You could argue that deciding on the most important of the four Cs is subjective and a matter of personal choice. Maybe you want a large diamond (carat) or a particular color. However, the majority of people agree that cut is the most important — but why?
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Diamonds are revered htmlFor their sparkle; the way the light bounces off the stone and glistens in the light. This is all down to the cut. With a good, very good or excellent cut grade the angles inside the diamond will reflect the light within it and then back out. What’s more, a poor cut can inhibit an otherwise excellent clarity and color.
The cut doesn’t refer to the shape but the proportions, polish and symmetry. While differences in carat, color and clarity have a relatively limited impact on the apparent quality of a diamond, lower quality cuts can significantly reduce its brilliance.
There are 4 major elements of the cut that will determine a diamond’s sparkle: polish, symmetry. depth percentage and table percentage. The polish and symmetry can have two different grades on the certificate, htmlFor example you might have polish graded as ‘good’ and symmetry graded as “excellent”. The Ideal depth and table percentage is different htmlFor each shape.
Of course, you’re probably not working with an unlimited budget, in which case you’re going to have to compromise on certain elements of the diamond. For example, with lower cut quality carat weight is maximized over other proportional factors.
Exploring your options for engagement ring shapes and deciding which one is right for you is a fun but important part of the buying process. Choosing engagement ring shapes is the first step in our engagement ring buying guide. From the enchanting mirror effect of emerald cuts to the dazzling sparkle of a classic round cut diamond, each shape offers something unique. Understand the differences between engagement ring shapes with this simple guide.
Queensmith offers the entire collection of these shapes, tailored to reflect personal style and elegance. You can also request other, rarer shapes such as a coffin cut or kite shape, and versatile shapes that make wonderful side stones on trilogy rings, such as cadillacs and trapezoids. Explore our full range of engagement rings to find the perfect shape for your special moment.
Choosing the perfect engagement ring shape is a deeply personal decision that reflects not only your individual style but a unique meaning behind each cut. So let’s explore the exclusive meanings of ten common engagement ring shapes, helping you to find the symbol that resonates with and reflects your relationship’s journey.
Celebrities who decided on an emerald cut diamond for their engagement ring include Beyoncé, Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Bell and Anne Hathaway. Oscar-winning actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, was also known for her iconic 10.48 carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring.
Asscher cut engagement rings is renowned for its distinctive square shape with cropped corners and step-like facets, creating a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. Originally developed in the early 20th century, this vintage-inspired cut offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. Its deep pavilion and high crown enhance the diamond's clarity and brilliance, making it a stunning choice for those seeking a timeless and eye-catching design.
The Asscher cut is perfect for those who appreciate Art Deco aesthetics and a ring that stands out with its architectural beauty. Several celebrities have chosen this distinctive cut, among them are Elizabeth Hurley, Zooey Deschanel, Nicky Hilton, Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pippa Middleton.
Some celebrities who’ve chosen the bold marquise cut diamond for their engagement ring include Portia de Rossi, Victoria Beckham, Ashlee Simpson Ross and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Jacqueline Kennedy also had a near-flawless 40.42 carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring, though she only ever wore it twice.
The most popular engagement ring shape in 2024 was the round cut, and it has remained the most popular shape for several decades – however, shapes like ovals and emeralds were increasingly approaching the top spot. Known for its timeless elegance and unmatched brilliance, the round cut diamond continues to be the preferred choice for many couples.
This classic shape's popularity stems from its ability to maximise light reflection, creating unparalleled sparkle. Its versatile design suits various settings and styles, making it an enduring favourite. The round cut's symmetry and brilliance not only symbolise everlasting love but also offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to a wide range of tastes. At Queensmith, our round cut engagement rings are crafted to the highest standards, ensuring each piece is a true reflection of your unique love story.
As predicted by our experts, solitaire engagement rings continued to dominate as the top choice for 2024 with shapes like round, oval and emerald cut gaining significant popularity. Comprising 47% of Queensmith's sales in 2024, the solitaire style has proven its timeless elegance. The rise in popularity can be attributed in part to the growing accessibility of lab grown diamonds which accounted for around 80% of all Queensmith’s diamond sales in 2024.
Choosing the right engagement ring shape for your partner is a meaningful and personal decision. Each shape has its unique characteristics and symbolism, reflecting different styles and personalities. This is how to select the perfect engagement ring shape that aligns with your partner’s preferences and captures the essence of your relationship.
Different diamond shapes come at varying price points. When considering the size of a one carat diamond, it’s important to realise that size in millimetres often differs depending on the cut. For example, a round 1 carat diamond size is usually around 6.34mm, while a cushion diamond is slightly narrower at 5.7mm.
These will make some differences in terms of the price, so it's essential to consider this when setting a budget for your engagement ring. If you want to understand more about the diamond carats and differences in cut size, we have a guide about one carat diamond rings.
