The Shape of Things to Come: Diamond Shapes and Cuts

Woman Modeling Diamond Engagement Rings from Fink's Jewelers

The shape and cut of a diamond can completely transform it. Many mathematical calculations go into creating diamond cuts to ensure the maximum amount of light is reflected from the inner facets. When shopping for diamond engagement rings, the shape of the stone is one of the most important decisions you will make.

The 57-facet round-brilliant is by far the most popular cut and shape for diamond rings. However, pear, marquise, oval, and emerald are alternate diamond engagement ring shapes that are making a splash, with oval cut rings proving to be the most popular of the four diamond shapes. The elongated shape of the oval makes it appear larger than a round-brilliant diamond of the same size. A longer diamond shape, like the four listed above, also makes fingers appear longer. Adding baguettes to a diamond engagement ring is another way to create a similar effect. 

Diamond Cut Fit for a Princess

The Studio Collection Princess Cut Diamond Halo and Diamond Shank Engagement Ring

The square or rectangle-shaped princess cut is another favorite and is also the newest diamond cut. It is identified by a side view resembling an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. This unique cut is created by making chevron-shaped facets in the pavilion.

The cushion cut diamond engagement ring is similar to a princess cut. The main difference is rounded corners resembling a pillow, hence the name cushion cut. Developed over 200 years ago, it was go-to for Royals, which explains its modern-vintage flair.

The Asscher Cut Diamond

The Asscher cut, developed in the early 1900s by the Asscher Brothers of Holland's Asscher Diamond Company, is primarily found in vintage jewelry. In early 2000, this vintage style began making a comeback. If you are fortunate enough to view an Asscher cut today, it's likely a vintage piece or a family diamond that has been customized.

The Asscher cut is similar to an emerald cut, with the biggest difference being the Asscher cut is square instead of rectangular. It presents as a square, but since all four corners are cropped, it is actually an octagon shape. However, these crops are not noticeable to the naked eye. It's an excellent diamond engagement ring choice for a woman that wants classic and unique. 

Set in Stone

White Gold Halo Asscher Diamond Engagement Ring

With a movie or book, the setting sets the mood. The same goes for rings; the setting of a ring can change the entire look. You may not know it, but you probably already know more about ring settings than you think.

  • Ring Prongs
  • Halo Ring Settings
  • Bezel Ring Settings
  • Pave Ring Settings
  • East-West Rest Setting

Ring Prongs

The most common ring setting is prongs. Especially when it comes to solitaires, prongs allow the least amount of metal to be used to showcase the diamond to its fullest. In addition, this setting allows the diamond to sit tall above the band. Four to six prongs are typically used to hold a diamond. Once the diamond is placed in the prongs, a jeweler will use a special tool to bend the prongs, so your diamond stays forever, just like your love. 

Halo Ring Settings

Platinum Pear Shape Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Halo settings are gorgeous - no surprise with such an ethereal name. Halo settings are when a larger center diamond is surrounded by other diamonds or gemstones, like a halo. The halo setting is the best thing to happen since prongs. It elevates the center stone's appearance and visually makes it look more prominent.

Bezel Ring Settings

Bezel settings involve shaping the metal to the size and shape of the diamond or gemstone. Then the diamond or gemstone is placed into the setting, and the metal is rubbed over the stone. This setting is best for cabochon or faceted stones. The benefits of this setting include the diamond or gemstone laying flat against the band, preventing snags that can be a safety hazard in some professions. The bezel setting is also seen in station jewelry. 

Pave Ring Settings

Fink's Platinum ASHOKA® Diamond Center Stone Engagement Ring

Pave setting involves tiny diamonds along the band of the diamond engagement ring. The setting isn't visible, giving the illusion that the band is paved with diamonds. This is an incredibly popular style for both diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. The paved diamonds' size, spacing, and frequency provide many options for personalizing this style.

East-West Ring Setting

The east-west setting is really fun and unique. It involves the center stone being turned sideways. This is most commonly done with oval, marquise, or emerald cut diamond engagement rings. It's a unique setting style, so it's ideal for the woman who doesn't want to blend in.

Metals Make the Ring

When it comes to wedding bands and diamond engagement rings, gold is the traditional metal used. Yellow, white, and rose gold are the most popular shades of gold. Gold is considered a soft metal, which is why scratches and dents can appear. However, this also means it can be re-polished to its original glory.

Gold Jewelry and The Golden Rule

Fink's Men's 7.5mm Filigree Engraved Gold Wedding Band

The softness of gold means engravings, elaborate filigree patterns, and designs can be added to the shank. Rose gold is a popular metal choice for engagements; our customers say it feels softer and more romantic. If you're shopping for a diamond engagement ring, you can never go wrong with an engraving.

Our team would love to help you brainstorm ideas if you're stuck on what to engrave. Most men choose to engrave their wedding date, a sweet sentiment, or an inside joke. You know your love the best; what would make her smile the biggest when she looks at the engraving?

Precious Platinum

Fink's Exclusive Platinum Oval Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Platinum is a go-to for many diamond engagement ring shoppers. Platinum boasts a grayish-white luster that tends to look better on women with cooler skin tones. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, perfect for those with sensitive skin.

It’s gorgeous and the most durable of the precious metals, which is an excellent metaphor for your relationship. It’s also the most expensive of the precious metals. While you can’t put a price on love, you can absolutely see the brilliance in a platinum engagement ring band. A Fink’s exclusive is the Platinum Oval Halo diamond engagement ring with pave diamonds along the band. It’s sleek, insanely beautiful, and will have her staring at her left hand all day long.