Enquire Now
Right Diamond Shapes
Right Diamond Shapes

Picking the Right Diamond Shape
for Your Engagement Ring

Looking for the perfect diamond shape for an engagement ring for a proposal or planning to buy a diamond ring for your loved ones? Fret not, ZCOVA is here to guide you through your very first step to diamond shopping knowledge;

Do you know your diamond cuts?

Understanding diamond cuts is key to selecting the perfect gemstone. In the world of diamonds, the cut influences the stone's overall aesthetics and its interaction with light. Discover the differences between these cuts and how they can enhance the natural beauty of diamonds, inlcuding popular diamond shapes.

Brilliant Cut vs. Step Cut Diamond

Brilliant Cut Diamond

With brilliant cutting, diamonds are cut to focus on refracting light optimally. They have symmetrical facets & pavilions angled in ways that most of the light that enters the diamond will be refracted. Round, Cushion, Marquise and Oval are examples of brilliant cuts.

Step Cut Diamond

The main focus of this diamond cutting is clarity rather than the refraction of light. It aims to provide a clearer and unhindered view of the diamond. Step cut diamond produces a staircase-like effect visible to the naked eye. Examples of step-cut diamonds are Asscher and Emerald diamonds.

Learn how you can guarantee your diamond’s brilliance with GemEx certification.

Brilliant Cut vs. Step Cut Diamond

Learn how you can guarantee your diamond’s brilliance with GemEx certification.

What is the difference between a diamond shape and a diamond cut?

The cut of a diamond focuses on the precision of its facets, affecting how light is reflected, thereby influencing its brilliance and sparkle. In contrast, the shape describes the diamond's outline, whether the classic round, elegant oval, or unique marquise.

Knowing the diamond shapes and cut types allows you to appreciate their beauty and character, their meaning, and how they reflect your style. This will enable you to make an informed choice when choosing your engagement ring.

Now, let’s explore the various diamond shapes for engagement rings.

ROUND CUT DIAMOND

The highest demand and also the most expensive shape to produce in the market; More wastage is done during the cutting process for round-shaped diamonds. This shape refracts light exceptionally which has the most brilliance and sparkle. They are the most traditional diamond shape, making them a favourite engagement ring choice.

Round Cut Diamond

ROUND CUT DIAMOND

The highest demand and also the most expensive shape to produce in the market; More wastage is done during the cutting process for round-shaped diamonds. This shape refracts light exceptionally which has the most brilliance and sparkle. They are the most traditional diamond shape, making them a favourite engagement ring choice.

PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND

Also known as square modified brilliant, this cutting has a bold appeal with straight lines and pointed edges. This princess-shaped diamond is particularly famous because of its clarity when viewed from the top, showcasing the unique diamond shape for an engagement ring.

Princess Cut Diamond

PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND

Also known as square modified brilliant, this cutting has a bold appeal with straight lines and pointed edges. This princess-shaped diamond is particularly famous because of its clarity when viewed from the top, showcasing the unique diamond shape for an engagement ring.

CUSHION CUT DIAMOND

This cut imitates cushions, with curved edges. It has a very distinct Pavillion pattern that adds to its appeal. Through the curves and edges of this cutting, it gives a feminine appeal to the wearer. Hence, it is not surprising that this cushion-shaped diamond is one of the popular choices for engagement rings.

Cushion Cut Diamond

CUSHION CUT DIAMOND

This cut imitates cushions, with curved edges. It has a very distinct Pavillion pattern that adds to its appeal. Through the curves and edges of this cutting, it gives a feminine appeal to the wearer. Hence, it is not surprising that this cushion-shaped diamond is one of the popular choices for engagement rings.

OVAL CUT DIAMOND

This elongated diamond cut has an advantage of size; Its extended shape visually creates a bigger sized diamond, making fingers looking longer and slender. Perfect as an engagement ring, especially for individuals who desire a visually striking and elegant diamond shape.

Tips: Choose one with the least Bow-Tie effect. The bow-tie effect refers to dark areas that resemble a bow tie and appear within the diamond due to improper light refraction. When choosing an oval-shaped diamond, prioritise clarity for optimal brilliance and visual appeal.

Oval Cut Diamond

OVAL CUT DIAMOND

This elongated diamond cut has an advantage of size; Its extended shape visually creates a bigger sized diamond, making fingers looking longer and slender. Perfect as an engagement ring, especially for individuals who desire a visually striking and elegant diamond shape.

Tips: Choose one with the least Bow-Tie effect. The bow-tie effect refers to dark areas that resemble a bow tie and appear within the diamond due to improper light refraction. When choosing an oval-shaped diamond, prioritise clarity for optimal brilliance and visual appeal.

PEAR CUT DIAMOND

The Pear cut is an antique, classical cut. The facet symmetry in the centre of this cut is what produces the fire and scintillation. This timeless design can be used as a necklace, earrings, or engagement rings. Similar to Oval cuts, the less noticeable Bow-Tie effect, the better, indicating a higher quality pear-shaped diamond.

Pear Cut Diamond

PEAR CUT DIAMOND

The Pear cut is an antique, classical cut. The facet symmetry in the centre of this cut is what produces the fire and scintillation. This timeless design can be used as a necklace, earrings, or engagement rings. Similar to Oval cuts, the less noticeable Bow-Tie effect, the better, indicating a higher quality pear-shaped diamond.

EMERALD CUT DIAMOND

A classy and elegant cutting. Its appealing strength is in the stairs or step-like shape seen from the top view. It may not be as brilliant as round cutting, but this emerald cutting is still admired by many today. The elongated shape makes the engagement ring appear larger than corresponding shapes. When choosing this emerald-shaped diamond, clarity is crucial. Make sure it is free from inclusions to project its beauty.

