Best Engagement Ring Cuts And Shapes

No one needs to tell you that an engagement ring is only as good as its main stone and that the cut of the stone is crucial. Each shines brightly in its own right, so picking the one that catches your eye is the first step. Contemplate what you value most in a piece of jewellery you'll wear every day. Have you embraced the modern aesthetic, or do you prefer to hunt for vintage treasures at local consignment stores? Which would you prefer: a rock that looks enormous or fingers that look longer? Fortunately, we're here to explain how each of these variables is affected by the stone's cut.

The round brilliant cut is the most popular for engagement rings. Because of their exceptional light performance and their adaptability to an almost infinite variety of settings, round brilliant-cut diamonds are the most popular and widely used diamond shape.

Round brilliant is the best choice if you already know the type of setting you want but aren't sure what diamond shape will look best within it, especially if you prefer a more traditional appearance.

Naturally, however, there are a variety of alternatives for brides of varying tastes and styles. For a more modern and angular appearance, try a princess-cut diamond, which is just as brilliant as a round-cut. Or, if you're a sucker for classic looks, choose a cushion-cut diamond for its understated radiance and timeless appeal. A step-cut diamond, like an Asscher or an emerald cut, is transparent and sleek. Diamonds with a radiant cut look like an emerald but have more facets for a more diffused radiance.

Pear, marquise, and oval cut diamonds stand out and make your fingers look longer, while the modern triangular shape of a trillion cut diamond sparkles brilliantly. A baguette diamond band that incorporates the concept of a central stone is the perfect choice for the understated bride-to-be. And for the most hopelessly romantic, there are heart-shaped diamonds that need no further explanation.

The four C's

• Cut: The Cut determines the final form of the diamond. Tiffany stresses that the Cut needs to be proportional and symmetrical to reflect the most light possible.
• Clarity: Under 10x magnification, a diamond's clarity is graded according to how well its internal characteristics show. Flawless diamonds are so exceptionally rare that their high price tag reflects their scarcity. Inclusion-filled, lower-clarity diamonds are on the rise, according to a jewellery and fashion expert. Inclusions in diamonds make them appear nearly black, like the engagement ring Fergie the singer gave herself.
• Colour: The term "colour" is used to describe the diamond's inherent hue. Yellow or brown tints are common in diamonds. As expected, a diamond's rarity and price skyrocket in direct proportion to how close it is to be completely colourless.
• Carat: A diamond's carat weight is a measure of its actual physical size, despite the common misconception that carat size is equivalent to diamond weight. Generally speaking, the carat weight of a stone increases as its size increases. A diamond's value, however, is not solely dependent on its carat weight. You need to consider the other three Cs as well.

Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

Round Cut

Round diamonds are the most popular among brides. No wonder it's the most popular cut: it maximises the diamond's fire by reflecting light in just the right way. Diamonds with a round, brilliant cut look great in a variety of settings, from solitaires to multi-stone designs, and even geometric arrangements for a more vintage feel. These diamonds are perfect for traditional brides, but if you're more of a free spirit, you may want to look into a shape that will show up on fewer of your fingers.

Princess-Cut

During her wedding day, what blushing bride doesn't want to be treated like a queen? The princess cut is another well-liked option for engagement rings. A princess cut is an excellent option for any kind of ring because of its adaptable face-up shape, which can be either square or rectangular. You can save a lot of money compared to the more common round-cut diamonds while still getting a striking piece of jewellery with a modern, geometrical appearance and plenty of sparkles by opting for an emerald cut diamond. However, because princess-cut diamonds are prone to chipping or falling out of their settings, it is important to select a secure mounting.

Cushion-Cut

This beautiful Cut is often compared to a pillow because of the square shape combined with rounded corners that enhance the stone's brilliance when combined with the Cut's traditional 58 larger facets. A popular shape for diamonds and other gemstones in the 19th century, the cushion cut has been around since the 18th (though it was referred to then as the mine cut). They exude an authentically antiquated atmosphere, making them ideal for period-specific decor schemes. They don't sparkle as brightly as brilliant-cut diamonds but still look great in contemporary jewellery.

