When shopping for an engagement ring, you'll most likely hear "diamond cut" and "diamond shape" to describe the style and look of your gemstone. While the cut can depend on the shape you choose for your diamond, the cut and the shape are different regarding the way your ring is made. The diamond shape you choose for your engagement ring will essentially end up dictating the type of cut the jeweler uses to pull out all the qualities of your gem.
That being said, there are several popular shapes that have their own specific diamond cut that a jeweler will use to enhance the clarity, color, and luster of your engagement ring. This guide covers all you need to know about the different shapes and diamond cuts that you can pick for your ring.
Round Brilliant Cut
Round-cut diamonds are one of the most popular choices shoppers choose for their engagement rings. In fact, roughly half of all diamond sales in the United States are made from round-cut diamonds. While the round cut may be the most popular cut, it is also the most expensive cut.
The round-cut diamond's popularity may be attributed to its classic and sophisticated style that fits well with just about any setting and band style. So if you choose a round-cut diamond for your engagement ring, your stone will pair well with everything from a simple gold band to a more elaborate look, like a filigree band. The way your jeweler cuts a round-shaped diamond will bring out the luster and sparkle of the stone, making it appear larger.
Princess-Cut Diamonds
The princess-cut diamond shape is another popular choice among ring shoppers, as it's just as brilliant as a round cut. However, it's also much less expensive. Because of the unique way gem experts cut this shape, the gemstone appears larger in its setting, which brings out the luster and brilliance this cut is known for.
This cut also pairs well with simple bands as well as elaborate engagement ring styles and settings. Additionally, because of the square shape and edges of this cut, many jewelers suggest setting a princess-cut diamond with something that protects the stone from getting snagged, such as a prong setting or bezel setting.
Oval-Cut Diamonds
The oval cut is almost as popular as the round cut, and it's also one of the most brilliant. The oval cut is also less expensive than the round cut with a greater surface area — the face-up area — than a classic round-cut diamond. This gives this shape a deeper brilliance over a larger face, which means your diamond will sparkle radiantly and offer its color throughout the edges of the stone.
Because of the way these shapes are cut, though, you might notice a bow tie pattern in the center of the diamond. This pattern shouldn't affect the brilliance of the stone, and it certainly doesn't take away from its shine.
Marquise Diamond Cut
The marquise cut offers a romantic and almost Baroque-like quality and is a great option if you're looking for carat count. In fact, the marquise cut is much less expensive than a round-cut diamond, even for the same carat count. This elegant shape is also very flattering on all shapes of fingers.
If you're considering a marquise-cut diamond for your engagement ring, think about enhancing the look of your stone with an east-to-west-style ring setting. This type of setting will cradle your stone on the sides rather than from the top and bottom points, but your jewelry may also suggest that you use a setting that protects the top and bottom points from chipping or snagging.
Just like the oval cut, the marquise cut tends to display a bow tie pattern in the middle of the stone, but the way your jeweler cuts the stone will show off its symmetry and surrounding clarity, enhancing the sparkle of your ring.
Emerald Diamond Cut
The emerald cut doesn't display the same brilliance and fire of round- and princess-cut diamonds because of the step-like patterns of the way this shape is cut. This effect creates a subtle reflection of light that is not only beautiful but also enchanting with its mirrored sparkle.
Even though emerald-cut diamonds aren't as popular as many of the other round shapes, they can be much more affordable than these popular selections. The shape pairs well with an east-to-west setting — just like a marquise cut — and can have a slimming look on the finger due to its elongated shape.
Asscher-Cut Diamonds
The Asscher-cut diamond is a classic shape that's been popular among ring shoppers for many years. If you're looking for a vintage or antique art-deco style, this is the cut for you. The octagonal shape of the Asscher cut creates areas where brilliance and color sparkle through. It's also quite a bit more affordable than a round-cut diamond of the same carat weight, and if your jeweler cuts your diamond on the shallower side, it'll appear larger without compromising its beauty and brilliance.
Pear-Shaped
The pear-shaped cut or teardrop cut isn't as popular as many of the other styles, but it certainly has an elegant and almost delicate quality to it that can pair nicely with a more elaborate setting and ring band. Pear cuts also have a cheaper price tag on them than an equivalent round-cut diamond does, and they have a greater area that reflects a larger amount of light for a truly unique sparkle.
The tip of the teardrop can be prone to chipping and snagging, so if you choose a pear-shaped diamond cut, be sure the setting you use offers some protection from that. Pears may also show a little bit of that bow tie pattern, but because of the uniqueness of their shape, it doesn't seem to detract from its brilliance.
Each of these diamond cuts has its own unique qualities that offer sparkle and brilliance. When you pair your gemstone with a setting and band, your jeweler will help you find the best selection for your diamond cut. Visit Martin Busch Jewelers today to find the diamond that works for your future ring.