There are so many shapes to choose from when shopping for the right engagement ring center. Don’t be restrained by not knowing your options. Shape, not to be confused with cut (which you can read more about here), is the final form your diamond will be. Here’s a short guide on basic diamond shapes and options.

 

• Round: The Brilliant Round is by far the most popular diamond shape. Versatility puts it at the top of the list. It can look sleek and modern in a minimal setting or chic and elegant on a more intricate design. It is also flattering across the board.

• Oval: An elongated version of the brilliant round, the oval shape is perfect for girls with shorter fingers. It looks great with side stones and makes a statement as a solitaire.

• Marquise: The marquise is an elongated oval shape with pointed ends. This is a dramatic diamond; its unique shape is opulent and aptly named after the Marquise de Pompadour. Because of its shape the diamond may actually appear larger than it is and is perfect for wide fingers.

• Pear: The pear shaped diamond is a cross between the marquise and oval. Resembling a glistening teardrop this diamond is great for average or long hand and can elongate short fingers.

• Heart: A whimsical choice, although not often use for engagement rings, despite it being the universal symbol of love. A challenging shape to create, the skill of the diamond cutter is tantamount to forming this shape and giving it ultimate sparkle. Like the pear it can be more elongated at the point or wider, so it can be flattering for varying hands depending on the ultimate shape.

• Princess: The princess second in popularity only to the round offering almost as much brilliance and sparkle. It’s also fairly new to the diamond game, having been introduced in the send half of the 20^th century, this ring is great in modern setting but has the same classic effect of other square shaped diamonds in traditional mounting. Universally flattering to all hand shapes.

• Emerald: A classic rectangular shape with clipped corners, while not as popular for diamonds as other shapes still evokes old world charm. Most flattering for slender elongated fingers.

• Radiant: This shape has the brilliance of a round but the shape of an emerald with more faucets than a princess. Yet not one of the most popular shapes despite its versatility in flattering many hand shapes.

• Asscher: Created in 1902, and popularized in the 1920s and 30s this square shape with deep cut clipped corners have a dramatic art deco feel with antique appeal. But it is suggested that when selecting this shape clarity be of the highest grade since it can make imperfections more obvious.

• Cushion: Otherwise known as a pillow shape has a vintage feel. The soft and rounded rectangular shape is flattering on most hands.

With square cuts of course it is important to compare proportions and orientations of the diamond selected.

There are many opinions on which diamond shape best matches your hand and finger shape as well as personality, but ultimately the most important opinion is your own, fall in love with your diamond.

For more on shape and personality: The Knot and Ebay Shopping Guide