When shopping for engagement rings for women, you must consider the 4Cs of gemstones — clarity, color, carat, and cut. The cut refers to the gem’s angle and proportion qualities. As there are different cut types of engagement rings, you must carefully choose which will suit your would-be financé best.
This article serves as your ultimate guide for engagement ring cuts.
The Pros And Cons Of Different Engagement Ring Cuts
Engagement rings for women come in different gemstone shapes. And we totally understand if you’re having a hard time choosing the right one.
Below is a list of the most common cuts — along with their pros and cons and engagement ring cuts meaning.
1. Round Cut
Round diamond cuts are the most common in the market, taking up about 75% of all diamond engagement rings sold. With nearly 60 facets, it boasts the best brilliance among other cuts, reflecting the maximum amount of light.
Because of its traditional look, it’s best suited for a bride-to-be whose preference is a timeless style. Someone who dons a round cut ring is perceived as honest and untroubled.
Pros:
- It has a classic appeal
- It has the most sparkle
- It can hide flaws and mask color better
Con:
- Considered one of the most expensive ring cuts
2. Oval Cut
Oval cut engagement rings offer a sheen similar to round diamond cuts. So if you want a ring with excellent brilliance but uniquely shaped, this is a great option. Compared with other cuts with the same carat (weight of the gemstone), these rings also appear larger.
Is your significant other someone who loves both classics and modern trends? This cut offers the perfect balance you’re looking for.
Pros:
- It has similar brilliance to round cut rings
- It has an elongating effect that makes the finger look more slender
Con:
- It has a bow-tie effect (its center looks like a bow tie)
3. Princess Cut
Make your would-be fiancé feel like a princess with this ring cut that marries the round’s sparkle and the square’s pointy edges. Its four beveled sides give it a contemporary appeal, making it distinct from its peers.
It’s perfect for someone with a penchant for women who want to give off an intelligent yet spontaneous vibe.
Pros:
- Similar brilliance to round cut rings
- Less waste material during production means lower cost
Con:
- Corners are prone to chipping
4. Emerald Cut
Unlike round-shaped rings with a brilliant cut, emeralds have step-cut faceting. The former gives more shine, while the latter exudes a more subtle, understated glow. Its unique geometric shape — which features a large open table, cropped corners, and rectangular step cuts — has a hall-of-mirrors effect.
Emerald cut engagement rings will be a great buy if the one you’re proposing to has a refined, discerning taste or someone cultured and gushes over Art Deco aesthetics.
Pros:
- It has an elongating effect (when set vertically)
- Appear bigger than the traditional round cuts
- More budget-friendly
Cons:
- Imperfections are more noticeable
- Not suitable for people who prefer something flashy
5. Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut engagement ring is a step-cut piece of jewelry similar to emerald — except that it’s square-shaped (not rectangular). If you’re searching for a ring for someone fond of antiques and that old-Hollywood elegance, this should sit atop your list.
Pros:
- It has more brilliance than emerald cuts
- Not prone to breakage (it doesn’t have sharp edges)
Cons:
- Like their sibling emerald, this cut has more noticeable flaws
- It can appear smaller than other cuts
6. Radiant Cut Engagement Rings
Radiant-shaped rings first became a trend in the ‘80s. Though they share similarities with emeralds, they have more facets and cropped corners. Wearers can look indeed radiant with the sparkle that this accessory gives off.
Pros:
- Sparkly
- Less costly than round cuts
- Can hide inclusions and color differences
Con:
- Corners are susceptible to chipping
7. Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
This type of cut takes its name from the fact that it appears like a cushion — it can be either square or rectangle and has a rounded corner. Its massive amount of facets (58, to be exact) gives it an attention-grabbing brilliance.
Who would love cushion cut engagement rings no halo? Brides-to-be who are traditional, reliable, and a popular team player in their circle. It’s also a favorite choice for vintage aficionados.
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Has great brilliance (technically speaking)
Con:
- Prone to having a poor cut quality (which can affect brilliance)
8. Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
This is also known as the Navette cut due to its elongated oval shape and pointed ends. Navette is a French word that means “little boat.” Because of its one-of-a-kind shape, it’s a top choice among people who love the arts.
Your would-be financé can easily display their sense of uniqueness by simply wearing this ring.
Pros:
- It has an elongating effect
- Considered the largest-looking
Con:
- Pointed edges can chip in time
9. Heart Cut Engagement Rings
Engagement and wedding rings are symbols of love. If you want that symbolism to be more obvious, settle down for no other than a ring with a heart-shaped center gemstone. Be sure to choose one with a symmetrical cut and distinct point to look perfect on your bride-to-be’s hand.
Pros:
- Has excellent sparkle
- Distinctive look
- Can hide imperfections well
Con:
- Looking for a perfectly shaped heart can be difficult
What’s The Best Engagement Ring Shape For Your Bride-To-Be?
Engagement ring shapes affect the overall look and price of this important jewelry piece. The more intricate the shape is and the more facets the cut has, the better it will sparkle and shine. It will also come with a higher price tag.
Apart from your budget and the style preference of your significant other, you must consider how it will look on their hand. Is their finger thin or wide? Is it long or short? Also, consider how large or small their knuckles are.
Based on all this, choose the most flattering one among the different types of engagement ring cuts.
If your bride-to-be has wide fingers, going for asymmetrical and angular cuts (e.g., emerald, Asscher cut) can make them appear slimmer. For people with thin fingers, the ring cut is almost always not an issue. But take note that smaller stones will suit them better.
If you’re buying for someone with long fingers, round rings will look gorgeous on them. On the other hand, oval and marquise cut gems will look flattering on short fingers because they have an elongating effect.
Experts recommend bolder and bigger ring shapes for people with large knuckles, but they can also opt for more straightforward and traditional cut types of engagement rings.
