The shape of the centre stone sets the personality of an engagement ring. Before thinking about carat or setting, it is worth deciding which shape you love.
Timeless and brilliant: Round
The round brilliant is the most popular shape for a reason. Its 57 or 58 facets are designed for maximum sparkle, and it suits every setting from solitaire to halo.
Elegant and elongated: Oval, Pear and Marquise
Elongated shapes make fingers look longer and slimmer, and they tend to look larger than a round of the same carat weight. Look for a well-proportioned stone with a minimal bow-tie, the dark band that can appear across the centre.
Refined and architectural: Emerald and Asscher
Step-cut shapes have long, clean facets that create flashes of light rather than sparkle. They have a glamorous, vintage feel. Because their open facets show more of the diamond's interior, choose a higher clarity grade.
Modern and bold: Princess, Radiant and Cushion
These shapes combine brilliant faceting with square or rectangular outlines, offering lots of sparkle with a contemporary look.
A few practical tips
- Try shapes on your own hand; photos can be deceiving
- Pointed shapes (pear, marquise, princess) need prongs that protect the tips
- Consider everyday wear: a lower profile setting suits an active lifestyle
Explore every shape in detail on our Diamond Shapes page, or book a consultation to see them in person.
