When shopping for an engagement ring, a lot of brides and grooms generally have some idea of what style of ring they want, and it is often something that reflects their personal style. However, there are also many couples that haven’t given their engagement ring much thought. This can make it very hard to narrow down your choices.
From traditional diamond engagement rings to eclectic coloured engagement rings, gemstone engagement rings, and everything in between, there are an abundance of different styles and looks to choose from! When selecting yours or your partner’s ring, arguably the first thing you should have locked in is the engagement ring shape. But, before you go ahead and ask yourself, what engagement ring shape should I get? You should have a look at the most popular engagement ring shapes of 2024 to get some inspiration..
This handy guide is here to help you with all your burning questions on engagement ring shapes including what are the best engagement ring shapes and what shape engagement ring would likely suit you the most. Read on.
Take our quiz below to find out your ideal engagement ring shape!
Overview:
What are the most popular engagement ring shapes?
Whether it's a diamond solitaire engagement ring, an antique-style ring, a zirconia engagement ring, something with gemstones, or a halo ring, each engagement ring will have its own unique shape. Some are more popular than others and some will only suit certain settings or a particular diamond cut. The six engagement ring shapes and diamond cuts are by far the most popular for brides and grooms when making their selection.
Round engagement rings
When talking about engagement ring shapes it is hard not to first mention the king of all diamond ring shapes, the round engagement ring. Round engagement rings are by far the most popular diamond shapes and that is largely due to the fact that they are so versatile. Round engagement rings can take on many forms from your classic solitaire ring to a grand halo design and everything in between.
Some round engagement rings will feature a single round cut diamond, while others will feature an array of smaller diamonds that are not strictly a round-cut. One thing that truly separates round shaped engagement rings from the rest are their magnificent sparkles. Diamonds that are cut into a round shape typically feature 57 or 58 facets. This gives diamonds with this shape a unique ability to reflect light and dispel colours.
Princess-cut engagement rings
Giving off a slightly more contemporary vibe that is perfect for the modern bride or groom, princess-cut engagement rings are rings that feature a square-shaped diamond with corners that are curved at a 90-degree angle. Evolving from the French-cut, this diamond cut has been capturing the hearts of brides and grooms everywhere since the early 1980s.
Predominantly set into solitaire and halo rings, princess-cut engagement rings offer a great deal of sparkle due to their unique shape. But what will really make you feel like royalty when wearing a princess-cut engagement ring ,is the colour they emit. If you look closely and hold the ring up to the light, you will see a distinct amount of colour in each of the stone’s corners.
Cushion-cut engagement rings
Vintage lovers will certainly fall in love with the cushion-cut diamond as it has a real antique feel about it that will be forever timeless. Often confused with princess-cut and other square diamond cuts, cushion-cut engagement rings acquired sleepwear-themed name is often attributed to the stone's rounded edges and larger facets that often resemble a pillow. It is these same attributes that often give cushion-cut engagement rings immaculate brilliance and clarity.
First introduced in the early 1800s during the Victorian era, cushion-cut diamonds are often regarded as the predecessor of the modern-day round-cut diamond. However, don’t let its age scare you away as the cushion-cut diamond remains as a beloved engagement ring style to this day, with the likes of Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle and Jennifer Lawrence all owning diamond-cut engagement rings.
Oval engagement rings
Embodying a classic design with a modern twist, oval engagement rings are popular among brides and grooms because not only do they help accentuate slender fingers, but they also have incredible brilliance that is similar to a round cut. Popularised by the rich and famous, Oval-cut diamonds are often regarded as a modified version of the traditional round-cut diamond. Oval engagement rings sparkle in a very unique way and their 57 facets allow for extra shimmer from all angles.
Oval engagement rings are typically accompanied by traditional solitaire settings, geometric bezel settings, and the uber-fabulous halo setting. However, the beauty with oval-cut diamonds is that they work perfectly with just about any setting. This versatility is perhaps why oval engagement rings are so beloved by many including celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Blake Lively, Ariana Grande, and Kate Middleton, who wears her late mother-in-law Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring.
Pear shaped engagement rings
Resembling a single drop of water, pear shaped engagement rings are often regarded as one of the “new classics”. Adorned with an elegant point that subtly elongates the fingers, these stylish rings feature a single pear-cut diamond, a cluster of round-cut or baguette diamonds that together form a sophisticated pear shape.
Engagement rings with a pear-cut diamond are produced in a way that optimises maximum brilliance, meaning that symmetry is extremely important when choosing a diamond for your pear-shaped engagement ring. Aptly nicknamed the teardrop engagement ring, they are said to represent the tears of joy that are often experienced when becoming engaged. Their feminine and stylish shape has been used in engagement rings since the early 18th-century where they were combined to complement the dazzling elegance of round-cut diamonds.
Emerald-cut engagement rings
Boasting a rectangular shape with rounded edges, emerald-cut engagement rings are a favourite among art deco lovers, as well as those with a penchant for glamour. Their uniquely-shaped facets give off an equally unique sparkle that is favoured by the world's biggest diamond jewellery lovers including Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez and former first lady Jackie Kennedy.
