean lines and bold silhouette make it a popular choice for those seeking a sleek and sophisticated engagement ring. 

Oval shape diamond

The oval cut diamond offers a stunning twist on the traditional round shape. Due to its elongated silhouette, the oval cut creates the illusion of long, slender fingers. It’s the perfect choice for a flattering and feminine look. Scarlett Johannson, Blake Lively and Hayley Baldwin all wear stunning oval shaped diamond rings. And it’s easy to see why it’s their number one pick when you see examples like this shimmering white gold lab-created oval diamond solitaire ring. If you love the shape but prefer some colour, check out this beautiful oval tanzanite and diamond halo ring.

Pear shaped diamond

The pear cut diamond has been steadily gaining popularity over recent years with stars such as Ariana Grande, Paris Hilton, Cardi B and Margot Robbie all falling in love with their pear-shaped diamond engagement rings. The pear shape diamond has a tapered point and rounded end which again elongates the finger beautifully. It’s a very delicate and romantic shape which is traditionally said to represent tears of joy and new beginnings. 

Although Hoskings Jewellers will occasionally have some beautiful examples of pear cut diamonds in store, we also create special pieces that are commissioned by our customers. So, if you’re thinking about a pear-shaped engagement ring, reach out to our Customer Care Specialists who’ll be delighted to assist you with a custom order.

Emerald shape

Named after the emerald gemstone, the emerald cut is characterised by its rectangular shape and long clean lines. The emerald cut showcases the diamond's natural beauty with its large flat surface facet and sheer elegance. This cut exudes understated sophistication, making it a favourite among people who love vintage-inspired ring designs and for celebrities like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Demi Lovato. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the sophistication of this emerald cut solitaire ring for a flawless engagement ring cut and shape?

Marquise 

Pronounced “mar-keeze”, this stunning diamond cut came about when King Louis XV of France commissioned a diamond to remind him of his mistress’s lips. With its elongated shape and elegant curves, it often suits people with smaller fingers. The marquise cut maximises the diamond's carat weight, creating the illusion of a larger stone for a bold and glamorous look. Although Hoskings Jewellers do source marquise shape diamonds for custom orders, we also usually have beautiful marquise shaped rings, such as this white gold marquise cluster ring in stock all year round.

Cushion shape

There are no prizes for guessing the shape of a cushion cut diamond ring! It is of course a diamond that’s been cut in a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners that resemble a cushion. This cut beautifully amplifies the diamond’s clarity and colour, making it appear extra sparkly and brilliant! Megan Markel, Bar Refaeli and Hillary Duff all wear cushion cut engagement rings. 

This beautiful gold cushion cut solitaire engagement ring is the perfect showcase for this lush cut.

Heart shaped diamond

For the true romantics and as worn by Lada Gaga during her engagement to Taylor Kinney. The heart shaped diamond is the perfect symbol of love and romance and a dreamy choice for an engagement ring. This cut features a distinctive heart-shaped silhouette with a pointed tip and rounded lobes. This is another special diamond shape that usually requires a delicate touch from our Master Jewellers. Please reach out to our Customer Care Team to discuss your very own custom order.

Radiant cut

The aptly named radiant cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round cut with the sleek lines of an emerald cut, truly offering the best of both worlds! This cut features a square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners and a brilliant faceting pattern of around 70 facets. We’re not sure how to describe the sparkle, but fair warning, the radiant cut engagement ring ought to come with some sunnies! It really is that spectacular! The radiant cut is quite rare, with only about 2% of diamonds cut in this shape. That’s why we suggest you make time asap to talk to our knowledgeable Customer Care Team to discuss creating your perfect radiant cut engagement ring.

Asscher cut

The beautiful Asscher cut was first created in 1902 by Jeweller and diamond expert Joseph Asscher (pronounced ‘Ash-er’). The Asscher cut became popular in the Art-Deco movement after World War I and is still highly revered today. The Asscher cut is characterised by its square shape, cut with 58 facets that are large and wide set. This magnificent cut showcases the diamond's clarity and symmetry and has a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. The Asscher shape diamond is a must for anyone looking for an engagement ring with sophistication and vintage charm. Again, the Asscher diamond makes up approximately only 2% of the diamond cuts in the world, so it’s worth having a chat with our expert Customer Care Specialist to organise a custom Asscher cut engagement ring to be made especially for you. 

We hope that the information we’ve shared regarding engagement ring cuts and shapes explained the different types of diamond cuts and shapes clearly. If you have any questions or would like to see the engagement ring cuts and shapes in person, please just pop into your nearest Hoskings store. We love to geek out about diamonds and will be happy to show you examples of each type of diamond shape. Can you think of a better way to learn about diamonds? We can’t, so look forwards to seeing you at Hoskings soon.

You can speak with a Hoskings Customer Care Team on the number below:

VIC/ NSW/ QLD & TAS: 1800 819 796

NT/WA or SA: 08) 8981 8895

Written by Niamh Hislop

Image 2: Photo by Alyssa Hurley on Unsplash