Shape Advice: Deciding on the shape is the first step in the selection process for your diamond and is probably the most important area where you need to get some feedback from your bethrothed-to-be about ring shapes she prefers. If you want to propose as a complete surprise - see what type and shapes of rings she currently owns and which seem to be her favorites. You can go shopping with her for costume jewelry or rings, other than enagagement rings, and find out which shape she loves.

Round

Round The most popular shape, the Round brilliant diamond, is the traditional choice for all occasions and accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold today. Brilliant style refers to a cut of vertical direction crown and pavilion facets rather than step style horizontaled facets. Due to laws of supply and demand, the Round diamond is the most expensive cut. Specification Range for Ideal to Very Fine Cut Round Diamond

Marquise

Marquise Legend has it that the Marquise cut was commissioned by King Louis XIV to resemble the smile of his mistress, Marquise de Pompadour. A poorly cut Marquise can be detected by the "bow-tie effect" which can be judged by the unaided eye. The Marquise has a very large surface area for the carat weight so is an excellent option if a big, longer looking stone is desired for a lower price. The typical Marquise diamond contains 56 facets.

Princess

Princess The Princess cut diamond ia a brilliant style shape with sharp, uncut corners. It is typically cut square rather as a rectangle. A Princess cut diamond generally has 76 facets, giving it more brilliance and fire than the round brilliant. The Princess Cut is fast becoming one of the most popular diamond cuts in the United States. The shape, with its squared-off corners, requires great care when setting and the corners need to be protected to avoid chipping or cracking. The Princess cut diamond is more forgiving of diamond flaws and weaknesses than the less sparkling Emerald Cut Diamond or the Asscher Cut Diamond.

Quadrillion

Quadrillion A patented cut similar to the princess, the Quadrillion is a square shaped diamond with 49 facets using a star shape pattern. This relatively new cut is also known as a Squarillion cut. Quadrillion diamonds exceed the brilliance of the standard Princess-cut diamond. It is patented and trademarked by Ambar Diamonds of Los Angeles.

Radiant

Radiant The Radiant Cut Diamond is a staight-edged rectangular or square stone with cut corners. The radiant cut diamond has 62-70 facets. The radiant cut is a patented name and cut also known as a cut-cornered, rectangular (or square) modified brilliant diamond. Its truncated corners help to minimize chipping. A depth of 58-69% and table 58-69% is desired in the stone. The Radiant Cut is the first cut to have a complete brilliant facet pattern applied to both the crown and pavilion and as such presents a much more dazzling and brilliant diamond than the simple emerald cut.

Emerald

Emerald An emerald cut diamond shape is usually rectangular. Step cuts are comprised of larger facets which act like mirrors. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire (dispersion) than the other brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. Because of the open and large facets, a higher color and clarity in the stone is imposrant because flaws, color weakness, and a poor cut are more likely to become visible at lower grades. The emerald cut diamond tends to be less fiery than a "round brilliant" cut, but it also displays broader, more dramatic flashes of light. The trim lines of emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest and most elaborate ring settings. Emerald cut diamonds are not as "traditional" as the round brilliant or as trendy as the princess cut, therefore their pricing is much more economical than other common cuts.

Pear

Pear The pear shaped brilliant diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond and is a combination of a Round brilliant and a Marquise cut. Length-to-width ratio is a matter of taste when it comes to pear shaped diamonds. The typical pear shaped diamond will contain 58 facets. The pear shape is flattering to a hand with long fingers.

Oval

Oval The oval cut diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond and that's why its technical name is oval modified brilliant diamond. The oval-shaped diamond provides a larger surface area than a round cut diamond with the same carat weight. This makes it an option for shoppers looking for the brilliant of the round but a bigger size for the price. Fifty-six facets are typical for oval brilliant diamonds. Recently ovals have gained in popularity as center diamonds for engagement rings. Its symmetrical design is popular among women with small hands or short fingers. The elongated oval shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.

Trilliant

Trilliant The Trilliant cut, developed in the late seventies, is an adaptation of the radiant cut but in a triangular shape. The cut has equilateral sides and is a combination cut of the step cut and the brilliant cut diamond. When correctly, it displays a marvelous brilliance. The trillion cut diamond is often cut shallow and looks large for its carat weight. Trillion diamonds are beautiful when flanking a center diamond when used as a center diamond.

Baguette

Baguette Baguettes have unbeveled corners and usually only two rows of facets. They may be rectangular or tapered. Like the emerald cut, the baguette does not have the sparkle of a brilliant cut but has a classic beauty. Higher color and clarity are important for the Baguette cut diamond because there are not facets to hide inclusions or body color.

Heart

Heart The heart shape is a brilliant cut that requires a perfectly symmetrical appearance. The lobes (top arches) of the stone need to be of even height and breadth and the overall shape pleasing to the eye. Romantic perfection for the engagement ring.

Asscher

Asscher Presented in 1902 by the Asscher Diamond Co. the Asscher cut is a patented a rectilinear diamond cut. The squarish step cut displays deeply cut corners that give it an almost octagonal outline. The Asscher cut, inspired by the table cuts of the Renaissance, was a big departure from the brilliant cuts that dominated the 1800s. Because of its high crown and small table, the Asscher cut has more light and fire than an emerald cut. Beautiful engagement rings >>> Creative Proposals >>>