An engagement ring is not only a symbol of the love story you both share, but will be one of the most treasured heirlooms starting from that first breathtaking moment you put it on your finances finger. Whether you design the ring on your own, or are directedi n the right direction by your future fiance, finding the right ring is no small feat. This process should be exciting from start to finish.
Getting to Know the Diamond Shape
When it comes to choosing your preferred diamond shape, there are vocabulary words you will want to familiarize yourself with before making that all important final decision. Each diamond share has its own standout features. Some are so similar it’s easy to get confused. Keep reading for our easy breakdown of each shape’s pros and cons.
Round
Round cut diamonds offers the most perfect classic look. The round brilliant diamond cut with its carefully engineered 58 facets arguably produces the most sparkle and brilliance of any other shape. A well proportioned and well-cut round diamond, provides the most brilliance and light dispersion that is sure to impress in any engagement ring. Better yet its intense sparkle will often make it appear bigger!
Pros – This shape is known for its one-of-a-kind sparkle. Rounds are the most popular diamond cuts, they’re also the most expensive. This is especially noticeable at the popular 1.0-ct mark and beyond!
Cons – With all the sparkle bring a heftier price tag. Don’t worry though, Loy Harn has round cut diamonds to fit every budget!
Oval
Oval cut diamonds still have most of the brilliance of a round cut, but their elongated shape has a lengthening effect on the finger similar to a marquise with the pointy ends.. They’re also a popular choice for East-West settings. Better yet, when compared with round cuts, they’re 10-30% cheaper and have up to an 8% larger face area!
Pros – Nothing compliments your fiance’s ring finger quite like an oval cut diamond. These are modified versions of a round cut diamond. It will still stand out due to its brilliance, but is a great alternative for someone looking for a more unique shape.
Cons – Any oval-cut gemstone, including an oval cut will exhibit a bowtie pattern in the middle. Some are more prominent, and some less. If you’re picky about finding an oval-cut diamond without a noticeable bowtie, you may have to do some searching. Loy Harns diamond specialists are standing by to assist with your search.
Princess
Princess cut diamonds are known to be one of the considered traditional shapes. Similar to round cut diamonds, they are designed to give optimal brilliance. The princess cut is one of the most brilliant diamond shapes and, compared to a round, comes at a 25-35% discount. Although princess cuts have a slightly smaller face-up size, their long diagonal measurement makes them seem larger.
Pros – Princess cut diamonds are ALMOST as brilliant as round diamonds and are cut to maximize sparkle.
Cons – The sharp corners of a princess cut are prone to snag and chip. These should be protected by prongs. Furthermore, when buying a princess-cut diamond, make sure it has no inclusions near the edges. This can make them more vulnerable. If your setting doesn’t protect the stone as much as possible, there is a chance your stone could chip at the corners. Loy Harns engagement ring specialist will be happy to assist you in making sure your setting will protect your princess cut diamond!
Cushion
Cushion cut diamonds show excellent fire! The angles in this cut are made for those flashes of light. One of the oldest diamond cuts, the cushion cut has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Still, these diamonds are 25-42% cheaper than equivalent rounds!
Pros – Cushion cut diamonds are classic and trendy.
Cons – This diamond shape has the ability to be poorly cut and face-up about 8% smaller than equivalent rounds.
Emerald
An emerald cut diamond is one of the more elegant shares! Typically cut with longer sophisticated lines. These diamonds reflect light in a beautiful and subtle “hall of mirrors” effect. Although they’re one of the rarer diamond shapes, emerald-cut diamonds can be 12-42% cheaper than rounds of the same carat weight.
Pros – Emerald cut diamonds look longer than many other diamond shares even if the carat weight is less.
Cons – Because an emerald cut isn’t a brilliant cut, you can easily see inclusions in emerald-cut diamonds. In addition, they have a face-up size about 5% smaller than rounds. They may appear even smaller because of their lack of brilliance.