Originally used as a cut for emerald jewellery it wouldn’t be long before jewellery makers began utilising this cut for diamond rings. They discovered that its stepped facets and large rectangular shape at the front helped to enhance the diamond’s colouring and overall brilliance, while also helping the stone appear larger than the average round-cut diamond.
What engagement ring shape should I choose?
While some have had their heart set on a particular engagement ring shape, others rely on their body to help them make that decision, namely their hands. We are all different shapes and sizes, so, while some of us may have big hands with long and narrow fingers, others have small hands with short fingers. And much like how certain items of clothing can complement certain body types better than others, your hands may just dictate what style of engagement ring suits you the best.
Best engagement rings for short fingers
If you or your partner has short fingers, your aim should be to find an engagement ring design that makes the fingers appear leaner and longer. This is something you are able to achieve by opting for a vertically-set engagement ring with an elongated-shaped diamond or gemstone shape, such as an emerald-cut diamond ring, a pear-shaped engagement ring, or an oval engagement ring. These engagement ring shapes help to draw attention away from shorter fingers, while also creating an illusion that the fingers are leaner and longer. When choosing a setting for your engagement ring and wedding ring, you should choose a thinner band that doesn’t cover up too much of your finger.
Best engagement rings for small hands
For those with petite hands and a generally smaller frame, you won't want anything that is too elaborate or anything that would be perceived as too clunky on smaller hands. The engagement rings that are ideal for those with smaller hands are the rings with the daintier settings such as a solitaire, bezel or channel set ring. A beautiful yet timeless round-cut diamond or a cushion-cut diamond would also look stunning on a bride or groom with smaller hands. If you are a bit of a minimalist or are on the hunt for something a little more simple, you could also opt for an elegant diamond pave ring or a channel-set ring.
Best engagement rings for large hands
If you have larger hands, they can easily take the attention away from your ring if it is too small. So, if your hands are a little on the larger side, take advantage of this by opting for an engagement ring with a larger stone and a more statement setting. Look for engagement rings adorned with a grander diamond-cut such as a princess-cut diamond, an oval-cut diamond or a pear-shaped diamond. Alternatively, stray away from large centre stones and instead opt for a design that features an array of brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a cluster, halo or split-shank setting. These designs not only provide a great deal of sparkle, but they are also a lot more affordable and help accentuate the diamond rather than the size of your hands.
Best engagement rings for long fingers
If you or your partner are blessed with long and slender fingers, the good news is that you will not have to find an engagement ring that helps accentuate them. This means while you may have more freedom when making your selection, it may also stop minimalist and daintier rings from having the desired effect. To ensure this doesn’t happen with your engagement ring, don’t be afraid to go big and bold with the design. Embrace rings with statement settings, including halo,set rings, and styles featuring a thicker band or a curvature in them. When it comes to the diamond, look for ambiguous diamond cuts such as the princess-cut, emerald-cut, and cushion-cut diamonds.
Best engagement rings for large knuckles
For those with large and pronounced knuckles, you are going to want to draw people’s attention away from them, much like you would with short and stubby fingers. Elevate your look with large bands that feature a more elaborate design, larger diamond cuts as well as diamond-encrusted settings. Push the envelope with a trilogy ring, a statement band, or a diamond design featuring a wider surface. Explore your options with different bridal sets that are sure to grab people’s attention, larger gemstone rings, or even a diamond cluster ring that will help bring maximum sparkle. Alternatively, look into a stylish diamond pave ring with an enlarged or unconventional setting.
So there you have it! The ultimate guide on how to choose the perfect engagement ring shape for your body. As you can see there are plenty of options to choose from, but the most important thing is to choose something that reflects you and your partner's personal style. If you’re ready to explore more of our engagement ring styles, shop the wide range online or in-store today.
FAQs
Which hand do engagement rings go on?
Despite years and years of traditions, the one thing many people can’t seem to figure out is what hand do engagement rings go on. And, this is because there is no right or wrong answer. Spiritual and cultural values all over the globe have long dictated what hand and finger the engagement ring, wedding ring, and eternity ring goes on. In many western countries, bridal jewellery is traditionally worn on the finger closest to your pinky on your left hand. This marital tradition stems from the belief that there is a vein located in this finger that leads directly to the heart, referred to as the Vena Amoris. But not all cultures share this belief. In Russia, Norway, Spain, India and Germany, the ring is typically worn on the same finger but on the right hand as the left hand is considered “unclean”.
Learn More: Styling Guide For Brides To Be
What is the most popular engagement ring shape?
Round-cut diamonds are generally the best engagement ring to choose from. This is because their universal shape has the ability to perfectly match a number of unique styles.
What are the 3 Cs of engagement rings?
The most important things to consider when you are choosing a ring are the clarity, the cut, and the carat size.
Learn more: Diamond Buyers Guide
How can I make my engagement ring look more expensive?
If you’re looking to maximise your sparkle without breaking the bank, then we suggest choosing a ring that has one or more of the following features:
- Oval shape
- Slim band
- 4 prongs
- A halo setting
