Engagement Ring Shapes: Every Diamond Cut Compared (With Pros & Cons)

The shape of the diamond is usually the first decision when choosing an engagement ring, and it has the biggest effect on the ring's overall look. Some shapes sparkle more, some look bigger for their carat weight, and some are better at hiding inclusions. This guide compares every popular engagement ring shape so you can find the one that fits your style and budget.

Shape vs cut: what is the difference?

Shape is the outline of the diamond (round, oval, pear and so on). Cut describes how well the facets are proportioned and finished, which controls sparkle. People often say "cut" when they mean shape, as in "emerald cut" or "princess cut".

Diamond shapes also fall into two faceting families:

• Brilliant cuts (round, oval, pear, marquise, princess, cushion, radiant, heart) have many triangular and kite-shaped facets for maximum sparkle.
• Step cuts (emerald, Asscher, baguette) have long, parallel facets for a clean, glassy, mirror-like look.

Engagement ring shapes compared

Round brilliant

The most popular and sparkliest shape, with the highest price per carat. Ideal if you want a classic look that will never date. Full guide: round engagement rings.

Oval

Brilliant sparkle in an elongated outline that looks larger and flatters the finger. Watch for a strong bow-tie. Full guide: oval engagement rings.

Emerald cut

A rectangular step cut with a glassy "hall of mirrors" look. Needs higher clarity. Full guide: emerald cut engagement rings.

Princess cut

The most popular square shape, crisp and modern, with corners that need protection. Full guide: princess cut engagement rings.

Cushion cut

Rounded corners and strong fire, available in square and elongated versions. Full guide: cushion cut engagement rings.

Radiant cut

A rectangle with trimmed corners and about 70 facets for intense sparkle. Full guide: radiant cut engagement rings.

Pear

A teardrop that blends round and marquise; protect the point with a V-prong. Full guide: pear shaped engagement rings.

Marquise

Long with two points and one of the largest face-up areas per carat. Full guide: marquise engagement rings.

Heart

A romantic, sentimental shape. Heart diamonds look best at around 1 carat or larger, where the outline is easy to recognize. Look for even lobes and a well-defined cleft.

Asscher

A square step cut with cropped corners, closely related to the emerald cut. It has a strong Art Deco character and, like the emerald, shows inclusions easily.

How to choose the right shape

• Want maximum sparkle? Round, radiant or oval.
• Want it to look bigger? Oval, marquise or pear.
• Love vintage style? Cushion, emerald, Asscher or marquise. See vintage engagement rings.
• Active lifestyle? Shapes without sharp points (round, oval, cushion) in a protective setting such as a bezel.
• Tighter budget? Fancy shapes usually cost less per carat than round.

Next, choose a setting in our guide to engagement ring settings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular engagement ring shape?

Round brilliant diamonds have long been the most popular, with oval diamonds among the fastest-growing choices in recent years.

Which diamond shape looks the biggest?

Elongated shapes such as marquise, oval and pear usually have the largest face-up area for their carat weight.

Which diamond shape is the cheapest?

Fancy shapes such as princess, cushion, emerald and radiant generally cost less per carat than round brilliants of similar quality.

Which diamond shape sparkles the most?

A well-cut round brilliant, followed closely by radiant, oval and other brilliant-cut shapes.