So you’re thinking about proposing to the love of your life, but when it comes to diamonds, you’re a little… lost. After all, there are so many types of diamond engagement rings to choose from! The amount of diamond cuts alone can be overwhelming, and you’re left wondering, “Just what is the best cut for diamond engagement rings?”
In this blog, we’ll give you some quick facts about the 12 most popular cuts of diamond for engagement rings and some pros and cons of each.
Round Cut
The round cut is perfect for a bride who loves a classic, timeless shape.
PROS
- 58 strategically places facet cuts maximizes the diamond’s fire
- Works well in solitaires and multiple stone settings
- Flattering on most finger types
CONS
- One of the most expensive cuts
Princess Cut
The Princess Cut lends a more modern, geometrical look.
PROS
- Less expensive cut of diamond due to the fact that the shape makes good use of the rough diamond
- The most brilliant of the “fancy” shapes
- Hides inclusions and flaws well
CONS
- Requires more of a protective setting due to its shape—makes it susceptible to corner chipping or falling out of its setting
Emerald Cut
Emerald Cut diamonds are great for someone who loves a vintage or Art Deco aesthetic.
PROS
- Large table and long facets are designed for clarity, dramatically catching the light
- Its 8 edged cut and beveled corners make it a durable shape
- One of the more affordable diamond cuts
CONS
- Doesn’t hide flaws or inclusions as well, so you have to purchase a high-quality, colorless diamond
- Not as flashy or sparkly as other cuts
Oval Cut
An Oval Cut diamond can have as many facets as a round-cut stone, which gives it lots of sparkle potential.
PROS
- Great choice for a sparkly ring with more of a unique shape than a Round Cut
- Great for short fingers
- Usually a very affordable cut of diamond
- Cut well for durability—no edges means no snagging
CONS
- If not cut perfectly, Oval Cut diamonds can show the “bow-tie effect” quite clearly
- Not a forgiving cut; can show off flaws and inclusions
Baguette Cut
The Baguette Cut is another Art Deco-inspired cut with a long, rectangular shape and 14 facets. Baguette Cut diamonds are usually used as accent pieces, but do make a lovely, minimalistic centerpiece diamond.
PROS
- One of the more affordable cuts of diamond
- Unique shape
CONS
- Fewer facets means less internal brilliance
- Quality and clarity are important because of the lack of internal brilliance
- Its shape makes it more prone to chipping and other damage
Pear Cut
Pear Cut diamonds are unique and great for someone with a vintage style.
PROS
- Appear bigger than they are due to the way they’re cut
- Elongates the finger and makes it look slimmer
- One of the more affordable diamond choices
CONS
- Pear Cut diamonds require precise cutting for maximum fire and brilliance
- Pear Cut tends to show flaws and inclusions—choose a high-quality diamond
- The point of the Pear Cut is prone to damage. Pear Cut diamonds work best in a bezel or half-v setting
Marquise Cut
The Marquise Cut features a distinct silhouette with curved sides and pointed ends—perfect for someone wanting something more refined and classy.
PROS
- Its narrow shape creates the illusion of a larger size
- It’s also one of the more sparkly, brilliant diamond cuts
- Its shape is ideal for elongating short fingers
- Marquise Cut tends to hides flaws and inclusions well
CONS
- A delicate cut that needs a protective setting
- Can show the “bow-tie effect” if not cut well
Heart Cut
The Heart Cut isn’t overly popular, but it’s perfect for hopeless romantics and anyone wanting something unique.
PROS
- A unique shape that represents the symbol of love
- Is eye-catching as a solitaire but works well as an accent shape
CONS
- This is a challenging cut, so it needs an expert to pull it off perfectly
- Due to its shape, you’ll have to choose a diamond with no color and high clarity—it might be more expensive
- May be seen as a “trendy” or stylized cut
Radiant Cut
The Radiant Cut is, well, radiant. Its unique, deep-cut facets result in big, light-catching sparkle.
PROS
- The way its cut makes it one of the more durable cuts of diamond
- A forgiving cut that tends to hide flaws and inclusions
- It’s super sparkly!
CONS
- Its deep cuts tend to make the diamond look smaller than it is
- The Radiant Cut is one of the more rare cuts of diamond, making it hard to find
Cushion Cut
If you’re looking for brilliance, the Cushion Cut is a great choice due to a whopping 58 facets! It has a less intense sparkle and is great for anyone wanting a vintage look.
PROS
- Two choices with this cut—antique and modern
- No sharp edges, making it more durable than diamond cuts with pointed edges
- The facets make this a great cut choice for non-diamond engagement rings
CONS
- Large facets don’t hide flaws and inclusions as well—purchase a high-quality diamond for Cushion Cut
Trillion
Is this our favorite because it rhymes with “Zillion?” Maybe, what’s it to ya? These are truly unique diamond shapes—they’re triangular with either rounded or pointed edges.
PROS
- Due to its shape, it looks larger than it is
- Unique, eye-catching shape
CONS
- Trillion Cut diamonds are difficult to set and prone to chipping
- Since they have a shallow cut, they show flaws more easily and require cleaning more often
Asscher
You can thank Carrie Bradshaw for the rise in popularity of this diamond cut. It features an octagonal shape w/ 58 large step facets.
PROS
- Versatile cut that looks great in most settings
- Unique shape with lots of sparkle and radiance
- No sharp edges; not prone to chipping
CONS
- Tends to show blemishes, so make sure you’re investing in a high quality diamond with high clarity
No matter what cut of diamond you end up with, the most important thing to remember is to make sure it’s protected! A jewelry insurance policy from Zillion will ensure that your diamond engagement ring is covered in the event of theft, accidental damage, loss, or natural disasters. With a jewelry insurance policy from Zillion, you do more than just wear your jewelry—you wear it with confidence!
