As far as long-standing traditions go, the diamond engagement ring is up there with the best. It dates back as far as the 15th century.
Yet, for all the excitement and history, buying engagement rings isn’t easy.
If you step back from an array of beautiful, glinting diamond rings, you might feel overwhelmed by the vast choice. And after that, there are all those bits of terminology to understand, like diamond shapes and cut types.
We are here to demystify the process and help you make an informed decision about your diamond purchase. In this article, You’ll learn all you need to know about different diamond engagement ring types.
Read on!
Diamond Shapes and Cut Types: A Brief Introduction
Knowing the different styles of diamonds can be a massive help when shopping for a ring. It’s a significant investment, and you want to make an informed decision.
To do that, you must first understand the difference between shapes and cuts because they aren’t the same.
Diamond Shapes
It’s common to see both the shape and cut terms used interchangeably with diamonds. Yet, they are two distinct features of the gem. When we refer to shape, we’re talking about geometry.
It’s how the diamond’s form looks to any observer. For example, the shape could be round, oval, or pear.
Understanding the shape is relatively straightforward, and once you know the different styles, it’s easy to spot, even for a non-expert.
Diamond Cuts
The cut of a diamond is about the quality and design of the gem. The cut is about the diamond’s symmetry, sparkle, and depth.
The cut tells you about the craftsmanship of the diamond and the preciseness of that stone.
Symmetry means light reflects evenly through the diamond. Diamond cuts also have proportion, which is how the light travels, and facets, which tell us how the light disperses.
All these qualities help us determine the quality of the cut and the brilliance that’s characteristic of this gemstone.
Round-Cut Diamonds
We’ll start our exploration of diamond shapes with the traditional round, brilliant cut.
This beautiful, iconic diamond shape is charming, classic, and timeless. Let’s learn more about this diamond and why it should feature on your shortlist.
The Round Cut: Symmetry and Timeless Beauty
The round-cut diamond is clear, symmetrical, circular, and shimmers. It almost looks like a circle of light when you see it close-up.
The round cut has 57 or 58 facets. These help to optimize how the stone reflects the light, one reason it’s forever popular. It provides enough brilliance and luminosity to spot the sparkle from a distance.
A high-quality round-cut diamond illustrates precise craftsmanship. It has intricate, even angles and planes and will look equally beautiful from any direction.
The Round Cut: Is It Popular?
In short, the round cut is arguably one of the most popular of all diamond ring shapes. It’s traditional, so it has a long-standing history as a symbol to represent enduring love.
The quality of the cut and the even sparkle means it has that “wow” effect that people want from a precious stone.
The symmetrical circle means it’s versatile to work with many different ring designs, such as clusters. It also offers the wearer plenty of choice in terms of gem size. Plus, the style flatters any finger.
It appeals to those looking for a bolder single diamond and those who prefer a smaller, more delicate design.
Little-Known Facts About the Round Cut
Did you know that the first modern round-cut diamonds date back to the turn of the 20th century? Tools and techniques weren’t as advanced as they are now. Yet traditional jewelry makers still achieved an impressive sparkle.
So many wealthier families and royalty favored this style of diamond for engagement rings and expensive gifts.
Princess Cut Diamonds
The square-shaped princess cut is contemporary elegance at its finest. In this section, we’ll reveal some of the features of this beautiful diamond shape and why many covet it as a classic engagement ring.
The Princess Cut: Geometric Beauty
You’ll spot a princess cut by its symmetrical square shape and sharp corners. It will have straight, angular edges. You might see a slight rectangular shape with this diamond in rare cases.
This diamond has 76 facets, creating a stunning brilliance that makes this style appear modern and stylish.
Each edge of the diamond will reflect the light and allow the ring to sparkle. This luminous cut makes it equal to round-cut diamonds.
The Princess Cut: Fit for Royalty
The princess cut is popular with those who love modern, minimalist jewelry.
But as the name implies, minimalist doesn’t mean modest. And the brilliance of the diamond means it looks impressive – even on royalty.
The square shape means it’s possible to create some beautifully intricate rings containing rows of diamonds. So it’s popular with jewelers, too, who want to create contemporary, angular, or unique ring designs.
Some Interesting Facts
The princess cut has a relatively short history. The first diamonds of this shape emerged in the swinging 60s but became more fashionable in the 1970s.
It has stood the test of time and is always in demand from brides seeking a sleek ring design. You’ll still see princess cuts showcased in high-end jewelry stores worldwide.
Oval-Cut Diamonds
The dazzling elongated oval cut diamond is often found on the pages of celebrity magazines, announcing the latest high-profile engagement. So, what do you need to know about this diamond style? Read on to find out.
Oval Cut Diamonds: Graceful and Fashionable
The elongated look of an oval-shaped diamond has one distinct characteristic: it gives the illusion of a bigger gem.
It’s partly why this gem style is fashionable in celebrity circles, as a large diamond truly has an impact when shaped in a beautiful oval.
Yet, you don’t need to supersize your jewelry to discover the beauty of oval stones. Small ovals with the highest quality diamonds are understated elegance at its best.
