When choosing the perfect engagement ring, there’s so much more to consider than just its maximum sparkle! The shape of the diamond can convey a great deal about the person wearing it, with each cut offering its own special symbolism and style.
Whether you lean toward classic elegance or prefer something unique, the shape of your engagement ring design reflects your personality, personal style and taste, and sometimes even your love story. In this guide, we are going to look at the differences between cut and shape and explore the meanings behind some of the most popular choices and diamond shapes for engagement ring styles in 2024.
When shopping for a diamond engagement ring setting, you’ll often hear the terms 'cut' and 'shape' being used interchangeably, but something important to remember is that they refer to different aspects of the engagement ring stone. Understanding this difference can help you make a more informed decision for your choice of engagement ring.
Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and polished by a jeweler. It affects the center stone’s proportions, symmetry, and how well it reflects light ( known as the diamond’s brilliance). A well-cut central stone diamond sparkles more and looks more vibrant, regardless of its shape.
Shape refers to the physical form of the diamond, such as round diamond, oval diamond, or princess diamond. The distinct shape is often one of the first choices to make when selecting a diamond ring, as it dictates the overall style and look of the piece of jewelry. Different shapes appeal to different personalities and aesthetics, and each shape has its own unique meaning and symbolism.
Now that you know more about the difference between cut and shape, it is time to dive into the most popular styles of engagement ring shapes for 2024, along with their meanings.
Each engagement ring shape offers its own classic style and symbolism, but here are the five shapes that are trending in 2024 and what they might say about the person who wears them. Whether you are looking to replicate the rings chosen for/by Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr, Blake Lively, Jessica Biel, Megan Fox, Victoria Beckham, or someone else, we've got you covered! Some classic shapes reach iconic status, such as the diamond halo engagement ring presented by Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, now worn by Katherine, Princess of Wales.
The round cut diamond is the most iconic and popular diamond shape for engagement rings, thanks to its timeless elegance and ability to reflect the most light and maximize brilliance. Its perfectly circular shape and form offer timeless elegance and unmatched sparkle.
The round shape symbolizes eternity, unity, and everlasting love, as the continuous circle has no beginning or end. Those who choose a round single diamond often value tradition and classic beauty, preferring something that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect choice for someone who appreciates simplicity with a touch of refined modern elegance.
The princess-cut diamond features sharp, square, or rectangular corners, giving it a clean and modern look while still offering excellent light reflection. Second only to the round cut in brilliance, this shape offers a contemporary take on a classic sparkle and is favored by many diamond experts.
The princess cut center diamond symbolizes strength, independence, and boldness. Its angular design appeals to those who are confident and enjoy a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics.
Choosing this shape suggests a balance between timeless beauty and a desire to stand out, perfect for someone who embraces modern trends with a touch of glamour.
With its soft, rounded corners and square or rectangular shape, the cushion-cut diamond has a square-pillow-like appearance that evokes warmth and romance. Its vintage feel and gentle curves create a sense of nostalgia while still offering plenty of brilliance.
The cushion diamond engagement ring (along with the elongated cushion) is known for symbolizing comfort, compassion, and love, making it ideal for those who appreciate both classic elegance and modern romance.
Often chosen by sentimental souls, this cut reflects a gentle, caring nature and a love of old-world charm and vintage style with a contemporary twist.
The oval diamond shape combines the brilliance of a round cut with a more elongated form, creating a sophisticated and elegant look that also makes fingers appear longer. Its oval silhouette offers a fresh, unique twist on the traditional round diamond, giving it an updated yet timeless feel.
Symbolically, the oval diamond engagement ring represents individuality, creativity, and elegance.
It’s often chosen by those who appreciate tradition but want something just a little different, reflecting a balance between the classic beauty of brilliant diamonds and a desire for something unique and personal.
The pear-shaped diamond, also known as the teardrop shape, features a round end that tapers into a point, creating a striking and feminine silhouette. This combination of curves and angles gives it a timeless style and dramatic flair that stands out among more traditional cuts.
The elongated pear shape symbolizes elegance, individuality, and boldness, with a touch of femininity.
Often chosen by those who love to make a statement with a larger diamond, this shape reflects a person who is both sentimental and fashion-forward, unafraid to wear something as unique as their personality.
Beyond the top five trending shapes, there are many other diamond cuts that offer just as much beauty and significance, with plenty of sparkle. Take a look at some more popular options in the 20th century and 21st century, and the unique meanings they hold.
The emerald-cut diamond is characterized by its long, rectangular shape and step-cut facets, which create a 'hall of mirrors' effect. This sleek, structured emerald shape emphasizes the diamond’s clarity over its sparkle, offering a more understated, sophisticated look.
The emerald diamond cut symbolizes clarity, strength, and self-assuredness.
An emerald engagement ring is perfect for someone who values subtle elegance and isn’t drawn to flashy, sparkling styles but prefers a more composed and poised appearance.
Shaped like a traditional heart, the heart-shaped diamond is a symbol of pure love and romance. It’s a bold, distinctive choice that stands out from more conventional shapes, making it perfect for someone who wears their emotions on their sleeve.
The heart-shaped engagement ring shape symbolizes passion, deep affection, and romance, ideal for those who want their engagement ring to be a true reflection of their feelings.
It’s often chosen by sentimental individuals who want to express the depth of their love in the most literal way.
The marquise diamond cut features an elongated shape with pointed ends, giving it a dramatic and regal appearance. This shape maximizes the perceived size of the diamond, making it look larger than it actually is.
A marquise cut stone symbolizes ambition, grandeur, and confidence, perfect for someone who wants a ring that exudes luxury and makes a bold statement.
Its distinctive form is often chosen by those who appreciate a bit of drama and opulence in their jewelry.
The Asscher cut diamond, similar to the emerald cut, has a square shape with deep step cuts that give it a distinctly vintage engagement ring look. Its Art Deco appeal makes it a favorite among those who appreciate old-world glamour.
The Asscher cut symbolizes elegance, glamour, and a love of history.
It’s often chosen by those who are drawn to vintage aesthetics and want a ring that feels both timeless and fashionable, blending the past with modern luxury. Perfect for a slender finger and larger facets.
The radiant shape combines the brilliance of a round diamond with the simple design structure of a square or rectangular shape. Its multiple brilliant facets make it incredibly sparkly and eye-catching.
The radiant cut symbolizes vibrancy, energy, and an outgoing personality.
It’s perfect for someone who loves attention and isn’t afraid to stand out. This cut is often chosen by those who want the best of both worlds, brilliance, and structure, reflecting a bold, vibrant spirit.
At 1800 Loose Diamonds, we believe we have made choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring as easy a process as possible. We sell a huge range of classic and modern rings which you can finish a loose diamond of your choice - this might be a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond. If you prefer, you can take advantage of our customer design service to produce your bespoke vision of the perfect ring.