Emerald-Cut

Emerald cut diamonds are popular because of their Art Deco style, which is characterised by a rectangular step cut, an open table, and cropped corners. It catches the light in a dramatic way thanks to its long silhouette and angular lines, which mimic the diamond's clarity. They are ideal for those engagement ring selfies because their shape makes fingers look longer and thinner when set vertically. On the other hand, since there are fewer angles to draw attention away from flaws, colour and clarity take on added significance. It's also not the Cut for you if you're hoping for a lot of attention drawn to your appearance.

Marquise-Cut

The marquise shape, also known as the Navette cut, exudes an air of sophistication and affluence. It stands out thanks to its distinctive form, which is characterised by rounded sides and sharp ends. Its long, slim profile makes the finger look longer when worn vertically, giving the impression of greater size. It has a dazzling shine to boot. However, the ring's delicate pointed edges pose a risk of chipping and breaking if it is not set properly. There's often a "bowtie" shape in the middle of the diamond as well. This can be very obvious if the ring is poorly cut, and is therefore not desirable.

Oval-Cut

To some extent, the oval-shaped diamond is just an elongated round diamond, and as such, it can have the same number of facets as a round diamond and, therefore the same amount of brilliance. Its unusual shape, which elongates the finger, makes it a stylish and original option. However, if not cut properly, it can have the same "bowtie" effect as a marquise cut stone, as well as flaws and inclusions. To avoid this, you can make the flaws that would normally detract from the beauty of a diamond a focal point by selecting an oval cut in the salt-and-pepper style.

Radiant Cut

Henry Grossbard developed the radiant cut in 1977, and it lives up to its name by reflecting light in a spectacular manner. The overall form is reminiscent of an emerald cut stone, but its unusual, deeply faceted cut gives it a lot more radiance. The classic cut and bespoke character of this stone makes it a great choice for brides who don't want to make any major design changes. Since it lacks the squared-off corners of a princess cut, it is less likely to be chipped. Because of its deep cuts, the radiant Cut is not the best choice if you're looking for a large rock. Also, this Cut is not as common as others, so there may not be many stones available to choose from.

Pear-Cut

The pear-shaped diamond, which is a cross between a round and a teardrop, first appeared in the 1400s. This hybrid of the oval and the marquise is the perfect choice for the rule-breaking, retro-loving bride who knows that two shapes are better than one. Pear-shaped diamonds are a great option if you prioritise size over other considerations because more of the stone is visible from the top. The pointed end of a pear cut makes it vulnerable to chipping, so rings featuring this shape are best set in a bezel or half-V. They are prone to inclusions and, if not cut correctly, can appear dull.

Asscher Cut

Since Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw sported an Asscher cut during her brief marriage to Aidan Shaw, the style has been a favourite of the fashion-forward. The Asscher cut is an octogonal shape with 58 significant step facets, and it was patented in 1902 by a jeweller by the name of Asscher. Its unique symmetry and geometric design made it a hit during the Art Deco era, and it looks as good today as it did then. There are no corners or edges that could cause injury, and this makes it durable and versatile. A high-quality diamond with lots of clarity is recommended for this Cut because flaws are more easily visible.

Heart Cut

Heart cut stones are an everlasting symbol of love, but they aren't typically used in engagement rings, and they aren't just for Valentine's Day weddings. In addition to looking beautiful as a solitaire on a plain band, this new Cut also works well in more ornate settings for the hopelessly romantic among us. It may cost more to have a heart-shaped stone cut because of the extra time and effort required to achieve perfect symmetry and maximum brilliance. There are those who find it too trendy, so if you're searching for something unmistakably classic, this ring might not be it.

Baguette-Cut

Baguette diamonds have a long, rectangular shape and 14 facets, making them another Art Deco-style cut popular in the 1920s. Baguette diamond bands, shown above between the two gold bands, are perfect for the bride who does not want a large, showy centre stone. However, they are most often seen in three-stone engagement rings where they serve as accent diamonds. For a more contemporary look, try pairing a large centre stone with a baguette diamond on either side. Because there are so few facets on these stones, clarity and cut accuracy are of the utmost importance.

Trillion Cut

Unique engagement rings like the Dutch-created "trillion-cut" variety are a popular option for nontraditional brides. They are cut shallowly in a triangular shape with rounded or pointed edges to give the impression of greater size.

