17 Of The Most Beautiful Cuts of Engagement Ring Stones
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most exciting parts of planning for forever. And while metal types and settings certainly matter, the real showstopper is the cut of the stone. The cut defines how light reflects through the stone, how it catches the eye, and most importantly, how it speaks to your personal style. With so many different cuts and shapes to choose from, finding the perfect engagement ring can feel overwhelming at first. But it doesn’t have to be! Let’s go over the most popular cuts of engagement rings, what makes each one special, and how to choose the perfect engagement ring stone shape for your style.
The Most Common Cuts For Engagement Ring Stones
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1. Round Brilliant Cut
If you’re drawn to a timeless, versatile style, the round brilliant diamond is an excellent choice. Known for its exceptional brilliance and ability to reflect light beautifully, this round shape is by far the most popular diamond shape, and has been for decades. Its symmetrical shape makes it ideal for various settings, from solitaire to halo settings to three-stone styles.
Great for: Anyone who loves a classic style, timeless elegance, and sparkle that never goes out of fashion.
2. Princess Cut
The princess-cut diamond is a favorite for those who want brilliance with a slightly more modern edge. With a square shape and sharp corners, this cut blends clean lines with dazzling sparkle, thanks to its brilliant cut facet pattern. While still romantic and elegant, the princess cut gives off a bolder feel than the traditional round. It’s often seen in modern designs and pairs beautifully with white gold or platinum.
Great for: Modern romantics who love clean symmetry and maximum sparkle in a more structured shape.
3. Cushion Cut
Cushion cut diamonds combine the square outline of a princess cut with rounded edges, creating a soft, romantic look. Sometimes called a “pillow cut,” this shape has been around for centuries and is prized for its vintage feel and gentle sparkle. Available in both square and elongated shapes, the cushion cut offers versatility while still standing out from more mainstream options.
Great for: Vintage-inspired brides or anyone drawn to a soft, romantic diamond engagement ring with old-world charm.
Read More: 35 Dreamy Vintage Gold Engagement Ring Ideas
4. Oval Cut Diamond
An oval diamond offers the brilliance of a round, but with an elongated shape that flatters the finger and makes the stone appear larger. The oval cut diamond is an excellent cut for those looking for something slightly unexpected, yet still refined. Its shape allows for great sparkle and a slimming effect on the hand. Stars like Zooey Deschanel have embraced the oval shape for its elegance and individuality.
Great for: Those who love classic style with a unique look, and want a diamond that feels refined but fresh.
5. Emerald Cut Diamond
For something more architectural, the emerald cut diamond is all about sleek sophistication. Featuring step-cut facets, a rectangular shape, and larger facets, it showcases clarity and depth over brilliance. While it reflects less light than a brilliant cut, it offers a clean, dramatic look. The emerald-cut diamond was favored by icons like Elizabeth Taylor and more recently Amal Clooney, making it a preferred choice for those who favor bold elegance.
Great for: Lovers of minimalism and glamour who appreciate a more modern look with a refined silhouette.
6. Pear-Shaped Diamonds
The pear shape, also known as the pear cut, blends the brilliance of a round with the taper of a marquise cut to create a distinctive teardrop shape. It’s romantic, slimming, and highly eye-catching. The pear-shaped diamond is especially popular in halo settings, or beveled settings.
Great for: The bride who wants a unique cut that feels feminine, flattering, and full of character.
7. Marquise Cut
A true statement-maker, the marquise diamond features an elongated, pointed oval silhouette with sharp edges at both ends. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV, the marquise cut is known for its distinctive shape and ability to maximize carat weight—making the diamond appear larger. Its unique shape adds vintage flair and elongates the fingers beautifully, offering an elegant, regal look.
Great for: Brides with a flair for drama and romance who want something with history and personality.
Read More: 28 Ideas For Timeless Marquise Wedding Ring Stacks
8. Asscher Cut
With its square outline and deep, layered step cut, the asscher cut is a striking choice. Its high crown and clean lines reflect light in a mesmerizing way, creating a “hall of mirrors” effect. Though it resembles the emerald cut, the asscher diamond is more symmetrical and typically has a bolder profile. It’s often found in emerald engagement rings and modern designs with vintage undertones.
