Our Guide to Engagement Ring Diamond Shapes
It’s the time of year where romance and magic fill the air. If you’re dreaming of a winter engagement, then you’re probably ready to find the perfect engagement ring. However, finding the perfect engagement ring can be a challenging task if you don’t know what to look for.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring, visit our store in the Thornebrook Village Shopping Center in Gainesville, FL. Brittany’s Fine Jewelry has been Gainesville’s most trusted jewelry for over 30 years. Unlike other name brand stores, Brittany’s team of jewelry experts are certified by the GIA, and have the knowledge, skills, and caring customer service to help you find the perfect ring. We’re here to help with every step of the process, from choosing a ring to the final “Yes!”
Engagement Ring Diamond Shapes
The shape of a diamond in an engagement ring is a more important choice than you might think. Some diamond cuts are more resilient to wear and tear, while others offer more light refraction. It all depends on what you and your loved one are looking for.
Round Cut Diamonds – The Classic Choice
The round cut diamond is by far the most popular shape tughout the worldwide market today. In fact, it accounts for more than 70% of the total volume of diamonds sold! Due to its symmetrically balanced shape, the level of light performance displayed by modern round brilliant cuts surpasses any other cuts of diamonds.
It is no coincidence that the round brilliant cut is the default choice for couples who are selecting an engagement ring or an anniversary gift. Also, its versatility and ability to complement various kinds of settings makes them the “poster child” of diamond jewelry.
Princess Cut Diamonds – Regal Popularity
The princess cut diamond might have not won the “war” with the round cuts, but it has definitely won the battle. If we consider every possible jewelry application like earrings or necklaces, princess cuts might not be a top choice. However, when it comes to engagement rings, it is without a doubt one of the most sought-after choices after the round cut.
Did you know that the princess cut was created as a simple and elegant engineering solution back in the 1960s? Not only was it able to make better use of the rough stone, but it also offered consumers an alternative shape with a similar brilliance of a round diamond.
Due to its quadrilateral nature, princess cuts have sharp ends which do require some extra care. For that reason, you should always opt for a setting that provides adequate protection to the vulnerable edges.
Emerald Cut Diamonds – The Sophisticated Choice
The emerald cut diamond was originally developed for – as the name suggests – emeralds. However, the cutting style was so successful with emeralds that it was soon picked up by diamond cutters.
Thanks to appearances in well-known TV shows and engagement rings of celebrities like Kate Hudson, the emerald cut gained significant popularity in recent years.
Unlike the round diamonds, emerald cuts employ a step-cutting process which results in a different scintillation pattern similar to a hall-of-mirrors effect. They also have huge table facets which show off a diamond’s clarity and color.
Cushion Cut Diamonds – Timeless Yet Contemporary
In the US market, the cushion cut is making waves in the jewelry industry. For some reason, there is a recent surge of interest in this shape and jewelers are seeing an increasing demand for them.
Among all the shapes, cushion cuts have the largest amount of variations in their cutting style and can be broadly classified as modern or antique based on its faceting structure. Modern cushions tend to exhibit a “crushed ice” appearance while the antique styled cushions exhibit “broad fire” types of scintillation.
Whichever look you prefer, do note that cushions are not made equally and cut quality can differ greatly from one stone to another.
Find the Perfect Engagement Ring Diamond Shape at Brittany’s!
We hope this short guide offered some insight about what diamond shape would be the best for your engagement ring. Whatever you decide, Brittany’s Fine Jewelry is here to help you find the perfect diamond for that special ring. Visit our store or leave us a message and we would be happy to help answer any questions!