Marquise
A marquise cut diamond elongated shape makes the diamond look huge and your finger appears slimmer, too! Marquises cut diamonds have the largest face-up area of all diamond cuts — 15% larger than rounds. They also cost 10-25% less than round diamonds of the same carat, and look great set in East-West style engagement rings.
Pros – Very similar to emerald cut diamonds, the marquise shape is one of the larger looking diamonds.
Cons – Marquise diamonds tapered points need to be protected by prongs to prevent chipping and snagging. Make sure these vulnerable tips have no inclusions. Marquise-cut diamonds exhibit a bowtie. Searching for a diamond with minimal bowtie may take some time! These diamonds are great for the vintage lovers out there.
Pear
Pear cut diamonds a have a unique and beautiful shape, their prices are also quite attractive! They face-up 8% larger than rounds and cost 10-30% less. Their elongated shape also makes them a great choice for trendy engagement rings.
Pros – Pear cut diamonds elongate your finances finger similar to the oval diamonds.
Cons – The tip of a tear-drop diamond is prone to snag and chip and must be carefully protected with prongs. Check the laboratory report to make sure the tip contains no inclusions, as this can weaken the gem. Loy Harn can help you locate a setting that will prevent this from happening
Heart
When you see a heart, you think of love. Therefore making heart shaped diamonds the ultimate symbol of love and romance. These typically cost 13-26% less than rounds!
Pros – With strong sparkle a Heart Shape diamond cut will maximize the carat weight.
Cons – Varying in size the heart shaped diamond can get lost if the carat size isn’t large enough. The tip of the heart is prone to snag and chip and should be protected by prongs.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Asccher cut diamonds mesmerizing windmill pattern is great for a vintage, Art Deco look. With their octagonal outlines, they’re perfect for geometrical styles. They also cost 19-43% less than equivalent rounds!
Pros –
Cons – With 13% less face-up area than a round, an asscher-cut diamond shows the smallest face-up area of the fancy cuts. In addition, this step cut doesn’t hide inclusions like a brilliant cut would.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
Radiant cuts are one of the most brilliant cuts! The cut provides a ton of sparkle, and the truncated corners make it more durable than a princess cut. Better yet, they can cost 20-39% less than round diamonds! If you go with an elongated radiant cut, it may also appear larger than a round.
Pros –
Cons – Radiant-cut diamonds have a relatively small face-up size, about 4% smaller than rounds.
Trillion Cut Diamonds
The unique trillion cut diamonds have an excellent sparkle. Though popular as side stones, a trillion center stone makes a bold statement. Better yet, their shallow cut makes them face-up 12% larger than rounds!
Pros – Cons – Due to their unusual shape, trillion-cut diamonds in large sizes are difficult to find, and their cut quality is difficult to judge. Furthermore, their corners are prone to snag and chip. Their settings should protect the corners.
Getting to Know the Diamond Shape
When it comes to choosing your preferred diamond shape, there are vocabulary words you will want to familiarize yourself with before making that all important final decision. Each diamond share has its own standout features. Some are so similar it’s easy to get confused. Keep reading for our easy breakdown of each shape’s pros and cons.
Round
Round cut diamonds offers the most perfect classic look. The round brilliant diamond cut with its carefully engineered 58 facets arguably produces the most sparkle and brilliance of any other shape. A well proportioned and well-cut round diamond, provides the most brilliance and light dispersion that is sure to impress in any engagement ring. Better yet its intense sparkle will often make it appear bigger!
Pros – This shape is known for its one-of-a-kind sparkle. Rounds are the most popular diamond cuts, they’re also the most expensive. This is especially noticeable at the popular 1.0-ct mark and beyond!
Cons – With all the sparkle bring a heftier price tag. Don’t worry though, Loy Harn has round cut diamonds to fit every budget!
Oval
Oval cut diamonds still have most of the brilliance of a round cut, but their elongated shape has a lengthening effect on the finger similar to a marquise with the pointy ends.. They’re also a popular choice for East-West settings. Better yet, when compared with round cuts, they’re 10-30% cheaper and have up to an 8% larger face area!
