Engagement ring diamond shapes: round, oval, pear, marquise, emerald and more
The short answer. Round diamonds sparkle the most and are the classic choice. Ovals, pears and marquises are elongated and flatter the finger. Cushions are soft and romantic, emerald and asscher cuts are glassy step cuts, radiant cuts combine corners with brilliance, and princess cuts are sharp and modern.
Brilliant shapes
Round, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, radiant and princess cuts use brilliant faceting for maximum sparkle. Round returns the most light and costs the most per carat. Oval is the most popular alternative because it looks larger and lengthens the finger.
Pear and marquise add a point. They are dramatic and elegant, but the points are the most fragile part, so they need protection in the setting.
Step cuts
Emerald and asscher cuts have long, straight facets that make a hall-of-mirrors effect. They sparkle less than brilliant cuts and show every flaw, so the stone’s quality matters more. They look especially good in vintage and Art Deco settings.
Corners and softness
Cushion and radiant cuts have rounded or trimmed corners. They are more resistant to chipping than a sharp princess cut and suit active hands.
Choosing
The surest test is to show her several shapes and see which she keeps returning to. Shape is the single decision she is most likely to have an opinion about, and it is hard to change later.
Common questions
Which diamond shape looks biggest?
For the same weight, marquise, oval and pear shapes spread across more surface than a round, so they tend to look larger from above.
Which diamond shape is the most popular?
Round has long been the most popular, with oval now the leading alternative.
