11 Engagement Ring Cuts and Their Unique Meaning

As worn by: Paris Hilton, Salma Hayek, Nicola Peltz-Beckham, and Elizabeth Hurley.

Want an unexpected shape that you rarely see in an engagement? Consider a trillion cut diamond. This triangle-shaped stone is not often a choice for a primary rock. Rather, this brilliant shape is often paired with another solitaire diamond for extra sparkle. Those who want an extra edge to their rock can choose this stone as their main gemstone.

Engagement Ring Cut FAQ

What’s the difference between cut and shape?

“The shape of a diamond refers to the physical outline of a diamond such as round, pear or oval,” explains Lorraine Brantner, GIA-certified gemologist and director of sales and service at James Allen. “In contrast, the cut refers to the overall angles, proportions, and faceting style of the diamond which directly affects how well the diamond sparkles. While shape is a matter of style and personal preference, cut directly impacts the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle by influencing how light interacts with the stone.”

Which cut sparkles the most?

When looking for more sparkle, take a look at stones with a brilliant cut. “Round brilliant diamonds tend to have the best balance between brilliance, fire, and scintillation due to their symmetrical shape. This cut has been extensively studied and refined, giving it consistently high-cut grade ratings,” says Brantner. “You can achieve beautiful sparkle with other shapes such as cushion and radiant where there are multiple ‘looks’ to choose from depending on how the diamond was cut.” She adds, “On the other hand, step cuts like emerald and Asscher feature parallel facets that create a more subtle, elegant play of light with less sparkle but more of an emphasis on clean lines, clarity and symmetry.”

How do I choose a cut for my finger shape?

Finger-flattering cuts all come down to your style and hand shape. “I recommend trying on various shapes to see what you are most attracted to,” advises Brantner. “If you have shorter fingers, you may find setting your diamond east-west suits you best, or if you have slender, longer fingers, you may want to go with an elongated shape such as pear, oval, or marquise.”

How to decide which cut I want?

“When choosing the cut of your diamond, consider the overall style you desire for your engagement ring. If you’re drawn to timeless elegance, classic cuts like round or emerald are great choices. For a more romantic, softer look, oval or cushion cuts offer a beautiful alternative to round. If you’re looking to make a bolder statement, consider more distinctive shapes like marquise or asscher as these cuts bring a unique character while still maintaining sophistication. Ultimately, it’s about finding a cut that reflects your personal taste and complements your lifestyle.

Which cut holds the best value?

Since different cuts can rise and fall as the trendy diamond of the moment, prices can change based on demand. “Round brilliant diamonds are the most traditional and timeless choice, so their value is not affected by fluctuations in popularity,” says Brantner.

What are the most popular engagement ring cuts?

“Round, emerald, princess, and cushion are popular shapes that have stood the test of time,” shares Brantner. “In recent years, we have seen pear, oval, radiant, and most recently marquise shapes have their shining moment!”