Pros – Nothing compliments your fiance’s ring finger quite like an oval cut diamond. These are modified versions of a round cut diamond. It will still stand out due to its brilliance, but is a great alternative for someone looking for a more unique shape.
Cons – Any oval-cut gemstone, including an oval cut will exhibit a bowtie pattern in the middle. Some are more prominent, and some less. If you’re picky about finding an oval-cut diamond without a noticeable bowtie, you may have to do some searching. Loy Harns diamond specialists are standing by to assist with your search.
Princess
Princess cut diamonds are known to be one of the considered traditional shapes. Similar to round cut diamonds, they are designed to give optimal brilliance. The princess cut is one of the most brilliant diamond shapes and, compared to a round, comes at a 25-35% discount. Although princess cuts have a slightly smaller face-up size, their long diagonal measurement makes them seem larger.
Pros – Princess cut diamonds are ALMOST as brilliant as round diamonds and are cut to maximize sparkle.
Cons – The sharp corners of a princess cut are prone to snag and chip. These should be protected by prongs. Furthermore, when buying a princess-cut diamond, make sure it has no inclusions near the edges. This can make them more vulnerable. If your setting doesn’t protect the stone as much as possible, there is a chance your stone could chip at the corners. Loy Harns engagement ring specialist will be happy to assist you in making sure your setting will protect your princess cut diamond!
Cushion
Cushion cut diamonds show excellent fire! The angles in this cut are made for those flashes of light. One of the oldest diamond cuts, the cushion cut has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Still, these diamonds are 25-42% cheaper than equivalent rounds!
Pros – Cushion cut diamonds are classic and trendy.
Cons – This diamond shape has the ability to be poorly cut and face-up about 8% smaller than equivalent rounds.
Emerald
An emerald cut diamond is one of the more elegant shares! Typically cut with longer sophisticated lines. These diamonds reflect light in a beautiful and subtle “hall of mirrors” effect. Although they’re one of the rarer diamond shapes, emerald-cut diamonds can be 12-42% cheaper than rounds of the same carat weight.
Pros – Emerald cut diamonds look longer than many other diamond shares even if the carat weight is less.
Cons – Because an emerald cut isn’t a brilliant cut, you can easily see inclusions in emerald-cut diamonds. In addition, they have a face-up size about 5% smaller than rounds. They may appear even smaller because of their lack of brilliance.
Marquise
A marquise cut diamond elongated shape makes the diamond look huge and your finger appears slimmer, too! Marquises cut diamonds have the largest face-up area of all diamond cuts — 15% larger than rounds. They also cost 10-25% less than round diamonds of the same carat, and look great set in East-West style engagement rings.
Pros – Very similar to emerald cut diamonds, the marquise shape is one of the larger looking diamonds.
Cons – Marquise diamonds tapered points need to be protected by prongs to prevent chipping and snagging. Make sure these vulnerable tips have no inclusions. Marquise-cut diamonds exhibit a bowtie. Searching for a diamond with minimal bowtie may take some time! These diamonds are great for the vintage lovers out there.
Pear
Pear cut diamonds a have a unique and beautiful shape, their prices are also quite attractive! They face-up 8% larger than rounds and cost 10-30% less. Their elongated shape also makes them a great choice for trendy engagement rings.
Pros – Pear cut diamonds elongate your finances finger similar to the oval diamonds.
Cons – The tip of a tear-drop diamond is prone to snag and chip and must be carefully protected with prongs. Check the laboratory report to make sure the tip contains no inclusions, as this can weaken the gem. Loy Harn can help you locate a setting that will prevent this from happening
Heart
When you see a heart, you think of love. Therefore making heart shaped diamonds the ultimate symbol of love and romance. These typically cost 13-26% less than rounds!
Pros – With strong sparkle a Heart Shape diamond cut will maximize the carat weight.
