Custom Diamond Engagement Rings & Fine Jewelry in New England

 

Choosing a diamond shape is the most important style choice for an engagement ring. Each diamond cut has its own personality, sparkle factor, and price advantages. Use this complete guide to find your perfect fit.

 

Round Brilliant Cut

The round brilliant cut diamond is the most popular choice for engagement rings worldwide. It is famous for its unmatched fire and brilliance.

• Sparkle factor: Very high. It reflects the most light of all shapes.

• Best for: Traditional styles, maximum sparkle, and classic solitaires.

• Pro tip: Round cuts hide flaws and yellow tint very well.

 

Princess Cut

The princess cut diamond is a square shape with sharp, uncut corners. It offers a modern look with almost as much sparkle as a round diamond.

• Sparkle factor: High. It uses a modified brilliant facet pattern.

• Best for: Contemporary designs, geometric settings, and geometric styles.

• Pro tip: Make sure the ring prongs protect the four sharp corners to prevent chipping.

 

Oval Cut

The oval cut diamond is an elongated version of the round brilliant. It has become a massive trend for modern brides due to its elegant silhouette.

• Sparkle factor: High. It has a beautiful, lively dance of light.

• Best for: Making fingers look longer and slimmer.

• Pro tip: Oval shapes have a large surface area. They look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

 

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut diamond features a square or rectangular outline with rounded corners. It looks like a soft bed pillow.

• Sparkle factor: High. It is known for "crushed ice" look or vintage "chunkier" flashes.

• Best for: Vintage-inspired rings, romantic designs, and halo settings.

• Pro tip: Cushion cuts hold onto color more than other shapes. Look for a higher color grade if you want a bright white look.

 

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut diamond is a sleek rectangle with long, parallel step-cuts. It showcases an elegant "mirror effect" rather than a standard sparkle.

• Sparkle factor: Medium. It focuses on clarity, luster, and flashes of light.

• Best for: Art Deco styles, vintage looks, and showing off high clarity.

• Pro tip: Because the top table is flat and open, inclusions are easily visible. Choose a high clarity grade (VS2 or better).

 

Pear Cut

The pear cut diamond is often called a teardrop diamond. It combines the brilliance of a round cut with the unique point of a marquise cut.

• Sparkle factor: High. It offers beautiful, asymmetrical fire.

• Best for: Unique settings, statement rings, and an elongated finger look.

• Pro tip: Wear the pointed end facing down toward your fingernail to elongate your hand.

 

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut diamond blends the elegant rectangular shape of an emerald cut with the fiery brilliance of a round diamond. It features trimmed, durable corners.

• Sparkle factor: High. It is designed for maximum light reflection.

• Best for: Buyers who want an emerald shape but still want intense sparkle.

• Pro tip: The cropped corners make this a very durable choice for active lifestyles.

 

Marquise Cut

The marquise cut diamond is an eye-shaped stone with an elongated football silhouette and two sharp points.

• Sparkle factor: High. It offers a unique, dramatic flare.

• Best for: Maximizing visual size and creating a dramatic look.

• Pro tip: The marquise has the largest surface area of all shapes, meaning it gives you the biggest looking diamond for your budget.