10 Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

For centuries upon centuries, people have asked their sweethearts for their hand in marriage by presenting rings. The engagement ring is cherished among couples throughout the world, with so much fine detail, quality craftsmanship and consideration going into designing, purchasing and ‘popping the question.’

Today at Claremont Diamonds, as part of our diamond education showcase, we’ll be exploring the most popular diamond shapes of 2021.

Interested in finding out the 10 most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings?

Read more from the Perth diamond education specialists at Claremont Diamonds to find out.

Defining the Difference Between Diamond Shapes vs Diamond Cuts

The shape and cut of a diamond are not to be used interchangeably. In fact, they’re two very distinct terms to describe the look and performance of diamonds.

Let’s take a further look below:

  • Diamond shapes reference the actual, physical shape and appearance of the diamond.
  • However, there’s more that goes into defining diamond cuts. Facets, symmetry, dimensions and reflective qualities are all involved in different diamond cuts.

A good place to start when looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring is the diamond shape. As once the shape is found, you simply must find the diamond shape that offers the most attractive diamond cut.

1. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Round brilliant cut diamond on a white background

Combining tradition and beauty, that’s sums up arguably the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings. Round brilliant-cut diamonds are perfectly round due to mathematical precision.

How about those brilliant round diamond cut specifics?

  • These diamond cuts are usually between a 1.00 and 1.03 ratio, and
  • Light and brilliance are both easily maximised through its 58 facets (aka the flat surfaces).

An easily elegant and identifiable diamond shape, the round brilliant cut diamond complements every age and style of the wearer, day, night and any occasion.

Many of those in the ever-exciting perfect diamond engagement ring search, love the round brilliant diamond. We think you will too!

2. Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamond

Prefer a diamond engagement ring that’s square, not circular in appearance? The heavenly sparkle of a square or rectangular princess diamond may be well and truly what you’ve been searching for.

Popular for its unique shape and relatively modern invention, the princess cut diamond is a diamond shape made possible through the inverted pyramid of a rough diamond stone.

This selection aligns beautifully with the latest engagement ring trend, emphasizing bold and geometric shapes that combine tradition with a modern edge. The princess cut, with its sharp angles and brilliant facets, reflects not just light but also the contemporary taste for distinctiveness and elegance in jewellery design

How about those princess diamond cut specifics?

  • Princess diamond cuts contain two to four chevrons, and
  • Often enjoy 50 to 58 facets based upon how they are cut.

When considering round vs princess cut diamonds, it’s clear that princess cut diamonds as a diamond shape are highly regarded amongst modern-day lovers who want to symbolize, encapsulate and display their 21st-century love toward one another.

3. Oval Diamonds

Oval cut diamond close up

Smooth and silky is what an opulent diamond shape is all about. This lovingly timeless diamond engagement ring design nestles quite nicely into our top 10 list.

How about those oval diamond cut specifics?

  • For an excellent diamond cut, go for a length to width ratio of 1.35 and 1.50.
  • The girdle, that is, the part of the stone which creates the outline, is recommended to be very thin or slightly thick for the best quality.

Here is just a handful of reasons why Claremont Diamonds and lovers alike, adore oval diamond shapes for their engagement rings: traditional and timeless with a modern alternative appeal, elongates the fingers and looks magnificent when coupled with side stones or halo settings.

4. Marquise Diamonds

Marquise diamond

Opting for the unusually shaped marquise diamond is surprisingly not unpopular. The angles and asymmetry of this diamond shape will be sure to impress those around you, as these features are simply not possible with other, standard diamond shapes.

How about those marquise diamond cut specifics?

  • While personal preference comes into play with many a diamond shape, the length to width ratio for a marquise diamond appeals mostly at a 1.90 ratio (or between 1.85 – 2.00).
  • Cut with a sizeable table, this allows ample light reflection.
  • For an excellent cut, the girdle should be very thin to slightly thick.

Interested to learn about the origins of the marquise diamond? It was King Louis XV of France who requested a diamond to be cut to resemble the lips of his mistress, the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour, Jean Antoinette Poisson.

With slight refining and finetuning throughout the centuries, similarities are still very evident when compared to the original commissioned work.

5. Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pear cut diamond close up

A pear-shaped diamond is known also by the name, teardrop diamond. Their elongated shape resembles a combination of an oval and marquise diamond shape due to one rounded end, and the other point.

These one-of-a-kind diamond shapes are a popular diamond engagement ring choice throughout the world, with a rich history dating back to the 15th century.

How about those pear-shaped diamond cut specifics?

  • Many diamond education experts favour a length to width ratio of 1.55 to 1.75, as
  • Any other ratio will make the diamond shape appear unattractively out of proportion.