Cons – Varying in size the heart shaped diamond can get lost if the carat size isn’t large enough. The tip of the heart is prone to snag and chip and should be protected by prongs.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Asccher cut diamonds mesmerizing windmill pattern is great for a vintage, Art Deco look. With their octagonal outlines, they’re perfect for geometrical styles. They also cost 19-43% less than equivalent rounds!
Pros –
Cons – With 13% less face-up area than a round, an asscher-cut diamond shows the smallest face-up area of the fancy cuts. In addition, this step cut doesn’t hide inclusions like a brilliant cut would.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
Radiant cuts are one of the most brilliant cuts! The cut provides a ton of sparkle, and the truncated corners make it more durable than a princess cut. Better yet, they can cost 20-39% less than round diamonds! If you go with an elongated radiant cut, it may also appear larger than a round.
Pros –
Cons – Radiant-cut diamonds have a relatively small face-up size, about 4% smaller than rounds.
Trillion Cut Diamonds
The unique trillion cut diamonds have an excellent sparkle. Though popular as side stones, a trillion center stone makes a bold statement. Better yet, their shallow cut makes them face-up 12% larger than rounds!
Pros – Cons – Due to their unusual shape, trillion-cut diamonds in large sizes are difficult to find, and their cut quality is difficult to judge. Furthermore, their corners are prone to snag and chip. Their settings should protect the corners.
An engagement ring is not only a symbol of the love story you both share, but will be one of the most treasured heirlooms starting from that first breathtaking moment you put it on your finances finger. Whether you design the ring on your own, or are directedi n the right direction by your future fiance, finding the right ring is no small feat. This process should be exciting from start to finish.
Getting to Know the Diamond Shape
When it comes to choosing your preferred diamond shape, there are vocabulary words you will want to familiarize yourself with before making that all important final decision. Each diamond share has its own standout features. Some are so similar it’s easy to get confused. Keep reading for our easy breakdown of each shape’s pros and cons.
Round
Round cut diamonds offers the most perfect classic look. The round brilliant diamond cut with its carefully engineered 58 facets arguably produces the most sparkle and brilliance of any other shape. A well proportioned and well-cut round diamond, provides the most brilliance and light dispersion that is sure to impress in any engagement ring. Better yet its intense sparkle will often make it appear bigger!
Pros – This shape is known for its one-of-a-kind sparkle. Rounds are the most popular diamond cuts, they’re also the most expensive. This is especially noticeable at the popular 1.0-ct mark and beyond!
Cons – With all the sparkle bring a heftier price tag. Don’t worry though, Loy Harn has round cut diamonds to fit every budget!
Oval
Oval cut diamonds still have most of the brilliance of a round cut, but their elongated shape has a lengthening effect on the finger similar to a marquise with the pointy ends.. They’re also a popular choice for East-West settings. Better yet, when compared with round cuts, they’re 10-30% cheaper and have up to an 8% larger face area!
Pros – Nothing compliments your fiance’s ring finger quite like an oval cut diamond. These are modified versions of a round cut diamond. It will still stand out due to its brilliance, but is a great alternative for someone looking for a more unique shape.
Cons – Any oval-cut gemstone, including an oval cut will exhibit a bowtie pattern in the middle. Some are more prominent, and some less. If you’re picky about finding an oval-cut diamond without a noticeable bowtie, you may have to do some searching. Loy Harns diamond specialists are standing by to assist with your search.
Princess
Princess cut diamonds are known to be one of the considered traditional shapes. Similar to round cut diamonds, they are designed to give optimal brilliance. The princess cut is one of the most brilliant diamond shapes and, compared to a round, comes at a 25-35% discount. Although princess cuts have a slightly smaller face-up size, their long diagonal measurement makes them seem larger.
Pros – Princess cut diamonds are ALMOST as brilliant as round diamonds and are cut to maximize sparkle.
Cons – The sharp corners of a princess cut are prone to snag and chip. These should be protected by prongs. Furthermore, when buying a princess-cut diamond, make sure it has no inclusions near the edges. This can make them more vulnerable. If your setting doesn’t protect the stone as much as possible, there is a chance your stone could chip at the corners. Loy Harns engagement ring specialist will be happy to assist you in making sure your setting will protect your princess cut diamond!
