When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the perfect diamond cut. The cut of a diamond significantly impacts its brilliance, sparkle, and overall appearance. Each diamond cut has its own unique charm, and finding the right one for your engagement ring is crucial to achieving the look you want. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings, helping you understand their characteristics, pros, and cons.

1. Round Brilliant Cut
2. Best for: Classic and timeless elegance

The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular and timeless choice for engagement rings in Toronto. This cut is designed to maximize the diamond’s brilliance, with 58 facets that allow light to enter and reflect, creating the signature sparkle that diamonds are known for. Because of its symmetrical shape and sparkle, the round brilliant cut works with nearly any ring setting and is versatile enough to complement any style.

Pros:

Maximum brilliance and sparkle.

Works well with almost any setting.

Timeless and classic look.

Cons:

Generally more expensive due to the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting.

Less unique compared to some other cuts.

2. Princess Cut

Best for: Modern and contemporary styles

The princess cut is the second most popular diamond shape. This square or rectangular shape features sharp, angular corners and brilliant faceting, giving it an incredible sparkle. The princess cut is ideal for those who prefer a more contemporary, bold design while still enjoying the brilliance of a traditional round diamond.

Pros:

Excellent brilliance and sparkle.

The sharp edges and modern look are appealing.

Offers a larger surface area than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

Cons:

The sharp corners can be more prone to chipping, so it’s important to set the stone securely.

May require specific settings to protect the corners.

3. Cushion Cut

Best for: Vintage-inspired and romantic styles

The cushion cut is a classic diamond shape that combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. Sometimes referred to as a “pillow cut” due to its shape, the cushion cut offers a vintage-inspired charm with a soft and romantic look. It’s a perfect option for those seeking a diamond with an old-world feel, while still maintaining modern brilliance.

Pros:

Soft, romantic appearance.

Ideal for vintage-style settings or halo designs.

Excellent sparkle and fire due to its facets.

Cons:

May not have the same level of brilliance as round cuts due to its shape.

Slightly more expensive compared to other square cuts.

4. Emerald Cut

Best for: Elegant, sophisticated styles

The emerald cut is one of the more unique and elegant diamond cuts. It features a rectangular shape with beveled corners, and its large, flat facets produce a “hall of mirrors” effect, which showcases the clarity of the diamond rather than its sparkle. The emerald cut is an excellent choice for those who want a sleek, sophisticated design, and it pairs beautifully with Art Deco or vintage-inspired rings.

Pros:

Elegant and sophisticated.

Highlights diamond clarity.

Unique, vintage-inspired look.

Cons:

Less sparkle than brilliant-cut diamonds due to the step-cut facets.

Imperfections are more visible, so it’s important to choose a high-clarity diamond.

5. Oval Cut

Best for: A unique yet timeless design

The oval cut diamond is an elongated version of the round brilliant cut, offering the same brilliance and sparkle but with an elongated shape. The oval cut has become increasingly popular due to its ability to create the illusion of a larger diamond, making it a great choice for those seeking an eye-catching stone without paying for a larger carat weight. The oval shape is also flattering on the finger, creating the illusion of length.

Pros:

Elegant and timeless shape.

Appears larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.

Offers brilliance similar to a round cut.

Cons:

The elongated shape may not appeal to everyone.

Can show imperfections more clearly due to its shape.

6. Asscher Cut

Best for: Art Deco and vintage lovers

The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut but with a square shape. It’s known for its unique “step-cut” facets and an intricate, geometric look. Often associated with the Art Deco era, the Asscher cut has a vintage, yet timeless appeal. Its deep, square shape and brilliant facets give it a captivating, mesmerizing quality.

Pros:

Elegant and vintage-inspired.

Beautiful clarity and sparkle.

Geometric, Art Deco look that’s gaining popularity.

Cons:

More expensive due to the high-quality cut.

Less sparkle compared to round brilliant diamonds.

7. Radiant Cut

Best for: Bold, glamorous styles

The radiant cut combines the brilliance of the round cut with the elegance of the emerald cut. It features cropped corners and a rectangular or square shape, and its brilliant faceting ensures incredible sparkle and fire. The radiant cut is perfect for couples who want a bold, glamorous look with a lot of light return.

Pros:

Brilliant sparkle, even in larger stones.

Unique shape that stands out.

Works well with both square and rectangular shapes.

Cons:

Somewhat less well-known than other cuts, so it might not be as recognizable.

Imperfections may be more noticeable in larger stones.

8. Marquise Cut

Best for: Dramatic and vintage-inspired designs

The marquise cut is an elongated shape with pointed ends that resembles a football. It maximizes the carat weight, making it appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. The marquise cut is a great choice for those seeking a dramatic, bold design with a sense of vintage glamour.

Pros:

Elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger diamond.

Unique, eye-catching design.

Works well in vintage-inspired or halo settings.

Cons:

The pointed ends can be prone to damage, so a protective setting is essential.

May not be for those who prefer round or traditional shapes.

9. Pear Cut

Best for: Unique, elegant styles

The pear cut, also known as the teardrop shape, is a combination of the round and marquise cuts. It features a pointed end and a rounded bottom, creating a soft, elegant silhouette. The pear shape is perfect for those who want something unique yet timeless, and it can be set with the point facing up or down for different looks.

Pros:

Unique and elegant.

Elongates the finger, making it flattering to wear.

Works well in both solitaire and halo settings.

Cons:

The pointed end can be prone to damage, so it requires a secure setting.

Can appear slightly asymmetrical if not cut well.

Conclusion

The right diamond cut can make all the difference in the overall look and feel of your engagement ring. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a round brilliant cut, the modern sparkle of a princess cut, or the vintage charm of an emerald or Asscher cut, there’s a perfect cut for every taste and style. Take your time to explore each of these popular diamond cuts, considering how they reflect your personal preferences and how they pair with your desired ring setting. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the cut you choose resonates with you and your partner, making your engagement ring as special as the love it represents.