This gem has many facets, and you’ll get stunning glints of light as you rotate your ring. The rounded edges of the oval give the ring a charm. Yet this diamond has a more distinct appearance than the traditional round-cut shape.
Oval Diamonds and Engagement Rings
Oval diamonds tend to make the finger look longer. So, they are often a favorite for brides-to-be.
The rings flatter and will make a feminine hand look slender. That same feature makes them appealing in the fashion world, and it’s often featured in advertisements for diamond rings.
The style makes it easy for jewelry designers to create unique looks with a single stone or a cluster of rocks surrounding an oval diamond.
It means it’s perfect if you want an engagement ring as individual as the person wearing it.
Oval Diamonds and the Ratio Rule
When buying an oval shape, it’s important to remember that you have a ratio of length to width.
That is more than a geometric lesson. The style determines the final look of the diamond.
You can have a longer, slimmer oval or a shorter oval that more closely resembles a round diamond. The classic ratio for the most sparkling oval diamond is a length-to-width ratio of 3:2.
Marquise Diamond Cut
So far, we’ve explored diamond styles you have probably seen or heard described before.
But you may not have heard of the Marquise shape. This section will explain the beautiful Marquise style and why it should be on your engagement ring shortlist.
Marquise Diamonds: A Symbol of Opulence
The Marquise cut of diamond resembles an almond. It’s elongated with pointed ends, offering a more angular and dramatic design than the oval.
That uniqueness makes it a timeless choice for many brides-to-be who love the elegance and the way this diamond makes hands appear slim and graceful.
Like an oval, the design makes the diamond look bigger than it is, meaning it’s likely to make an impression during any marriage proposal!
Marquise Diamond: Getting the Perfect Finish
The sharp edges of a Marquise cut mean you need the best jewelry makers to achieve a perfect finish.
A poorly set ring with a Marquise diamond cut could chip along the pointed ends. So always go for a reputable supplier like Barkevs.
However, this diamond style looks stunning with other more petite round diamonds. So, this style could be the ideal centerpiece if you are after a ring with a cluster of diamonds.
Marquise Diamond: A Regal History
What’s perhaps most interesting about the Marquise diamond cut is the history. It dates back to the rule of King Louis XV in France.
He wanted a diamond that resembled the shape of lips. So, when buying this design, you’ll carry this romantic and unique history with you.
Pear Cut Diamond
The pear-cut diamond, a blend of Marquise and round styles, is sometimes called the teardrop ring style. In this section, we’ll explain more about this distinctive gem and why it might be your first choice of engagement ring.
The Pear Cut Diamond: A Graceful Teardrop
A pear cut is a beautiful harmony between the timeless round shape and a more intricate angular style – ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. It’s elegant and different.
The symmetry of this diamond, together with an average of 58 facets, means you’ll get a luminous appearance that looks opulent. That’s one reason this diamond cut continues to grow in popularity.
Many wearers also love the strikingly unusual sharp point that’s distinctive of this diamond. It will get you noticed.
It also lends itself to unique ring designs due to that angular style. So, you may find some attractive and striking styles that feature a pear-cut diamond as the central gem.
This diamond suits both vintage and contemporary designs. That’s a rare quality, as most diamond cuts tend to lend themselves best to one style rather than both.
The Pear Cut: An Intriguing History
Some historians believe the pear cut goes back centuries, perhaps as far back as the 15th century. Yet the popularity hasn’t diminished.
This gem is a style used by royals and the ultra-wealthy, and it even features on a list of the most expensive engagement rings ever worn.
That famous pear-cut diamond is surrounded by rows of smaller diamonds and worn by heiress Paris Hilton.
Emerald Cut Diamond
The emerald cut, not to be confused with the green gemstone, is the next diamond shape we’ll explore. This sophisticated and characteristic cut has a unique style.
Learn if this is the perfect way to declare your undying love.
The Emerald Cut: A Touch of Glamour
The Emerald cut has a touch of the art deco world, with its dramatic angles and bold edges.
It’s rectangular, with sharp depth and step-like facets.
That structure offers a bold and striking design to any engagement ring. The clarity of the diamond quite literally shines through, and you’ll get a sparkle that you’ll spot from the other side of the room.
However, because of the clean cuts of this diamond style, imperfections are more noticeable. So, you’ll need a higher clarity score to get the most beautiful finish.
The emerald diamond has a distinctive vintage feel. So consider buying a more traditional style if you love this cut, and embrace that timeless elegance.
The History of the Emerald Diamond
It’s tempting to assume the Art Deco period is the most likely origin for this style of diamond.
However, these types of gemstone cuts were a technique used for centuries. As you might expect, the name comes from using the same cut technique used in emerald gems.
The cut technique was applied to diamonds to help reduce chipping, and a new style emerged.
Asscher Diamond Cut
Asscher is a design that bears a strong resemblance to the emerald cut. Yet there are enough differences for this cut to warrant its own section.
Here, we’ll explore more about the Asscher cut to help you decide if it’s the perfect style.
