The 6 Most Popular Diamonds to Choose From
11-11-2025
Top Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings: How to Choose the Perfect One
Shopping for an engagement ring is one of life’s most exciting milestones. But with so many diamond shapes and styles to choose from, it can also feel overwhelming. Each diamond shape has its own charm, sparkle, and personality — making the right choice all about what best reflects your taste and style.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve highlighted the top six diamond shapes for engagement rings — along with an honorable mention you won’t want to overlook.
1. Round Cut Engagement Rings
The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular choice — and for good reason. Its symmetrical shape and precise facets are designed to maximize brilliance and sparkle more than any other cut.
Round diamonds are timeless, elegant, and perfect for those who love classic beauty. Because they reflect light so well, they tend to be the most expensive shape, but they also deliver unmatched fire and radiance. A round diamond engagement ring will always feel traditional, sophisticated, and forever in style.
2. Oval Cut Engagement Rings
The oval cut diamond has quickly become one of the most sought-after shapes in recent years. Its elongated form creates the illusion of a larger diamond, while also making the finger appear longer and more slender.
Ovals are loved for their versatility and brilliance. The unique faceting helps hide inclusions and slight color tints, giving you more sparkle for your budget. If you want a diamond that looks luxurious, modern, and eye-catching — an oval engagement ring is a stunning choice.
3. Radiant Cut Engagement Rings
A radiant cut diamond combines the best of both worlds: the rectangular shape of an emerald cut and the fiery brilliance of a round cut. Its intricate facet pattern reflects light beautifully, giving it exceptional sparkle and dimension.
Radiant diamonds are known for their ability to hide imperfections while still showcasing incredible shine. If you love clean lines but don’t want to sacrifice sparkle, this shape delivers bold brilliance with a modern edge.
4. Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
The cushion cut diamond — named for its soft, pillow-like shape — is a romantic favorite. Traditionally square with rounded corners, it blends vintage charm with contemporary sparkle.
Elongated cushion cuts, which fall between oval and radiant shapes, have become especially popular in recent years. Cushion cuts are also excellent at concealing inclusions, making them a practical yet elegant option. With their warm, romantic glow, cushion cut diamonds offer a timeless beauty that never fades.
5. Pear Cut Engagement Rings
The pear-shaped diamond, sometimes called a teardrop cut, is ideal for those who love something unique and distinctive. Its one-of-a-kind silhouette — rounded on one end and pointed on the other — makes it both eye-catching and elegant.
Like the oval cut, the pear shape can elongate the finger and often looks larger than its carat weight. It also tends to disguise small imperfections, offering both grace and glamour in one stunning design.
6. Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
The emerald cut diamond is perfect for those drawn to clean lines and understated sophistication. With its rectangular shape and long, elegant facets, this cut is known for its “hall of mirrors” effect, reflecting light in wide, bright flashes rather than intense sparkle.
Emerald cuts showcase clarity more than brilliance — meaning inclusions or flaws are more visible. Many people choose to pair emerald cuts with side stones or baguettes to enhance their shine and symmetry. If you love Art Deco-inspired design and timeless elegance, an emerald cut engagement ring is the definition of chic minimalism.
Honorable Mention: Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
The marquise cut diamond, with its distinctive pointed ends and elongated shape, is a vintage-inspired favorite. Similar to the oval, it makes the stone appear larger and elongates the finger beautifully.
Many marquise engagement rings feature halo settings that surround the center diamond, amplifying its size and sparkle. The marquise cut is perfect for those who appreciate classic glamour with a bold, dramatic twist.
How to Choose the Best Diamond Shape for Your Engagement Ring
There’s no single “best” diamond shape — it all depends on what speaks to your personal style. The best way to decide is to try on different shapes and see which one complements your hand and aesthetic.
To help guide your choice, it’s essential to understand the 4 Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Cut
The cut determines how well a diamond reflects light — and ultimately, how much it sparkles. Round diamonds are the only shape graded for cut quality on a formal scale, ranging from Poor to Excellent.
If you want a diamond that dazzles, choose one with a Very Good or Excellent cut grade. For fancy shapes like ovals, cushions, or radiants, look for excellent symmetry and polish to ensure optimal brilliance.
Color
Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (intense yellow).
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Grades D–F are completely colorless.
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G–I diamonds are considered near colorless, offering great value and appearing white to the naked eye.
If you want a bright, white-looking diamond, aim for a color grade between D and I.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) or surface blemishes. The scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Many inclusions are microscopic and invisible without magnification, so you can often find a diamond that looks perfect without paying for a flawless grade.
Carat
Contrary to popular belief, carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can appear different in size depending on their cut and shape. A well-cut diamond will often appear larger than a heavier stone with a poor cut.
Choosing a Diamond Shape That Matches Your Style
Think about what fits your personality — or your partner’s.
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Vintage-inspired styles: Choose marquise, emerald, or pear shapes for timeless elegance and a slenderizing effect on the finger.
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Modern designs: Opt for oval, cushion, or radiant diamonds for a sleek, contemporary look.
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Classic beauty: A round brilliant diamond is perfect for those who love enduring tradition and sparkle.
The most popular modern setting today? A thin diamond band with a hidden halo — elegant, refined, and radiant from every angle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to engagement rings, there’s no “one-size-fits-all.” The perfect diamond shape is the one that speaks to your heart and reflects your love story.
At Milke's Jewelers, we offer a wide variety of diamond shapes — including lab-grown and fancy-cut diamonds — so you can find the ring that feels uniquely yours.
Explore our stunning collection of engagement rings today, and let us help you discover the perfect diamond shape to celebrate your forever.