Cushion
Cushion cut diamonds show excellent fire! The angles in this cut are made for those flashes of light. One of the oldest diamond cuts, the cushion cut has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Still, these diamonds are 25-42% cheaper than equivalent rounds!
Pros – Cushion cut diamonds are classic and trendy.
Cons – This diamond shape has the ability to be poorly cut and face-up about 8% smaller than equivalent rounds.
Emerald
An emerald cut diamond is one of the more elegant shares! Typically cut with longer sophisticated lines. These diamonds reflect light in a beautiful and subtle “hall of mirrors” effect. Although they’re one of the rarer diamond shapes, emerald-cut diamonds can be 12-42% cheaper than rounds of the same carat weight.
Pros – Emerald cut diamonds look longer than many other diamond shares even if the carat weight is less.
Cons – Because an emerald cut isn’t a brilliant cut, you can easily see inclusions in emerald-cut diamonds. In addition, they have a face-up size about 5% smaller than rounds. They may appear even smaller because of their lack of brilliance.
Marquise
A marquise cut diamond elongated shape makes the diamond look huge and your finger appears slimmer, too! Marquises cut diamonds have the largest face-up area of all diamond cuts — 15% larger than rounds. They also cost 10-25% less than round diamonds of the same carat, and look great set in East-West style engagement rings.
Pros – Very similar to emerald cut diamonds, the marquise shape is one of the larger looking diamonds.
Cons – Marquise diamonds tapered points need to be protected by prongs to prevent chipping and snagging. Make sure these vulnerable tips have no inclusions. Marquise-cut diamonds exhibit a bowtie. Searching for a diamond with minimal bowtie may take some time! These diamonds are great for the vintage lovers out there.
Pear
Pear cut diamonds a have a unique and beautiful shape, their prices are also quite attractive! They face-up 8% larger than rounds and cost 10-30% less. Their elongated shape also makes them a great choice for trendy engagement rings.
Pros – Pear cut diamonds elongate your finances finger similar to the oval diamonds.
Cons – The tip of a tear-drop diamond is prone to snag and chip and must be carefully protected with prongs. Check the laboratory report to make sure the tip contains no inclusions, as this can weaken the gem. Loy Harn can help you locate a setting that will prevent this from happening
Heart
When you see a heart, you think of love. Therefore making heart shaped diamonds the ultimate symbol of love and romance. These typically cost 13-26% less than rounds!
Pros – With strong sparkle a Heart Shape diamond cut will maximize the carat weight.
Cons – Varying in size the heart shaped diamond can get lost if the carat size isn’t large enough. The tip of the heart is prone to snag and chip and should be protected by prongs.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Asccher cut diamonds mesmerizing windmill pattern is great for a vintage, Art Deco look. With their octagonal outlines, they’re perfect for geometrical styles. They also cost 19-43% less than equivalent rounds!
Pros –
Cons – With 13% less face-up area than a round, an asscher-cut diamond shows the smallest face-up area of the fancy cuts. In addition, this step cut doesn’t hide inclusions like a brilliant cut would.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
Radiant cuts are one of the most brilliant cuts! The cut provides a ton of sparkle, and the truncated corners make it more durable than a princess cut. Better yet, they can cost 20-39% less than round diamonds! If you go with an elongated radiant cut, it may also appear larger than a round.
Pros –
Cons – Radiant-cut diamonds have a relatively small face-up size, about 4% smaller than rounds.
Trillion Cut Diamonds
The unique trillion cut diamonds have an excellent sparkle. Though popular as side stones, a trillion center stone makes a bold statement. Better yet, their shallow cut makes them face-up 12% larger than rounds!
Pros – Cons – Due to their unusual shape, trillion-cut diamonds in large sizes are difficult to find, and their cut quality is difficult to judge. Furthermore, their corners are prone to snag and chip. Their settings should protect the corners.