In addition to their versatility as side stones or the featured gem in multi-stone settings, trillion-cut gemstones shine brightest when worn alone. Most trillion-cut diamonds need a bezel or three-prong setting to protect them from chipping because of their pointed corners. They aren't as dazzling as some other cuts, but their refined radiance makes them a great option for brides who want something between the two extremes.

8 Ways to Make Your Engagement Ring Look Bigger

Some would prefer a more understated ring, while others would prefer something grander and more flashy. If the latter describes you, read on for some helpful advice on how to make your engagement ring look bigger without breaking the bank on a massive centre stone. Take her breath away with a gorgeous engagement ring Sydney - explore our collection today!

Here are eight tricks to make your engagement ring appear bigger. We will discuss initial decisions that can be made to make a new engagement ring appear more substantial, as well as suggestions for expanding the visual impact of an already existing ring.

1. Prioritise Cut

Don't discount the cut grade when shopping for an engagement ring diamond if you want the stone to appear larger than it actually is. Many believe that a higher carat weight is the only way to make a diamond appear bigger. However, that is not even close to being the case. How big a diamond appears depends on a lot of things, including how well it was cut.

But how does the diamond's Cut affect its apparent size? Excellent brilliance (or sparkle) makes a diamond appear larger and more valuable. In addition, a brilliant diamond must have an excellent Cut to reveal its full brilliance. Selecting a diamond with a cut grade of Very Good or Excellent will ensure that it sparkles beautifully.

Given the importance of cut in determining the appearance of a diamond's size, a low cut grade can make even a large diamond appear much smaller than it actually is. Being aware that a higher carat weight does indeed result in a diamond that is technically larger, but that a poor cut grade can render all that expensive extra carat weight moot.

2. Choose Your Diamond Shape Wisely

The shape of a diamond is another factor that can affect its perceived size. Shapes like rounds, princess cuts, and ovals are all possible when working with diamonds. However, the mass of a diamond varies depending on its outline. Some diamond shapes appear to be much larger per carat because they have more mass on their table (the top of the diamond).

Which diamond shapes appear to be the largest per carat? Marquise, pear, oval, and emerald-cut diamonds (in that order) are the most visually impressive cuts per carat. Oval diamonds are popular because they allow the largest possible centre stone to be set in a traditional-style ring. When compared carat for carat, oval diamonds appear much larger than round diamonds do, but they still have a classic appearance.

3. Avoid Certain Diamond Shapes

Some diamond shapes give the impression of being larger per carat, while others give the impression that they are smaller. Buying the largest-appearing diamond is certainly possible. You might want to stay away from the princess, and Asscher cut diamonds. Both of these forms, due to their respective cuts, conceal considerable mass beneath the tabletop.

If you're looking for a larger-looking diamond without breaking the bank, you may want to avoid round diamonds. Compared to marquise, pear, oval, and emerald cut diamonds, round diamonds appear smaller per carat. Then there's the fact that they're typically much more costly. Because of both high demand (round is the most popular diamond shape) and increased raw diamond waste during the cutting of round diamonds, the latter is by far the most expensive diamond shape.

4. Consider Going Lower in Color and Clarity

Colour and clarity have little to no effect on how big a diamond appears, but cut has everything to do with it. If the carat weight is less important to you than the overall size, you can save money on the centrepiece diamond by compromising on colour and clarity. If you are willing to be flexible with the colour and clarity grades, you will have more room in your budget to purchase a larger carat diamond that still maintains a Very Good or Excellent Cut.

5. Shine Bright With a Halo

If you want your engagement ring to be as grand and opulent as possible, a halo setting is a great choice. A halo setting features a circle of smaller diamonds used as accents around the larger centre stone. This dazzling halo will make your centre diamond appear much larger and more impressive than it actually is. Diamonds in a halo setting provide even more sparkle, enhancing the overall effect.

If you are in the market for an engagement ring for the first time, halo settings are a great way to make a statement. Alternatively, they make a lovely upgrade to an already stunning engagement ring. Rather than spending a lot of money to upgrade the centre diamond in your engagement ring, you could simply replace the setting with a halo design and get a ring that looks much larger.