Great for: Art Deco lovers and anyone drawn to geometric style and old-world glamour.
9. Radiant Cut
Radiant cut diamonds combine the outline of a square or rectangular shape with the sparkle of a brilliant cut, offering both fire and structure. With cropped corners and larger facets, the radiant shape adds vibrant energy to classic settings. It’s a great choice if you want something dazzling but less traditional than a round or princess cut.
Great for: Those who want high sparkle in a slightly unconventional shape.
10. Heart-Shaped Diamond
For the true romantics, the heart-shaped diamond says it all. It’s symbolic, sweet, and unmistakably tied to the idea of eternal love. Though it requires expert cutting for perfect symmetry, a well-cut heart can be an unforgettable center stage piece.
Great for: Sentimental romantics or those who want a perfect shape that symbolizes their love story, quite literally.
Read More: 47 Of The Most Unique Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
Rare and Alternative Diamond Cuts
While the most popular cuts like round, oval, and princess remain timeless, there’s a growing love for alternative diamond shapes that feel just a little more personal.
Here are a few more cuts that deserve their moment in the spotlight:
Baguette Cut
The baguette cut features a slim, rectangular shape with step-cut facets, known for its clean, architectural look. While often used as side stones flanking a center stage diamond, baguettes also shine in minimalist designs on their own.
Great for: Modern brides who love sleek lines and understated elegance.
Trillion Cut (Trilliant)
With its sharp triangular silhouette and brilliant cut facets, the trillion cut (also called trilliant) brings drama and brightness in equal measure. It’s often seen as accent stones, but when placed in the center, it makes a confident, fashion-forward statement.
Great for: Those seeking a unique cut that’s both edgy and eye-catching.
Hexagon Cut
The hexagon cut is a six-sided shape that offers strong lines and a balanced, modern aesthetic. Often custom-cut from lab-grown diamonds or rough diamonds, it creates a bold, distinctive profile.
Great for: Brides drawn to symmetry, modern minimalism, and nontraditional styles.
Rose Cut
Dating back to the 16th century, the rose cut has a flat base and a domed top with triangular facets. It reflects a soft, subtle glow rather than sparkle, making it a favorite in antique and vintage-inspired settings.
Great for: Romantic souls who love classic style with historical charm.
Old Mine Cut: The Cushion’s Antique Cousin
efore modern technology, diamonds were hand-cut by candlelight, and the old mine cut is a perfect example. It has a squarish outline with a high crown and larger facets, often with a slightly off-center culet. It’s the predecessor to the cushion cut and has a softer, more organic feel.
Great for: Vintage lovers or those repurposing heirloom stones.
Old European Cut
The old European cut is the antique version of today’s round brilliant diamond, but with a smaller table, higher crown, and open culet. While it doesn’t have the intense sparkle of a modern round cut, it offers a warm, candlelit glow that’s rich in character.
Great for: Brides seeking a truly classic shape with old-world romance.
Kite Cut
With sharp angles and a pointed, diamond-shaped silhouette, the kite cut stands out from the crowd. It’s especially popular in modern designs and alternative engagement rings, often used with white gold or darker metals for a high-contrast look.
Great for: Artistic, bold brides who want a ring as unique as their story.
How to Choose the Right Cut for You
When it comes to selecting from the different types of diamond cuts, there’s no right or wrong. Only what fits your vision. Here are a few things to consider:
Your personal style: Do you love timeless elegance, vintage charm, or bold statements?
Carat weight: Some shapes (like marquise or oval) offer a larger appearance at the same weight.
Finger shape and hand size: Certain cuts can elongate or soften the hand.
Setting preferences: Some cuts pair better with halo settings, wedding bands, or minimalist solitaires.
Budget: Certain shapes hide inclusions better, allowing you to focus your budget on other aspects like size or clarity.
Concluding Thoughts: With so many different shapes, styles, and engagement ring cuts available, finding the perfect choice comes down to what makes you feel most like yourself. Whether you’re drawn to the most popular cuts like the round brilliant, or dreaming of a marquise cut or pear-shaped diamond, your ring should feel as personal and enduring as the love it represents.
