Choosing the Perfect Diamond Shape for Your Engagement Ring

Your engagement ring is more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry—it’s a symbol of love, commitment, and your unique story. One of the most defining features of any engagement ring is the diamond shape. The shape you choose speaks volumes about your personal style, lifestyle, and even a bit about your personality.

At Everglow Jewelry in Tampa Palms, we help couples find a diamond shape that perfectly captures their vision. Whether you're drawn to timeless elegance or modern edge, here's your guide to finding the one that shines just right.

1. Round Brilliant: Classic & Timeless

The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular diamond shape, and for good reason. Its symmetrical shape and 58 expertly-cut facets are designed to reflect the maximum amount of light, creating extraordinary brilliance and fire. The round diamond’s classic silhouette pairs effortlessly with virtually any setting, from traditional solitaires to intricate vintage designs.

Round diamonds also offer great versatility in carat weight, appearing slightly larger for their size compared to other shapes. Because of their popularity, they tend to command a premium in price, but many brides see it as a worthwhile investment in timeless beauty.

Perfect for: Those who value tradition, enduring style, and unmatched sparkle.

2. Princess Cut: Chic & Modern

The princess cut is the most popular fancy shape, known for its square or rectangular form and sharp, clean lines. Its unique faceting style gives it exceptional fire, especially when viewed from above. Though it has a modern aesthetic, the princess cut also retains a certain romantic charm, making it a favorite among trendsetters and classic romantics alike.

This shape looks stunning in contemporary settings and is ideal for brides seeking a balance of sparkle and sophistication. However, the pointed corners can be more susceptible to chipping, so a protective setting is recommended.

Perfect for: Stylish brides who want a modern, fashion-forward ring with plenty of brilliance.

3. Oval Cut: Elegant & Elongating

Oval diamonds have an elongated shape that creates an elegant, slimming effect on the finger. Their unique silhouette offers a twist on the classic round shape while maintaining a similar level of brilliance. The stretched form also makes the diamond appear larger than it actually is, offering excellent visual impact for your budget.

This shape is often chosen by those who appreciate tradition but want something with a bit more flair. It also has a soft, romantic appeal that works beautifully in both solitaire and vintage-inspired settings. Beware of the "bow-tie" effect, a dark shadow across the center of some oval diamonds—a well-cut stone will minimize this.

Perfect for: Brides who want a blend of classic brilliance and distinctive elegance.

4. Cushion Cut: Soft & Romantic

The cushion cut, sometimes called a pillow cut, combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, offering a soft, vintage feel. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, this cut has been updated with modern faceting that enhances its brilliance while retaining its antique charm.

Cushion cuts often have larger facets, which allow for greater fire, though their brilliance may be slightly less than that of a round cut. They are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in halo settings, adding extra sparkle and emphasizing the shape.

Perfect for: Brides who love vintage-inspired designs with a romantic and timeless appeal.

5. Emerald Cut: Sophisticated & Bold

The emerald cut is known for its long, elegant lines and step-cut facets, which create a unique “hall-of-mirrors” effect rather than a traditional sparkle. This cut emphasizes clarity and quality over brilliance, making it ideal for showcasing a diamond with excellent clarity and color.

The rectangular shape elongates the finger and evokes a vintage, art deco vibe. While it doesn’t offer the same level of sparkle as brilliant cuts, the emerald cut makes a bold and sophisticated statement. It's a favorite among confident brides who appreciate understated elegance and timeless beauty.

Perfect for: Those who favor refinement, simplicity, and vintage glamour.

6. Pear Shape: Unique & Graceful

The pear-shaped diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, combines the round and marquise cuts to create a shape that is both elegant and striking. Its tapered point and rounded end offer a flattering, elongating look that stands out from more traditional shapes.

Pear shapes can be worn with the point facing up or down depending on personal preference, and they pair beautifully with halo or bezel settings. They do tend to show inclusions more easily than other shapes, so clarity is an important consideration when choosing a pear diamond.

Perfect for: Brides with a flair for the dramatic and a love for artistic, one-of-a-kind pieces.

7. Marquise Cut: Dramatic & Regal

The marquise cut is a vintage-inspired shape that makes a bold, regal impression. Its elongated body with pointed ends creates the illusion of a larger diamond and slender fingers. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV of France, the marquise is a shape steeped in history and romance.

This shape has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to its dramatic appeal and ability to stand out in a sea of more common styles. However, like the pear and princess cuts, the pointed ends require protective settings to avoid chipping.

Perfect for: Brides seeking a statement-making ring that’s full of character and royal flair.

8. Radiant Cut: Sparkling & Edgy

The radiant cut merges the best of both worlds: the silhouette of the emerald cut with the facet pattern of a brilliant cut. The result is a rectangular or square-shaped diamond that sparkles intensely, thanks to its 70 facets.

Its beveled corners make it less prone to damage, and its high brilliance makes it a favorite among those who want something bold yet wearable. Radiant cuts are also a great choice for colored diamonds, as their facets enhance the vibrancy of hues.

Perfect for: Brides who want a modern shape with maximum sparkle and a dash of edge.

How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape

Here are a few tips to help guide your decision:

• Consider your lifestyle. Active hands may do better with rounded edges or low-profile settings.

• Try different shapes on. What you love in photos may feel different on your finger.

• Think about the setting. Certain shapes pair better with specific settings (e.g., halos, solitaires, vintage-inspired).

• Reflect your personality. Choose a shape that feels like you—this is your forever ring!

Explore Engagement Rings in Tampa Palms

At Everglow Jewelry, we offer a curated selection of both natural and lab-grown diamonds in every shape, setting, and style. Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way—from exploring shapes to creating custom designs that tell your unique love story.

Visit our showroom in Tampa Palms or book a private consultation today. Your forever starts with the perfect sparkle.