6. Go Slim With Your Setting

Choosing a setting that is very slim and delicate can also help your centre diamond appear larger. You can make your centre diamond stand out more against a slim band and delicate prongs. However, if you go for a wide band with thick prongs, the diamond will be diminished in size. For this reason, a slim, delicate setting is best if you want the focus of the ring to be your centre stone.

As with our previous piece of advice, this works equally well with both a new and an old engagement ring. Let's say the setting of your current engagement ring is too large and distracting from the diamond. To make your centre diamond appear larger, you can easily (and cheaply) switch it out for a distant location.

7. Choose a Bright White Setting

You can up the ante of your engagement ring's visual impact by selecting a precious metal. In particular, 18-karat white gold and platinum. If you want your engagement ring's centre diamond to look larger than it actually is, choose a shiny white metal. To maximise reflection, 18-karat white gold is typically rhodium-plated to make it even more reflective than it already is. Not only is 18k white gold more reflective than platinum, but it also costs less, allowing you to reinvest those savings in a larger centre stone.

8. Keep Your Ring Clean

Our final recommendation is probably the simplest to implement. Always make sure your engagement ring is spotless if you want it to continue looking as big as the day you got it. We've gone over how an engagement ring with more sparkle can give the illusion of a larger stone. When oil and dirt build up on diamonds and precious metals over time, their lustre fades. Consequently, you should clean your engagement ring frequently to maintain its lustre.

How often should an engagement ring be cleaned? Every six months, you should have a professional service clean your call. Then, when you notice that the ring's shine is beginning to fade in between professional cleanings, simply wash it in warm water with dish soap and a soft toothbrush.

Conclusion

Best engagement ring cuts and shapes are the primary topics covered in this article. When it comes to engagement rings, the round brilliant cut reigns supreme due to its superior light performance and versatility in an almost infinite range of mountings. However, there are many other options for brides who prefer something different, such as a princess-cut diamond with a more contemporary and angular appearance, a cushion-cut diamond with an understated radiance and timeless appeal, or a step-cut diamond with a radiant cut for a more diffused radiance. Pear, marquise, and oval cut diamonds, baguette diamond bands, heart-shaped diamonds, rounds, and princess-cut diamonds are the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings. Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat are the four C's.

To what extent the diamond's internal characteristics are visible determines its Clarity grade, while the Cut determines the diamond's overall shape. A diamond's Color grade reflects how close it comes to being completely colourless, while the Color grade describes the diamond's inherent hue. Although carat weight is one factor in determining a diamond's value, that weight is only a rough approximation of the diamond's true value.

Content Summary

• No one needs to tell you that an engagement ring is only as good as its main stone, and that the cut of the stone is crucial.
• Contemplate what you value most in a piece of jewellery you'll wear every day.
• Fortunately, we're here to explain how each of these variables is affected by the stone's cut.
• The round brilliant cut is the most popular for engagement rings.
• Round brilliant is the best choice if you already know the type of setting you want but aren't sure what diamond shape will look best within it, especially if you prefer a more traditional appearance.
• For a more modern and angular appearance, try a princess-cut diamond, which is just as brilliant as a round-cut.
• Pear, marquise, and oval cut diamonds stand out and make your fingers look longer, while the modern triangular shape of a trillion cut diamond sparkles brilliantly.
• A baguette diamond band that incorporates the concept of a central stone is the perfect choice for the understated bride-to-be.
• And for the most hopelessly romantic, there are heart-shaped diamonds that need no further explanation.
• The four C's Cut: The Cut determines the final form of the diamond.
• Tiffany stresses that the Cut needs to be proportional and symmetrical to reflect the most light possible.
• Inclusion-filled, lower-clarity diamonds are on the rise, according to a jewellery and fashion expert.
• Generally speaking, the carat weight of a stone increases as its size increases.
• A diamond's value, however, is not solely dependent on its carat weight.
• You need to consider the other three Cs as well.
• Diamonds with a round, brilliant cut look great in a variety of settings, from solitaires to multi-stone designs, and even geometric arrangements for a more vintage feel.
• These diamonds are perfect for traditional brides, but if you're more of a free spirit, you may want to look into a shape that will show up on fewer of your fingers.