When you’re planning to propose, all sorts of questions will keep your head busy. But this is one that must be immediately answered: Which of the different cut types of engagement rings should you choose?
Cut refers to the quality of a gemstone’s angles, proportions, and polishing, which affects how that stone will sparkle. Read on to learn more about round and marquis cuts and everything in between.
8 Tips On How To Choose The Best Shape Of Engagement Ring
Some cuts and shapes will look better and more flattering in certain shapes and sizes of fingers. Here are helpful tips to help you choose.
- Determine your budget. To achieve an intricate cut type, jewelers must cut more portions of a gemstone. This is one huge factor that drives these cut types’ prices upward.
- Consider how wide or thin the finger is. For those with wide fingers, angular, asymmetrical, and bigger stones will make their fingers look smaller (popular options include a wide emerald cut ring or a marquise). Thin fingers are more versatile because they look well with almost any cut and shape.
- Take into account of the finger is long or short. People blessed with long fingers have more freedom when it comes to wearing uniquely cut stones. For those with small fingers, emeralds, ovals, and pears provide an elongating illusion.
- Don’t forget about the knuckles. Bigger and more creative cuts complement fingers with large knuckles. However, they can also opt for more traditional ones. Make sure that the band or setting is eye-catching enough to divert the attention from the knuckle to the ring.
- Factor in whether the hand is large or small. People with larger hands have more options for cut types. Those with smaller hands must be careful to choose a stone with the right proportion, or else the ring will look bulky and overwhelming on their fingers.
- Check which cuts have the kind of brilliance you want. Round and oval cuts offer the best brilliance. Meanwhile, step cuts like emerald and Asscher tend to have an understated glow.
- Know that some cuts can hide flaws better than others. Essentially, the more brilliant a stone is, the better it can hide flaws and blemishes.
- Choose a cut and shape that suit the wearer’s style. You have to consider the sense of personal style of your would-be fiance. Rounds are for those that go for something classic; Asscher for those who have a penchant for antiques; princess is for those who want spontaneity.
12 Timeless Cut Types Of Engagement Rings
Explore our quick rundown on the different cut types of engagement rings.
Round
Round cut engagement rings are the most popular, classic, and brilliant among all cuts. A standard round cut has 58 facets for maximum reflection of light.
It’s a safe choice not only because it’s so iconic but also because it’s versatile and suits most types of fingers. It’s the obvious choice if your fiance-to-be has a deep affinity for anything with an ageless appeal.
- James Allen 14K White Gold Presentation Solitaire
- Clean Origin Kristin Ring
- Blue Nile Petite Twist Diamond Engagement Ring
Oval
If your significant other wants a unique shape that still looks classy, going for an oval cut is a good move. Like round cuts, ovals are brilliant and a typical go-to choice of couples — but they also have a more distinctive shape that will help the ring stand out.
Additionally, ovals have an elongating effect, allowing the wearer’s finger to appear slimmer and more slender.
- James Allen Lab-Created Oval Cut Diamond Marquise Diamond Accents Pavé Basket Engagement Ring
- Brilliant Earth Secret Garden Diamond Engagement Ring
- Zales Oval Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Pear
Also called teardrop engagement rings, pears have an oval-like appearance, only that they come with a pointed top.
They have the same elongating illusion as ovals — but you have to be careful about the shape of the pear. If your bride-to-be has a slender finger, choose a slimmer pear; if the finger is on the thicker side, buy rounder pears. Also, note that the pointed top must be facing away from the body to achieve the slenderizing effect.
- James Allen Platinum Three Stone Pear Shaped Engagement Ring
- WhiteFlash A. Jeff Classic Halo Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
- Leibish and Co Pear Shaped Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Princess
What will you get if you combine the brilliance of round cuts and the contemporary appeal of square and beveled edges? The princess cut. This is designed for people who want to showcase a unique character but still want to be tethered to tradition.
One advantage of princesses is that jewelers can easily accentuate them with side stones because they have straight or flat edges. This should be an option if you’re looking for a ring with a captivating design flanking the center stone.
