It all starts with the engagement, one of the first true declarations of love. And for most couples it starts with an engagement ring (unless you're one of those that wants to shop for it together. . .we get you, it's the ultimate shopping trip, after all ! ). Anyway, today we're breaking down the types of engagement ring cuts. What we love about this topic of stone cuts is that while diamonds are the traditional stone for engagement rings, these cuts can apply to any variety of stone these days, especially colored gemstones. So scroll through and if you find a cut you like, and think a ring might be in your future, then you can drop a little hint to your S.O. ;) And remember that the cut can have an influence on the shape, but also the stone's light performance.
Asscher Cut
Like the emerald cut, it has cut corners, but is square-ish in shape with an octagonal nature due to it's eight-sided cut. Rectangular-cut facets make this stone special. It symbolizes rebirth and resurrection.
Round Cut
This is the classic circular stone. These stones can be labeled "brilliant" as they portray the natural contours of rough diamond crystals. And besides being the most traditional, this cut is meaningful, too -- it is said to represent eternal love.
Cushion Cut
An antique style square stone with rounded corners and large facets for more brilliance. This cut is said to have more fire, or rainbow-hued flashes of light, than any of the other cuts.
Emerald Cut
A rectangular stone with cut corners. Here the facets are larger and run parallel to each other. It symbolizes an open heart due to the openness of its cuts.
Heart-shaped
Be still our beating heart, this stone is the ultimate in uniqueness for it's traditional symbol of love shape -- two rounded lobes with a cleft separation.
Marquise Cut
This symmetrical, elongated, and elliptical stone has pointed edges that's fit for nobility.
Oval Cut
Another symmetrical and elongated stone that gives the hand the illusion of length. It also offers several meanings, from fertility to prosperity in marriage and individuality to a respect for tradition.
Pear Cut
A teardrop-reminiscent shape that is a cross between the marquise and oval cuts, cut to reflect light. This is another cut with more than one meaning: tears of joy, empowerment, and individuality to name a few.
Princess Cut
The traditional square stone with pointed, cut corners was designed from the inverted pyramid of rough diamonds. More so, all those edges make the cut symbolize an edgy, modern wearer with personality.
Radiant Cut
Square or rectangular in shape, this cut combines the step cuts of an emerald cut for many facets and the brilliance of a round stone.
Want more on engagement rings, look no further! We got you covered here on our blog and on our podcast — in fact, a jewlery-related topic might be coming to our podcast soon, but who knows? You'll just have to Subscribe and tune in to find out!
Cover photo courtesy of Vanessa Joy Photography; ring photos by Jared’s Pnina Tornai Collection