Most Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

Cuts make all the difference when it comes to finding the perfect diamond. Each type of cut sparkles in its own way and deciding which one most appeals to you is a good place to start when looking for your dream ring.

The most popular engagement rings include round, princess, marquise, emerald and cushion-cut stones, but the list extends far beyond that. There are also oval, pear, radiant, Assccher and heart-shaped cuts to choose from. Read on to learn about each cut and its characteristics.

Round Cut

The most popular cut of diamond is round. More than half of brides surveyed wear this style. Considering that the round shape maximizes the fire of the diamond at the proper reflection of light, it’s no surprise that this is the reigning stone (we’re all guilty of falling for a good sparkle). Anna Sheffield’s hazeline solitaire ring featuring a white diamond resting in a delicate basket is a timeless choice.

Princess Cut

Given that women love to feel like princesses, it’s no surprise that the eponymous princess cut is also one of the most popular engagement ring styles out there. A princess cut features a face-up shape with square or rectangular sides. The princess cut is incredibly versatile, making it a prime choice for nearly any ring style. Noam Carver’s stunning 14K ring is a beauty, complete with a simple, yet elegant band that brings all attention to the center princess stone complete with paved halo.

Cushion Cut

Emerald Cut

 Characterized by a rectangular step cut, an open table, and cropped corners, the emerald-cut diamond is often favored for its Art Deco vibe. While it has more of an understated sparkle with a “hall-of-mirrors” effect, its long silhouette and angular lines capture the diamond’s clarity and catches the light dramatically and elegantly. Cousin to the emerald cut is the baguette cut, which has the same design but less facets and are often used as side stones rather than center stones. This Gemvara dazzler in white gold features a solid emerald-cut accented with a regal band.

Marquise Cut

 Also known as the Navette cut, the marquise cut is known for its regal feel. Its distinctive silhouette is marked by curved sides and pointed ends — an elegant football shape, if you will. Its long, narrow shape not only creates an illusion of greater size, but elongates the finger. The milgrain detailing in the band of this sparkling Bahdos ring perfectly accents the royalty vibes of the marquis-cut diamond, adding even more radiance.

Oval Cut

Essentially an elongated circle, an oval-shaped diamond can have just as many facets as a round-cut stone, which means it has the capacity to sparkle just as much. This elegant shape is a favorite among sophisticated brides who love the sparkle of a round stone but have their hearts set on something a little unexpected.

Radiant Cut

True to its name, a radiant-cut diamond catches the light in a big way. The shape mimics an emerald-cut stone but the facets allow for extra sparkle. Brides who don’t want to stray too far from the classic shapes appreciate this stone’s timeless nature.

Pear Cut

Also known as a teardrop, the pear-shaped diamond is a hybrid of styles. Taking its cues from both the oval and marquise, this unique shape is a perfect choice for brides who play by their own set of rules and think that two is better than one.

Asscher Cut

Named after the jeweler who patented design in 1902, the Asscher cut features a octagonal shape with 58 large step facets. Though it is technically an octagon, when it is set in a four-prong mounting it looks more like a square and is often referred to as the “square emerald.” In 1999, the family introduced an updated version of the classic called the Royal Asscher cut, which boasts 74 facets for even more reflective brilliance. The Asscher cut has been a favorite among the fashion-conscious crowd ever since Carrie Bradshaw modeled an Asscher cut during her brief betrothal to Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City.

Heart Cut