Croft & Stern Jewelry Designs

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How to Choose Your Diamond Shape

Choosing an engagement ring marks a significant step, and one of the initial decisions to make is selecting the diamond shape that resonates with you. However, if you're unsure about the right diamond shape for you, this process can feel overwhelming. The good news is, the array of diamond shapes available offers something for everyone's preferences.

We have created this chart for the top most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings. While there are many, many more shapes - these are the most common.

FACT: Keep in mind that a “carat” is a unit of weight not a distance. To measure distance, we use millimeters.

FACT: Did you know that although weighted in carats, different gemstones (i.e. sapphire, topaz, garnet, etc.) have different densities? This means that each gem verity will visually look a different size even though they may weigh the same on a scale. This is why we measure length x width x height in millimeters!


Classic and Traditional:

Round Brilliant Cut: Renowned for its timeless appeal and symmetrical design, the round brilliant cut diamond is always the most popular shape. When Ideal/Excellent cut, it exhibits unparalleled brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Oval Shape: Resembling an elongated version of the round brilliant cut, oval diamonds boast perfect symmetry and are particularly suitable for smaller hands or shorter fingers, offering a visually elongating effect. Ovals are the second most popular diamond shape to round brilliants.

Princess Cut: With its well-defined corners and square design, the princess cut is an ideal choice for those who prefer a modern, angular and uncomplicated style.


Vintage Styled:

Marquise Shape: Unique for its elongated shape with pointed ends, marquise diamonds are well-suited for smaller hands or shorter fingers. Coming in and out of style over the last century, the marquise is a diamond shape that evokes a vintage feel. Those who wear this shape are typically marquise shape enthusiasts.

Cushion Shape: A blend of modern and vintage styles, cushion cut diamonds are a soft square. These diamonds are typically square in shape with rounded corners and gently curved edges. Due to their rounded nature, this shape is best set with double prongs in each corner.

Emerald cut: Infusing old-world charm with modern elegance, emerald cuts, fashioned with parallel, step-like facets, exude sophistication, and suit longer fingers exceptionally well. Consider increasing the size at least 0.25ct more than your goal to achieve the same look.


Boutique Shapes:

Pear Shape: Combining features of both oval and marquise shapes, pear diamonds offer incredible brilliance and the look of a sizable diamond. We consider this gem to be a “boutique” shape - due to it’s asymmetry, the pear has never been the #1 popular shape, however there is a strong following of pear shape collectors.

(Royal) Asscher Cut: Characterized by a square shape and step-like facets, Asscher diamonds evoke an art deco feel and appeal to those desiring a vintage yet distinctive shape.

Radiant Shape: Marrying the emerald shape with a brilliant cut facet pattern, the radiant is a combination of elegance and sparkle. Often with cut corners, this diamond is best set with wide prongs, double prongs, semi-bezel or bezel.

Trillion/Trilliant: A trilliant is a triangle with straight edges, and a trillion is a triangle with curved edges. These gems are newer diamond shapes, originating in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

It's our pleasure to assist you on this meaningful journey of finding your perfect engagement ring. Thank you for choosing us as your guide to the perfect diamond!