If you’re anything like us, you already have a general idea of what diamond shapes you like best, whether you’re ready to be engaged or not! Still, it’s important to try on a variety of cuts- one you may not have considered might look the best on your finger! Here’s a rough guide to choosing a diamond shape that compliments you perfectly.
 

 Round Cut Diamonds

A. Link for Forevermark Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

                Round- By far the most popular cut, a round brilliant diamond is also one of the most flattering choices. Whether you go the traditional route and choose a round solitaire, or go for the added glitz of a diamond halo, a round-cut diamond will almost certainly flatter your hand shape. Round diamonds tend to look better on wider fingers than thin ones. Round-cuts have been the choice for celebs like Natalie Portman and Amy Adams who were looking for a more traditional look
 

 Princess Cut Diamonds

Ritani Princess Cut Diamond 3-Stone Engagement Ring

                Princess- The princess cut diamond is the next most popular diamond cut, and one that is nearly as flattering. Typically, square shapes like this one will give the illusion of shorter fingers. As a result, this shape tends to look better on women with longer fingers. Hillary Duff famously sported a $1 million dollar princess-cut engagement ring while married to hockey hubby Mike Comrie.
 

Square and Rectangular Cut Diamonds

King Jewelers Emerald Cut Diamond Trio Engagement Ring

                Emerald- A favorite among celebrities for years, the emerald cut diamond is either square or rectangular with large flat planes. Due to the more common vertical orientation of the cut, this shape usually flatters petite hands with long fingers and should be avoided by women with broad hands and short fingers.  A word of caution- the large flat plane at the center of an emerald-cut diamond will show more inclusions and discoloration than a diamond in any other cut; therefore, it is essential that you choose a high quality stone if you decide on this shape. Starting to doubt your choice? Keep in mind that emerald-cut engagement rings have been worn by style icons like Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie, and Beyoncé, among others.
 

Oval Cut Diamonds

Norman Silverman Oval Cut Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

                Oval- A twist on the classic round-cut, an oval-cut diamond will elongate your fingers and slenderize your hand. It has the same amount of facets as a round-cut diamond, which means it will shine with the same brilliance and sparkle. This timeless shape is the one of the most flattering for women with broad hands and short fingers. The gorgeous look is most famously showcased by Princess Diana’s oval-cut sapphire ring, which is now worn by Kate Middleton.

Marquise Cut Diamonds

King Jewelers Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

                Marquise- The marquise cut diamond was allegedly first created when King Louis XV demanded that a diamond be cut to mirror the mouth of his favorite mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. This cut is essentially an oval-cut with ends that have been sharpened into point. If you’re looking to set yourself apart from your friends, a marquise cut diamond is certainly more unique than the always-popular round or princess cuts. Many marquise diamonds are set vertically, naturally elongating the fingers. There are, however, a select few which have been set horizontally- like Catherine Zeta-Jones’ stunner from Michael Douglas.

Pear Shaped Cut Diamonds

Norman Silverman Pear Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

                Pear- The pear cut diamond is a teardrop shape which is basically a combination of a marquise cut and a round cut diamond. This cut will display a great amount of sparkle, similar to a round diamond, but will give the wearer the illusion of longer, more slender fingers- particularly if the point is directed towards the nail rather than back towards the hand. Because of this, it’s a cut that tends to be universally flattering. Pear cut diamonds are generally best displayed in a solitaire setting and have been worn by celebrities like Katherine Heigl and Victoria Beckham.
Ultimately, you need to pick a ring and diamond shape which perfectly represents your personality and style. Keep an open mind when trying on engagement rings for the first time- you never know what surprises you’ll stumble upon when you venture outside your comfort zone.
[SEE ALSO: Guide to Modern Vintage Engagement Rings]
 
Established in 1912, the King family has owned and operated King Jewelers for five generations while building an outstanding reputation steeped in quality, value, and first-class service. Today, King Jewelers has brick-and-mortar stores located in Aventura, FL and Nashville, TN, both of which have won numerous regional and national awards of distinction. Offering a magnificent selection of fine jewelry collections including the hottest Italian designs, estate jewelry, colored gemstones and fancy-colored diamonds, as well as luxury European timepieces, King Jewelers prides itself in being one step ahead of the trend. In addition, King Jewelers offers on-site jewelry and watch repairs, custom design services, appraisals, estate buying, and corporate gift programs. For more information, visit www.kings1912.com.