Emerald Cut Diamond

EMERALD CUT DIAMOND

A classy and elegant cutting. Its appealing strength is in the stairs or step-like shape seen from the top view. It may not be as brilliant as round cutting, but this emerald cutting is still admired by many today. The elongated shape makes the engagement ring appear larger than corresponding shapes. When choosing this emerald-shaped diamond, clarity is crucial. Make sure it is free from inclusions to project its beauty.

RADIANT CUT DIAMOND

This cutting combines the brilliance of a round cutting with the elegance of an emerald shape. It is able to refract light comparable with a round cutting but in a lengthened shape that creates a bigger diamond visually. This radiant-shaped diamond is a unique hybrid of brilliant-cut and step-cut techniques.

Radiant Cut Diamond

RADIANT CUT DIAMOND

This cutting combines the brilliance of a round cutting with the elegance of an emerald shape. It is able to refract light comparable with a round cutting but in a lengthened shape that creates a bigger diamond visually. This radiant-shaped diamond is a unique hybrid of brilliant-cut and step-cut techniques.

MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND

Created in France, known as the marquise-shaped diamond, is perfect for those who value romance, class and antiquity. The main core of this cutting is the symmetry; All facets must come together in the centre to ensure balance inflow of light, producing optimal reflection. This narrow design can make fingers appear long and slender. Bow-Tie effect should be considered when buying this cutting.

Marquise Cut Diamond

MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND

Created in France, known as the marquise-shaped diamond, is perfect for those who value romance, class and antiquity. The main core of this cutting is the symmetry; All facets must come together in the centre to ensure balance inflow of light, producing optimal reflection. This narrow design can make fingers appear long and slender. Bow-Tie effect should be considered when buying this cutting.

HEART CUT DIAMOND

A heart-shaped diamond that truly symbolises love. It used to be worn by royalties and is perfect for those who prefer a royal touch. Symmetry is very important for this heart cut shape where each half curves perfectly, symbolising a harmonious and balanced relationship. This aspect is often sought after in engagement rings to convey a direct and heartfelt meaning.

Heart Cut Diamond

HEART CUT DIAMOND

A heart-shaped diamond that truly symbolises love. It used to be worn by royalties and is perfect for those who prefer a royal touch. Symmetry is very important for this heart cut shape where each half curves perfectly, symbolising a harmonious and balanced relationship. This aspect is often sought after in engagement rings to convey a direct and heartfelt meaning.

ASSCHER CUT DIAMOND

Renowned for its rich history linked with royalty, the asscher-shaped diamond is a step-cut that prioritizes clarity over brilliance. The beauty of this cutting lies in the clean and unobstructed view when observed from the top. It maximises a raw diamond when cutting hence it costs lesser than many other diamonds. Perfect for those who are looking for a classy at reduced cost.

Asscher Cut Diamond

Browse 150,000 GIA Certified Diamonds in 10x 360 video on our website. Price match guaranteed.

ASSCHER CUT DIAMOND

Renowned for its rich history linked with royalty, the asscher-shaped diamond is a step-cut that prioritizes clarity over brilliance. The beauty of this cutting lies in the clean and unobstructed view when observed from the top. It maximises a raw diamond when cutting hence it costs lesser than many other diamonds. Perfect for those who are looking for a classy at reduced cost.

Browse 150,000 GIA Certified Diamonds in 10x 360 video on our website. Price match guaranteed.

Browse Our Diamond Now

Engagement ring diamond shape categories:

When exploring diamond shapes for engagement rings, it's helpful to categorise them based on their style and era. Each category offers a distinct appeal, resonating with different personal styles and preferences.

• Classic shapes like Round, Princess, and Cushion are timeless and have been popular for generations.

• Modern shapes including Oval, Emerald, and Pear, offer a contemporary twist and cater to a more current aesthetic.

• Vintage shapes such as Marquise, Radiant, Heart, and Asscher hark back to a bygone era, offering unique and historically rich options for engagement rings.

  • Classic shapes like Round, Princess, and Cushion are timeless and have been popular for generations.

  • Modern shapes including Oval, Emerald, and Pear, offer a contemporary twist and cater to a more current aesthetic.

  • Vintage shapes such as Marquise, Radiant, Heart, and Asscher hark back to a bygone era, offering unique and historically rich options for engagement rings.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect diamond shape for an engagement ring is a personal journey. ZCOVA offers a wide range of GIA Certified Diamonds, from timeless classics to modern and vintage cuts, ensuring you find the ideal match for your unique style, all with quality assurance and the best price.

FAQs

The best diamond shape for an engagement ring varies based on individual preferences and style. Timeless classics like round and princess cuts are widely favoured for their traditional appeal. For those seeking something distinctive, shapes like oval or marquise offer a unique aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice depends on what aligns best with personal taste and the wearer's style.

The most elegant diamond shape is subjective, but round and emerald-shaped diamonds are often favoured for their elegance due to their brilliant sparkle, clean lines and vintage charm. These shapes are popular for those seeking a refined and sophisticated engagement ring.

Trending shapes often include oval and pear-shaped diamonds, offering a unique yet timeless look appealing to modern preferences. These elegant cuts epitomise stylish sophistication, blending with a contemporary edge. Explore your options with our ZCOVA Curators today to find the exquisite diamond shape for your engagement ring.

Finding the ideal diamond shape for your hand requires matching the diamond's shape with your hand's characteristics. For example, round and oval diamonds can elongate short fingers. The pros and cons of different diamond shapes vary; round diamonds are brilliantly reflective but costly, while shapes like marquise offer a larger appearance but need careful setting due to their delicate points. The right choice will accentuate the ring and your hand's natural beauty.

Speak to our ZCOVA Curators today to assist you in selecting your dream diamond shape for your engagement ring.