Popping the Question: 9 Different Cuts of Diamond Rings to Consider

Diamonds are forever.
That’s the basic sentiment behind giving a diamond ring to your beloved. You want something that reflects how strongly you feel.
Jewelry trends have changed over the years. Now, most people are simply looking for something special and unique.

In the search for that uniqueness, some millennials are moving away from buying diamonds. But even so, they spent $26 billion on them in 2015 alone.
And for good reason. With all the different cuts of diamond rings available, you can easily create a unique ring with the classic stone.
Keep reading to learn more!

Why Is the Cut Important?

The most obvious thing about any cut is its shape. By using different shapes of the timeless stone, jewelers can create thousands of different designs.
But the importance of the cut goes deeper than just the shape. How the diamond is cut greatly affects its fire and brilliance as well. This, in turn, affects its value.

When cutting diamonds there are three things that affect the sparkle, or brilliance, of the stone. These are the table, the depth, and the facets.
The table is the top, flat part of the diamond. Shapes that offer a large table like square or oval make the diamond look larger.

Perpendicular to the table is the depth. A deeper diamond will usually have a smaller table and thus look smaller. However, the depth gives the diamond the ability to produce more fire.
Finally, the facets give the diamond its fire and brilliance. The more facets a diamond has the more surfaces are available to reflect light and create sparkle.

Different Cuts of Diamond Rings

Now that you understand the basics, let’s get into the fun stuff. We’ll take a look at 9 different cuts of diamond rings and you’ll see how diamonds can be just as unique as your love.

1. Round

Round cut diamonds are far and away the most popular cut. The shape allows for a decent size table, a solid depth, and plenty of space for facets.
This is the classic diamond shape, accounting for an estimated three-quarters of diamond sales. If you want something unique, this might not be the shape for you. But if you want something classically beautiful, this is it.

2. Princess

The princess cut for diamonds has only been around for the last 30 years or so. This square-shaped diamond is the most popular alternative to a round cut and works with many ring designs.

The table is ample and the cut has plenty of space for facets. The round cut still offers slightly more fire, but the princess cut gives it a run for its money.
Speaking of money, the square shape produces less waste than its round counterparts. That means that this shape is more economical and you get more diamond for your buck.

3. Cushion

Long before the princess cut, there was the cushion cut. This brilliant cut has been wowing people for over 200 years. It is roughly square-shaped but with rounded corners, giving the stone a softer feel.

There is slightly less space for facets than a round cut, so there is a little less sparkle. However, her eyes are sure to light up when she sees this elegant stone.

4. Radiant

The radiant cut is a gorgeous diamond that lives up to its name. Think of it like the offspring of a princess and a cushion cut diamond.
It can be square or slightly rectangular. The edges are softer than a princess cut, but sharper than a cushion. This gives the radiant cut a less severe feel when compared to a princess, but more facet space and thus more sparkle than the cushion.

5. Emerald

The emerald cut was originally designed for emeralds, hence the name. But it was soon discovered that cutting diamonds this way made a dazzling effect.
The rectangular shape doesn’t allow for as many facets so it may sparkle a little less. But it does create an interesting hall of mirrors interplay of light within the stone, creating a unique effect that is quite breathtaking.

6. Oval

The oval is a gentle variation on the classic round cut diamond. It’s basically an elongated circle, exactly as an actual oval. The extra length adds to the table making the diamond seem larger, which is a nice benefit.
This is a great alternative shape diamond that gives a nod to the more traditional round cut.

7. Marquise

If you want to get a little crazier, opt for the marquise cut. This is an elongated cut similar to the oval, but coming to sharper points like a football.
The long points allow for a large table, creating the illusion of a bigger diamond. This is great if you’re on a budget but still looking to impress.
The elongated shape also helps create the appearance of a longer, more slender finger. Many ladies will appreciate that extra boost.

8. Pear

If a round stone and a marquise got together, their offspring would be a pear cut. Rounded on one side and pointed on the other, this is an intriguing stone shape that you don’t see often.
It gives the same finger-elongating effect as the marquise but isn’t quite as harsh.

9. Heart

The quintessential shape of love. If you really want to add some sentiment to your engagement ring, consider a heart-shaped cut.
You’ll also have to consider a larger budget if you fall in love with this cut. To get the shape right and have it look great, the jeweler must start with a larger diamond.

However, all is not lost if you have your heart set on a heart-shaped diamond. Check out online jewelers like SuperJeweler for discounted prices on fabulous diamonds!