The meaning of the ring will be impacted by the meaning of each shape cut. When choosing a ring, consider your partner’s preferences, style and characteristics. Additionally, the ring setting and metal type play a significant role in the overall look and feel of the ring. For more information, explore our Engagement Ring Style Guide and Engagement Ring Metal Guide.
Engagement Diamond RingChoosing the right engagement ring shape involves more than just personal style; it’s also important to consider how the ring will look on your partner’s finger. The shape of their fingers can influence which diamond cuts will appear most flattering.
For small or short fingers, elongated shapes such as oval, pear or marquise can create the illusion of length and make fingers appear longer and more slender. These shapes draw the eye along the length of the finger, adding elegance and balance.
For large or full fingers, choosing a ring shape that doesn't add extra width is key. Shapes like pear, oval and marquise are ideal as they help elongate the appearance of the finger. Opt for a setting that sits low on the finger to create a more flattering look.
Selecting the ideal diamond shape for your engagement ring is an important step in creating a piece that truly reflects your partner's style and personality. At Queensmith, our diamond and design experts are here to guide you through every step, from understanding the 4Cs of diamonds – carat, colour, cut and clarity – to designing a bespoke engagement ring that suits their hands perfectly. Whether you prefer a classic round cut or a unique pear shape, we’ll help you craft the ring of your dreams.
Discovering the perfect engagement ring is a journey made easier with Queensmith. Our extensive collection of loose diamonds, complete with real 360 videos and advanced filtering options, allows you to explore various shapes, sizes and colours to suit your style. For a budget-friendly and more sustainable choice, consider our stunning lab grown engagement rings. While diamonds are a popular choice, Coloured Gemstones, like sapphires or green emeralds, offer a unique appearance to traditional shapes. Start your search today and find a ring that's truly special.
Queensmith (Group) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is the broker and not the lender. Our FCA registration number is 951237. Queensmith (Group) Ltd offers credit products from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance. Credit is provided subject to affordability, age and status. Minimum spend applies. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the 1940s, the 4 C's — cut, color, clarity, and carat — serve as the universal standard for assessing diamond quality. Each C represents a distinct quality attribute, measured on its own scale:
Cut determines how effectively a diamond's facets interact with light, creating the gem’s signature brilliance and sparkle. Unlike other diamond characteristics that form during the growth process, cut quality results from the diamond cutter's skill and precision. A masterfully cut diamond reflects optimal brilliance, disperses vivid fire-like colors, and creates dynamic sparkle patterns when moved (this is called scintillation).
The GIA grades diamond cut from Excellent to Poor based on proportions that maximize light performance. An Excellent cut diamond returns nearly all light that enters the gem, resulting in exceptional sparkle and visual impact. In contrast, a Poor cut allows light to escape through the pavilion (bottom), resulting in a dull appearance regardless of the diamond's other qualities.
Diamond color refers to the absence of color, with completely colorless diamonds being the most valuable and rare. The GIA color grading scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z, with each letter grade representing a subtle increase in color saturation. Diamonds that fall outside this range — such as vivid pinks or blues — are classified as "fancy colored" and are evaluated differently.
Clarity measures how free a diamond is from inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (surface flaws). The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless to Included. Most diamonds fall somewhere in between, with inclusions that are microscopic and don't impact their beauty.
The impact of inclusions varies dramatically depending on their size, number, and position. The location of an inclusion matters as much as its size — an inclusion directly under the table (top facet) affects appearance more than one hidden near the girdle (edge). This makes each diamond's clarity assessment nuanced and highlights the value of viewing diamonds individually rather than relying solely on certification
Carat is a measurement unit that describes a diamond's weight, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams (roughly the weight of a paperclip). It's important to understand that two diamonds of identical carat weight can appear noticeably different in size depending on their shape and cut. A well-cut diamond maximizes surface area and light performance, often appearing larger than a poorly cut gem of equal weight.
Shape refers to a diamond's outline when viewed from above and should not be confused with cut, which describes the gem's facet arrangement. The most popular shape remains the round brilliant, and any non-round shape (such as emerald, marquise, oval, or princess) is considered a "fancy shape."
When evaluating size, consider actual millimeter measurements rather than relying solely on carat weight. A standard 1-carat round brilliant typically measures about 6.5mm in diameter, while a well-cut oval or marquise of the same weight may appear larger due to their elongated shape and greater spread.
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth under extreme conditions of heat and pressure over billions of years. They are comprised of nearly 99.95% carbon — making diamonds the only gemstone constructed of a single element. They are the hardest naturally occurring materials found on Earth and gem-quality diamonds are one of the most sought-after. Because of their limited quantity, natural diamonds have been cherished for their enduring value and passed from generation to generation.
