Finding the perfect stone for your engagement ring that both fits your style, your fingers, and the rest of the ring well is a daunting task. I mean who can really tell the difference between a “radiant” and “emerald” cut, and why does that matter in the first place? There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect stone for you. How sparkly do you want it to be? Do you want a simple classic or a unique shape? Something that goes with any outfit, or something that stands out no matter what? This post is here to show you some of the most popular stone shapes, and when or why they should be used.
I’m lucky that my wonderful husband took all the pressure of choosing off my shoulders – as it was a complete surprise when he proposed and the first time I saw my ring, was when he put it on my finger. Needless to say – I loved it. My own ring is a beautiful round diamond – so that’s the shape we’ll talk about first….
Round
This is certainly the most popular stone shape, as it’s the classic and beautiful round cut. It’s easy to see why the round cut stone is the most popular of all, with an estimated 3/4 of all engagement rings containing this as the only or primary stone. It goes with everything and suits any finger shape and length, and it can be cut in a multitude of ways since it’s symmetrical. It works very well for a multi-stone band like the kind that are sold by Ascot Diamonds, and reflects light well at any size, especially in comparison to some of the other shapes. I love my round engagement ring because of the classic shape and style – I feel like 50 years, my ring will still look beautiful and elegant, which I don’t always think for some of the other cuts.
Oval
An oval stone works well for someone with short or round fingers (or both!) As, much like vertical lines on a dress or painted on a wall, it visually elongates the fingers. I do actually have short stubby fingers – so this shape would’ve been another good choice for me. Because of this it is considered a very feminine looking stone while still retaining a classically beautiful look, which may be why it was the shape that Princess Diana (and now Princess Kate Middleton) chose for her ring! This is another great choice for a multi-stone ring, and the shape looks especially beautiful cut from any stone.
Princess
If, unlike the ladies who may opt for an oval shape, you have long dainty fingers that you’d like to visually shorten, a square shape is great for you! This cut was extremely popular almost immediately after it came about in the 1960s because, similarly to the round cut, it is fantastic at reflecting light and making diamonds sparkle. It’s long-held popularity makes it the second most purchased type of engagement band. The radiant shape is another beautiful, squarish cut that gives off some seriously glamorous vibes, but if you want something a bit softer on the eyes then a slightly more rounded cushion cut may be more your style. It’s been gathering popularity in recent years ever since many celebrities received them as engagement rings from their significant others.
Pear
The Pear diamond cut is a little more unique, and I personally love it. It’s got a bit of a vintage vibe to it (especially when paired with Gold) – and it’s quite a delicate shape, so lovely for people who want understated style with a bit of personality.
Of course, no matter the shape of the stone or the shine of your diamond, the most important thing to think about when choosing the perfect engagement ring is whether it is something that you or your partner will love, after all it’s probably the most special piece of jewelry that you will own, and you’ll wear it every day!
You want it to be meaningful, special, and to show that you really thought about choosing the perfect ring that your special someone will cherish forever.