Choosing a Diamond Shape

About Diamond Shapes

There are several types of popular diamond shapes brides-to-be can choose from when first examining the types of engagement rings they admire most. The most common shapes include:

Basic Diamond Shapes

• Round Brilliant
• Oval
• Pear
• Marquise
• Princess
• Emerald
• Asscher
• Trilliant
• Radiant
• Heart

Most brides have an immediate preference for one diamond shape or another, whether they are interested in the classic elegance of a round gem, the sleek sophistication of an emerald shape, or the romantic whimsy of a heart shape. While personal preference does play a large role in choosing a diamond shape, there are other considerations that should be made to ensure a lovely ring for a lovely hand.

Considerations for Choosing a Diamond Shape

Several factors related to a diamond’s shape are crucial for creating a stunning engagement ring that will look beautiful on a woman’s finger.

• Diamond Geometry: The precise geometry of the diamond, regardless of its overall shape, is critical. Poorly shaped stones may have imbedded shadows and unbalanced proportions that detract from their beauty.
• Accent Stones: Whether or not an engagement ring will have accent stones can impact the shape of the central stone. Similarly, elongated stones may look much better with accents. For diamond solitaire engagement rings, diamond shape is especially critical.
• Band Width: A very wide band engagement ring will look better with elongated stones that are not overshadowed by the width of the band. At the same time, longer stones may seem too bulky for a very narrow, delicate band.

Heart shapes are rare.

• Hand and Finger Size: Because a woman typically wears her engagement ring all the time, it is vital that it look good on her finger. The shape of the diamond should compliment the size and proportion of her finger and hand. While all fingers look lovely when accented by a round stone, women with slender, narrow fingers may want to consider Asscher or princess stones, while women with shorter fingers may desire the increased length a marquise, oval, or pear can provide.
• Trends: While some women will love Hollywood engagement rings to mimic their favorite celebrities, it is important to choose a gem shape that will not become tiresome and cliché after years of wear. This is why it can be difficult to find heart shaped diamond engagement rings; while the romance of the heart is perfect for an engagement, the odd shape can be difficult to pair with other jewelry over time.
• Wedding Rings: Regardless of the diamond shape for the engagement ring, it should be able to pair easily with a wedding ring. This can be accomplished by choosing complimentary shapes, opting for a plain wedding band, or investigating bridal set engagement rings or diamond ring wraps.

Shape Does Not Stand Alone

Before choosing a specific diamond shape, couples should be aware that shape is only one characteristic of a quality diamond. Every shape should also meet other quality standards, including:

• Diamond Cuts: The alignment of facets, planes, and angles in each stone shape drastically affects its brilliance and beauty. Certain shapes, such as pear and marquise diamonds, sacrifice some brilliance for their fancy shape.
• Diamond Clarity: Some diamond shapes – most notably the emerald and Asscher shapes – may exaggerate diamond flaws and inclusions, making better clarity an essential characteristic.
• Diamond Color: Clearer, more colorless diamonds tend to have greater sparkle and brilliance in every shape.
• Diamond Carats: The size of the gem is less critical than a beautiful cut, but certain shapes – emerald, marquise, and oval especially – maximize the carat appearance of the stone for an illusion of greater size.
• Ring Design: Every engagement ring should be carefully crafted to enhance the center stone, including appropriate settings, shanks, and bands. Too much detail can outshine the diamond, while too little may make the stone seem bland.
• Cost: Rare and designer shapes, such as the Hearts on Fire Diamond, Asscher shapes, or other specialty cuts are generally more expensive than basic diamond shapes of similar size and quality.

Finding Diamond Shapes

Most types of jewelers carry a range of basic diamond shapes for couples to consider. Specialty shapes may require designer services, though couples can always investigate buying loose diamonds and incorporating them into a semi mount diamond engagement ring to complete the perfect design. Another option is to ask about resetting a particular diamond shape into the desired ring, a service most jewelers can easily provide.

Choosing a diamond shape is an important part of building an engagement ring to suit the preferences, budget, and fingers of the bride-to-be. With careful consideration of the factors that make a shape exceptional and the other characteristics that help flatter the shape, any woman can find the perfect diamond to sparkle on her finger.