With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and love in the air, we thought this would be the perfect time to teach you all there is to know about engagement rings. From diamond cuts to ring styles, we’ve got it covered. (After all, we don’t want any confusion when communicating what you want to that special someone!) Share this blog with your guy and tell him it’s time to ditch the teddy bear and box of chocolates and go big this Valentine’s Day!

Diamond Shapes

1. The Round Brilliant Cut

Starting with the most popular shape, the Round Brilliant diamond has been used in rings for hundreds of years, making it a truly ageless choice.

Screen Shot 2019-01-16 at 1.38.13 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-01-16 at 1.38.44 PM.png

2. The Princess Cut

Available in both square and rectangular shapes, the Princess Cut is the second most popular diamond shape. Notice the corners are square and not clipped. The color that the Princess Cut projects is very unique compared to other shapes.

3. The Marquise Cut

Looking for a more unique yet gorgeous shape? The Marquise Cut is the perfect shape for maximizing carat weight since it is a shallower cut. Because of the unique shape it holds, it creates the effect of longer, more slender hands and fingers.

marquise-cut-diamonds-cover-split-shank-ribbon-engagement-ring.jpg

0000387_300-carat-marquise-cut-diamond-halo-engagement-ring_550.jpeg

4. The Emerald Cut

The Emerald Cut diamond is unique because it showcases the diamond’s original clarity beautifully because of its large rectangular shape and beveled facets. This shape also makes inclusions and color more apparent (not a good thing!)

5. The Cushion Cut

Because of its pillow-like shape, The Cushion Cut is another timeless look. With rounded corners and large facets, this particular shape often appears more brilliant and clearer.

6. The Radiant Cut

Another more unique shape, the Radiant Cut combines the lines of an Emerald Cut with the brilliance of a round diamond.

7. The Oval Cut

A classic look making a resurgence, the Oval Cut is another one of the more popular cuts of diamonds. Similar to the Marquise Cut, this shape makes the fingers and hands of the wearer appear longer and more slender.

8. The Pear-Shaped Cut

Soft and delicate, the Pear-Shaped cut has a teardrop-like style that is absolutely gorgeous. This shape combines round and marquise cuts, making for a brilliant look.

9. The Asscher Cut

Often mistaken for an emerald cut because of their similar shapes and facets, the Asscher Cut is clipped in the corners.

ritani-asscher-cut-halo-french-set-white-gold-engagement-ring-0816_vert.jpg

10. The Trilliant Cut

Another unique shape, the Trilliant Cut is a triangular shaped stone that offers a number of variations, including the shape of the top surface and sides.

$1,055-Trillion-Shaped-Engagement-Rings-Diamond-Nexus-Bali-Classic-Trillion-Cut-Engagement-Ring-$1,055.jpg

Ring Styles

Once you have your preferred diamond shape in mind, it’s time to consider how you would like it set. Whether you prefer a modern setting or you embrace unique or vintage styles, there is sure to be a look for everyone.

1. The Solitaire

Most jewel experts consider the Solitaire ring to be the “Classic” engagement ring. The ring centers its focus on the chosen stone, set on either a three, four, or six prong setting.

2. The Cluster

The Cluster ring stands apart from others because of the number of stones used in the piece. Where the Solitaire style places its focus on the center stone, the Cluster uses many smaller stones to form a cluster look.

Custom-Yellow-Gold-Diamond-Cluster-Engagement-Ring-Y-flat-104052.jpg

Custom-Cluster-Set-Diamond-and-Sapphire-Engagement-Ring-R-3qtr-102855.jpg

3. The Three-Stone

The Three-Stone look features a larger center stone with one smaller stone on each side. Initially created as an anniversary style to represent past, present and future, it is gaining in popularity as an engagement style as well.

Screen Shot 2019-01-13 at 9.51.35 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-01-13 at 9.52.22 PM.png

4. The Halo

Due to the large amount of gemstones needed to produce this style of ring, The Halo is one of the most difficult rings to make. With a center stone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones, the ring has a gorgeous shine to it. This style accentuates the center stone, making it appear larger.

Screen Shot 2019-01-13 at 9.53.54 PM.png

5. The Double-Halo

Giving the classic Halo ring a modern twist, the Double-Halo features two rows of small diamonds that frame the center stone.

Screen Shot 2019-01-13 at 9.58.38 PM.png

Screen Shot 2019-01-13 at 9.59.03 PM.png

6. The Pavé

This style of an engagement ring was created with maximum brilliance and light in mind. It uses tiny gemstones placed so tightly together to form an illusion that there is no setting holding them in place. Coming from the French word for “paved,” these engagement rings look as if their surfaces have been paved with diamonds, creating a glittering, unbroken expanse of light and sparkle.

Screen Shot 2019-01-16 at 6.25.08 PM.png

7. The Bezel

A striking modern look, the Bezel ring uses a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of the diamond in a complete metal edging.

8. The Split Shank

The Split Shank engagement ring is another unique choice, where the band splits near the diamond. This often creates the illusion of two bands rather than one.