Pear-shaped diamonds are adored by Claremont Diamonds and lovers alike for their rich history, an appearance that is larger than a brilliant round, lower price point and unique style.

6. Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamond close up

A cushion cut diamond shape is one that displays a square-cut diamond with smooth cut corners that resemble a cushion or pillow.

How about those cushion diamond cut specifics?

  • Cushion cut diamond shapes are flexible in nature as you can choose a standard cushion cut diamond shape which hides inclusions well and appears softer, or the modified cushion cut diamond shape, which adds an extra row of facets below the girdle.
  • For square shaped cushion cut diamond shapes, the ratio should sit between 1.00 to 1.05,
  • Whereas rectangular cushion cut diamond shapes should sit between 1.15 to 1.20.

Did you know that the cushion-cut diamond shape proudly holds the title of third most popular diamond shape and style in the world?

There’s simply no denying the gorgeously curved edges tempt many an avid engagement ring browser. Does the design tempt you?

7. Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamond close up

Elongated and rectangular, emerald cut diamonds are another popular diamond shape adored and chosen for engagement rings in Perth and throughout the world.

This diamond shape is sophisticated in nature because it’s both elongated and rectangular, made possible by step cuts and straight, linear facets.

How about those emerald diamond cut specifics?

  • A classic, rectangular emerald cut diamond has a length to width ratio of 1.30 to 1.60, and
  • Be mindful that an emerald diamond cut is generally not as bright and fiery as their rounder diamond counterparts, however Clarity is accentuated.

What was once created exclusively for emeralds, hence the name, the emerald cut shape has now fortunately branched out to include diamonds.

Claremont Diamonds and lovers alike adore emerald diamond shape engagement rings because they elongate fingers, appear larger than round cut diamonds and boast a smooth surface.

This exceptional diamond shape just might be the answer you seek to close your quest for the perfect diamond engagement ring in Perth.

8. Asscher Cut Diamonds

Asscher Cut Diamonds

An Asscher cut diamond shape is fashioned into an octagonal square shape and comprises of layered facets. The real crowd-pleasing quality of an Asscher cut diamond shape is the level of brilliance on display.

This popular diamond shape regained popularity after its 100th anniversary in 2002.

How about those Asscher cut diamond specifics?

  • For excellent quality choose a length to width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05, and
  • A girdle that is very thin or slightly thick.

Want a diamond engagement that lights up and gives off large flashes? The asscher cut diamond shape is the one for you.

9. Radiant Cut Diamonds

Square diamond on a white background

Radiant cut diamonds are favorited for their brilliance and durability. It’s also amongst one of the newer diamond shapes available on the market, invented only in the 1970s and popular since the 1980s.

How about those radiant cut diamond specifics?

  • A radiant cut diamond owes its brilliance and fire to its 70 facets,
  • For square radiant diamond shapes, the recommended length to width ratio is 1.00 to 1.03,
  • For rectangle radiant diamond shapes, it’s between 1.20 and 1.30.

A radiant diamond shape is an excellent engagement ring choice for the one who adores sparkle, brilliance and fire.

10. Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart-shaped diamond close up

A heart shape is synonymous with love, devotion and adoration. So, it makes sense that this diamond shape is popular amongst sweethearts.

How about those heart shapes diamond specifics?

  • Choose the heart shaped diamond with the closest length to width ratio of 1.00, and
  • To make the shape of the heart as recognisable as possible, choose a diamond of 1 carat or larger.

While only making up a small portion within the diamond market, a heart-shaped diamond engagement ring is still a special choice, favorited by those who prioritize symbolism.

What Else You Should Know About These Popular Diamond Shapes and Cuts?

Finally, let’s compare and share some final thoughts:

What is the Best Diamond Cut?

In our humble, yet expert opinion, the round brilliant is the best diamond cut and shape.

Which Diamond Cut Sparkles the Most?

Once again, the round brilliant wins in this category, too.

What is the Most Expensive Diamond Cut?

Round cut diamonds, due to the large amount discarded, cut and polishing in the process.

Which Diamond Shape Looks the Biggest?

Oval cuts and princess cuts appear the largest when compared to rounder diamond shapes.

The Perth Diamond Experts at Claremont Diamonds

The diamond education you desire to help you choose the perfect diamond engagement ring can be found at Claremont Diamonds.

At Claremont Diamonds, we’re invested in getting to know you, your engagement ring desires, style wants and must-haves, what you want to symbolize and tell the world.

Your love is unique, so is the highly personalized service you will receive at Claremont Diamonds.

Book an appointment with Claremont Diamonds, in Perth today to discuss your options for a locally designed and lovingly crafted diamond ring.