- James Allen Lab-Created Princess Cut Diamond Sleek Accent Diamond Engagement Ring
- Kay Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct tw Princess-cut 14K Rose Gold
- Reeds Econic 2ctw Princess Lab Grown Diamond Halo White Gold Engagement Ring
Emerald
Rectangular in shape, emerald cut engagement rings feature a glass-like top facet and bordering step-cut facets. Though they may not be as brilliant as other cuts, they have an understated appeal that suits people who prefer a subtle elegance.
When set vertically, they also provide an elongating illusion. To top it all off, they are generally more inexpensive than other cuts.
- James Allen 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
- Costco Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
- Light Heart® Emerald Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring with Halo in 14K White Gold
Asscher
Think of the Asscher cut diamond ring as the sparklier sister of emerald. It has step-cut side facets but the top facet is square instead of a rectangle. Because it has more brilliance, it’s more capable than emerald in terms of hiding flaws.
It has a striking geometric look and fits people well who are bold and confident. Because of its Art Deco-esque appeal, it also gives off an unmistakable sense of creative sophistication.
- James Allen Asscher Cut Diamond Art Deco Geometric Diamond Engagement Ring
- Clean Origin The Madeleine
- Blue Nile Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Baguette
The baguette cut is like a thinner version of emeralds. It can have either straight or tapered edges. These clearly defined edges set the cut apart from other categories in the step-cut family (emerald and Asscher).
Baguettes are also generally small in size. Because of their relatively petite figure and understated glow, they look best when they come with accent stones.
- James Allen 18K White Gold Criss-Cross Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
- Brilliant Earth Tapered Baguette Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
- Zales Multi-Baguette Diamond Frame Ring in 14K White Gold
Heart
This cut is a round gemstone crafted to look like a heart. If your bride-to-be is a true-blue romantic, you may want to give them an engagement ring that’s shaped no other than the heart.
They’re brilliant and one-of-a-kind. Nonetheless, they tend to be pricer. Plus, finding a symmetrical and perfectly shaped heart can prove to be challenging.
- James Allen Heart Shaped Diamond Bar Set And Three Sided Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
- Costco Heart Shape & Round Brilliant 14kt White Gold Halo Band
- Helzberg Moissanite Heart Ring in Sterling Silver
Radiant
They have many similarities with emerald and Asscher but can be square or rectangular. Radiant cut engagement rings also have more brilliance, courtesy of their higher number of facets. They can also hide inclusions, but remember that their corners can be prone to chipping.
The cut first made waves in the ‘80s. It remains a unique alternative to the iconic rounds and ovals until today.
- James Allen Radiant Cut Diamond Cable Solitaire Engagement Ring
- Clean Origin 14k Rose Gold Fancy Red Radiant Vintage Halo Diamond Ring
- Blue Nile Radiant-Cut Pink Sapphire Ring
Marquise
The marquise cut diamond ring has an interesting story. France’s King Louis XV commissioned a jeweler to craft a diamond resembling his mistress’s lips. The outcome is a boat-like cut, hence the nickname “navette” (French for “little boat”).
Whether your would-be bride has a penchant for nice-to-know historical connections or wants something vintage-looking, marquise rings are a great choice.
- James Allen 18K Yellow Gold East West Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
- Brilliant Earth Petite Shared Prong Diamond Engagement Ring
- Zales Marquise Lab-Created Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Cushion
Cushion cut engagement rings share the same amount of facets as standard round brilliant stones (58). Because of that, you can guarantee that they will sparkle gorgeously on the finger of your fiance-to-be.
Their shape (which can be rectangle or square) resembles a cushion, and their corners are rounded. Whether set on a retro- or modern-looking band, cushion cut diamonds will stand out just the same.
- James Allen Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Cushion Outline Pavé Engagement Ring
- WhiteFlash 18k White Gold A. Jaffe ME1851Q Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
- Leibish and Co Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow Cushion Diamond Halo Ring
Trilliant
Looking for an ultra-distinct cut type for your engagement ring? Trilliant is a term you should be familiar with. Also known as Trielle, trilliant, or trillion, it’s a triangular gemstone that can have softly curved or uncurved edges.
It’s perfect for people who have the most distinctive characters. The downside is that it’s so rare it can be hard to find.
