A Guide to Choosing Diamond Shapes: Value for Money in Engagement Rings
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, the diamond is undoubtedly the star of the show. While the 4 Cs (cut, carat, color, and clarity) play pivotal roles in determining a diamond’s quality, one aspect that often steals the spotlight is the diamond’s shape. The shape of the diamond not only influences its appearance but also impacts the cost value
including the rarity of the shape, how efficiently it’s cut from the rough diamond, and its overall popularity. Let’s dive into the world of diamond shapes for engagement rings and explore the options that can make your proposal truly special.
- Round Brilliant : The Classic Choice
If you’re aiming for timeless elegance, the round brilliant is the way to go. Known for its unparalleled brilliance and ability to maximize light reflection, this shape is a symbol of enduring love. The round diamond is a classic choice that complements almost any style of engagement ring, making it an evergreen favorite among couples.
Value for Money: Round diamonds are a popular choice, which means there’s a high demand for them. This can lead to slightly higher prices compared to other shapes. However, they are also cut to maximize brilliance, so you get excellent sparkle for your investment.
Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
- Princess: Modern Elegance
The princess diamond is characterized by its square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. This shape combines modern aesthetics with timeless elegance. It’s known for its sharp, clean lines and dazzling sparkle, making it a popular choice for those who want a contemporary yet sophisticated look.
Value for Money: Princess diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds due to the way they are cut, which minimizes diamond wastage. You get a modern and elegant look with good value for money.
Princess Diamond Engagement Ring
- Emerald : The Hallmark of Sophistication
If you’re looking for a diamond shape that exudes sophistication and vintage charm, the emerald is a top contender. Known for its step-cut facets, this elongated rectangular shape offers a unique look that showcases the diamond’s clarity and elegance.
Value for Money: Emerald diamonds can offer good value for money, as they tend to be less expensive than round or princess cut diamonds. Their step-cut facets make the diamond’s inclusions more visible, which can help you get a larger diamond for your budget.
Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
- Asscher : The Art Deco Darling
The Asscher shaped diamond is a close cousin to the emerald but features a square shape. With its cropped corners and step-cut facets, it has a distinct Art Deco flair. This shape is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of vintage and modern design in their engagement ring.
Value for Money: Asscher diamonds, while resembling emerald diamonds, can also offer good value for money. They have a unique, vintage look, and their facets can enhance the clarity of the stone.
Asscher Diamond Engagement Ring
- Oval : Elegance with a Twist
The oval-shaped diamond is a versatile choice that combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a touch of uniqueness. It creates an illusion of length, making the finger appear more slender. This shape is ideal for those who seek an elegant and elongated look.
Value for Money: Oval diamonds are often a more budget-friendly alternative to round diamonds. They provide an elegant and elongated look with the largest table surface or any shape in the same carat weight, making them a good choice for those seeking value and a unique appearance.
Oval Diamond Engagement Ring
- Pear: A Romantic Teardrop
The pear-shaped diamond, also known as the teardrop, is a symbol of romance and individuality. It’s a combination of the round and marquise cuts, offering a unique and elegant shape that makes the wearer’s hand stand out.
Value for Money: Pear-shaped diamonds can offer decent value. Their unique shape can make them appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight, similar to the oval cut, making them a good option for those who want a standout diamond on a budget.
Pear Diamond Engagement Ring
- Marquise: A Timeless Statement
The marquise diamond is shaped like an elongated football, featuring pointed ends. This shape has been a favorite among royalty and celebrities for centuries and is known for making the fingers appear longer and more slender.
Value for Money: Marquise shaped diamonds tend to offer good value for money, as their shape allows for maximizing carat weight. They make the fingers appear longer and more slender, adding to their appeal.
Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
- Heart : A Sentimental Choice
The heart-shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of love. It’s a unique and romantic choice that is perfect for those who want to express their love in the most heartfelt way. This shape can make a profound statement of commitment and affection.
Value for Money: Heart-shaped diamonds can offer good value, especially if you appreciate their sentimental significance. Due to their uniqueness, they may be priced more attractively than classic round diamonds. It is a rare shape to colour, clarity and carat wights may be limited.
Heart Diamond Engagement Ring
- Radiant: The Perfect Blend
The radiant diamond combines the elegance of the emerald with the sparkle of a round brilliant cut. It’s a versatile shape that offers a dazzling display of brilliance and is an excellent choice for those who want a balance between classic and contemporary styles.
Value for Money: Radiant diamonds offer a blend of elegance and sparkle. While they are typically less expensive than round diamonds, they still provide a brilliant appearance and a good balance of value.
Radiant Diamond Engagement Ring
- Cushion: Soft and Romantic
The cushion diamond is known for its soft, rounded corners and larger facets that enhance its sparkle. It exudes a sense of vintage charm and is perfect for those who appreciate a romantic and timeless look.
Value for Money: Cushion diamonds can be a great value for money. Their rounded corners and larger facets enhance sparkle and offer a vintage, romantic look without the high price tag of round diamonds. But due to the shape of the stone a lot of the weight is held in the belly ( below the table) of the stone so it may appear visually smaller that another cut in the same carat size.
Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
In the end, the choice of diamond shape for an engagement ring is deeply personal and should reflect the recipient’s style and your love story. Each shape carries its own unique charm, and the ideal one for your engagement ring will depend on your preferences, budget, and the design of the ring itself. No matter which shape you choose, the most important thing is the love and commitment that it represents, making your engagement ring a symbol of your enduring love and shared future.
