12 of the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings.

Whether you are a bride looking for something “new” or prefer a more vintage style, here are 12 of the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings.

01 Round Cut
Brides Wearing Round Engagement Rings
Brides everywhere are flocking to the round cut diamond. Considering its shape maximizes the diamond’s fire with the right amount of light reflection, it’s no surprise that it’s the main stone (we’re all guilty of getting a good sparkle). Round brilliant diamonds are available as solitaires, set in two and three stone settings, or even geometric settings for a more vintage look. These diamonds are great for brides who love the classics, but if you are more partial to the alternative, you may want to consider using a less finger cut.

02 Princess Cut
Princess square cut engagement ring in a ring box, diamond wedding band in a ring box next to it
What bride doesn’t want to feel like a princess on her big day? Enter the eponymous princess cut, another popular engagement ring style. The versatile front-facing shape of the princess square cut (with square or rectangular sides) makes it a popular choice for almost any ring style. You’ll get a more modern and geometric look while still having plenty of brilliance, and they are often much less expensive than the more popular round cut diamonds. Be sure to choose a protective setting, however, as princess square cut diamonds are known for breaking or falling off at the corners.

03 Cushion Cut
Cushion cut engagement ring on rose gold ring next to two wedding bands

This delicate cut is often compared to a cushion, thanks to its combination of square cut and rounded corners, which when combined with the cut’s classic 58 larger facets, add brilliance to the stone. Cushion-cut diamonds have been around since the 18th century, and were large in the 19th century when most stones were cushion-cut (although they were then known as mine cuts). They have recently come back into vogue, exuding an old world vibe that is perfect for a vintage setting. They do have less sparkle than brilliant cut diamonds, and while they look great in a modern setting, they are not the most modern.

04 Emerald Cut
Emerald Cut Gold Ring Engagement Ring
Photo by Blanco Plata Studio
Featuring rectangular step cuts, open tables and cut corners, emerald cut diamonds are often favored for their Art Deco aesthetic. While it has more understated sparkle – what some like to call the “hall of mirrors” effect – its long profile and angular lines capture the clarity of the diamond while strikingly captures the light. When placed vertically, their shape helps the finger look longer and slimmer, perfect for those engagement ring selfies. However, because it has fewer facets to disperse flaws, clarity is as critical as color. It’s also not a super flashy style, so if you’re looking for a super sparkler, it’s not for you.

05 Horse eye cut
Based on the leaf wedding ring, engagement ring and wedding band also known as the Navette cut, the horse’s eye cut is known for its regal feel. Its distinctive silhouette is marked by curved sides and a pointed tip – an elegant soccer shape, if you will. Its long, narrow shape not only creates the illusion of greater size, but also elongates the finger when placed vertically. It also has a brilliant shine. However, because of its delicate edges, there is a risk of shattering and breaking if the ring is not set correctly. It also tends to display a so-called “bow” appearance in the center of the diamond. This can be very noticeable and is often undesirable if the ring is not cut properly.

06 Oval Cut
Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Photo by KR Moreno
The oval diamond is essentially an elongated version of the round diamond, with as many facets as a round cut diamond, which means it has as much sparkle. An elegant and uncommon choice, the rectangle elongates the finger. However, if not cut properly, it tends to produce a “bow tie” effect similar to that of marquise cut stones, with flaws and inclusions. One solution to this problem is to choose a pretzel oval cut diamond so that unwanted inclusions become an important part of your look.

07 Radiant Cut
Radiant cut diamond ring with gold band on hand
Courtesy of East West Gemstone
As the name suggests, the Radiant cut diamond, invented by Henri Grossbard in 1977, shines. The shape mimics that of an emerald-cut stone, but with a unique deep-cut facet for extra sparkle. Brides who don’t want to stray too far from the classic shape will appreciate the timeless nature and bespoke spirit of this stone. It does not have the sharp edges of a princess square cut diamond, as it actually has eight corners, thus minimizing the chance of breakage. If you want a stone that looks large, then the radiant cut may not be for you, as the deep cut will make the stone look smaller. It is also very rare, so you may not find a wide selection of stones available in this cut.

08 Pear Cut
Bride’s hand with a pear cut engagement ring and a glass of champagne in her hand

Also known as a teardrop, the pear-shaped diamond is a hybrid style that dates back as far as the 1400s. Taking inspiration from the oval and the horse’s eye shape, this unique shape is perfect for vintage-inspired brides who follow their own set of rules and believe that one is better than the other. Because more of the stone can be seen in the top view, pear-shaped diamonds tend to look larger than they actually are, so this cut is a good choice if size is important to you. Since pear cuts have a pointed tip, these rings work best in wraparound or semi-V settings, as they tend to chip. They also tend to show inclusions, and if not cut properly, they may not be bright enough.

09 Asscherche

By CARLA PENONCELLI
The Asscher cut has been a favorite of the fashion crowd since Carrie Bradshaw emulated it in her brief engagement to Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City. Named after the jeweler who patented the design in 1902, the Asscher cut has 58 large stepped faceted octagons. Popular during the Art Deco period, its distinctive symmetrical geometric design remains luminous. Because it has no sharp edges, it is less prone to breakage and looks great in a variety of settings. However, this cut does require you to purchase a quality diamond with a lot of clarity, as it tends to show flaws.

10 Heart Cut
Heart engagement ring with diamond halo and diamond band

A timeless symbol of love, heart-cut stones are not traditionally used as engagement rings – and they’re not limited to Valentine’s Day weddings – but maybe that’s what makes them so special. For the desperate romantic, this modern cut has a soft shape that looks great on a simple band or as a solitaire in a more delicate setting. Since it is a somewhat complex cut, you may end up paying more for the labor of creating the symmetry and brilliance to make the heart-shaped stone shine. Some people also think it’s a little too trendy, so if you’re looking for something undeniably timeless, this may not be for you.

11 Baguette Cut
Diamond engagement ring and baguette diamond wedding band with two gold rings on a ring stand

Another 1920s Art Deco cut baguette diamond features a rectangular shape and 14 facets. As shown above, between two gold bands, baguette diamond bands are perfect for brides-to-be who are not interested in a flashy main stone. However, they are most often used as the accent diamond on many engagement rings (i.e., three-stone engagement rings). You can combine a large main stone with baguette diamonds on either side to create a modern look. For these stones, clarity is important, as it has few facets and the precision of the cut is important.

12 Trillion Cut
Trillion-cut diamond engagement ring with a gold band adorned with two round diamonds

Trillion-cut diamonds, native to the Netherlands, are a popular choice for alternative brides who want a ring with a difference. They are triangular in shape, with rounded or pointed edges and shallow cuts that make them appear larger than they really are. Trillion-cut stones are perfect as accents or as the main stone on a three-stone ring, but they also look great as a solitaire. Because of the sharp edges of most trillion cut diamonds, they often require a bezel or three claw setting to avoid breakage. While they are not as brilliant as other cuts, they do have an elegant brilliance that makes them a great choice for brides seeking a medium firework.