The Asscher Cut: The Allure of Symmetry
The Asscher cut has the same dramatic angular style and deep facet steps of an emerald cut, but it’s square rather than rectangular. The result is a beautiful, bold, chunky, modern diamond shape with a vintage touch.
Fine craftsmanship is required to make the most of this style, as the angles will show imperfection.
With a high-clarity diamond of the utmost quality, you will adorn your finger with a jewel that will wow.
This style also looks beautiful when featured in the center of a ring bearing many smaller diamonds. It has all the glitz and glamour of a high-society wedding.
Some History: The Asscher Brothers
The unusual name for this diamond cut belongs to the creators: the Holland-based Asscher brothers. This design gained fame during the Art Deco period, so it still appeals today to those wanting a vintage but high-fashion ring.
However, the clean-cut also means it works with more contemporary ring designs, so it’s versatile and beautiful.
Cushion Cut Diamond
The cushion cut is distinct. So you may have come across this style before. It’s eye-catching and a popular engagement choice. So, let’s explore more about what the cushion cut diamond offers.
The Cushion Cut: Fairytale Romance
The radiant cushion cut ring is a cross between an emerald and a round ring, with a cushion-like appearance that softens the appearance.
You could see it as a contemporary style, and it’s undoubtedly fashionable. But the overall effect feels much like a vintage ring.
Still, it’s a highly sought-after ring design, often making fashion pages in ads or on the finger of the latest celebrity engagement.
This cut has around 70 facets, adding plenty of soft sparkle to your jewelry piece.
But here’s an interesting fact about this diamond cut. Due to the unusual soft contours, it doesn’t have a formal cut grade, and, to a trained eye, each one looks slightly different.
It’s part of why many people love them. They are truly unique.
Choosing the Perfect Setting
The setting of your ring is crucial for a cushion cut. You want a setting that will help achieve that soft glow and support the diamond so it looks radiant.
Prong and bezel settings are best as they secure the corners. It will help secure the stone and ensure you get that brilliant sparkle when moving your hand.
These settings will also help this ring look elegant and timeless.
The History of the Cushion Ring
The cushion ring used to go by the less romantic name: the old mine cut. This name links back to the older diamond mining techniques and how traders cut the stones to emphasize their beauty and weight.
Over time, modern techniques have helped to master the cushion cut and improve the brilliance, leading to beautiful, high-quality stones.
It’s why they look so pretty on a bride’s delicate, manicured hand.
Radiant-Cut Diamonds
If you want to declare your love, very few symbols communicate their meaning as effectively as a radiant cut diamond.
So, it makes sense that you can get radiant diamond cuts for an engagement ring. But are they a sound choice? Let’s find out.
The Radiant-Cut: A Symbol of Creativity
The radiant cut is charming. And it’s a profoundly trendy style of diamond. It’s also one of the most unique cuts. With those desirable qualities, it’s easy to see why people choose this design to declare their undying love.
The shape of a diamond cut is self-explanatory, so let’s move on to talk about the facets. Typically, this diamond has around 70, and with a high-quality cut, it will sparkle proudly.
However, it’s an intricate design. That means any flaw will show up and dull that beautiful light reflection. So, if you opt for this style, invest in the best quality you can afford for your budget.
A Complex Design Needs a Perfect Setting
With the intricate cut of a radiant, it needs a four-pronged setting. It’s also a style that works best when set with other diamonds.
Small clusters of surrounding diamonds will create a more glamorous finish, as will a halo setting. Or you can have smaller stones on each side for a more vintage look.
A Modern Look
A radiant cut diamond is a unique and modern look. That’s down to the complexity of its shape, which newer techniques have been able to master.
Since it’s such a potent symbol of love, this ring style is also popular for anniversaries or eternity rings.
How to Check for Cut Quality
A diamond’s cut, rather than the shape, will determine if your ring has the most beautiful brilliance. That is primarily about the quality of the craftsmanship. You need a ring with high clarity and minimal flaws.
Use grading reports as your guide. The grading of a diamond will help you pick the best quality gemstone for your budget. After that, check for symmetry and brilliance, which is how well the light reflects on the gem.
It’s worth considering a more straightforward design with a higher grading if you’re on a tight budget instead of a more complex one with multiple diamonds.
How to Choose the Perfect Shape
When choosing a shape, remember that the ring will express individuality. It must reflect the personality of the wearer.
Do they love vintage, classic styles, or modern minimalism? Do they love complex, detailed jewelry, bold designs, or something subtle?
Finger shape also plays a role. The ring should compliment the wearer, flattering the hand just as you would use clothes to flatter a body.
Budget will play a part in your choice, too.
While size shapes the cost of a diamond, the cut will also have an impact. The priciest cuts are round, brilliant cuts. Ovals, Marquise, and pear are also at the upper end of the diamond price scale.
Diamond Engagement Rings: Finding Your Perfect Match
The beauty of diamonds is that they are as unique and individual as the person wearing them. There is an incredible choice available. But understanding diamond shapes and cut types will help you make that big decision.
Now that you understand more about diamond rings, it’s time to start shopping. Browse the selection at Barkev’s to discover the perfect match for you, or, for a more unique approach, look at our options for custom-designed rings.