A Complete Guide to Engagement Ring Shape

Engagement ring shapes come in various distinct styles, each offering a unique aesthetic. The eight common shapes include:

• Round – A shape adored for its simplicity, timelessness, and above all, sparkle.

• Oval – Elongated shape that offers a contemporary twist on the classic round.

• Pear – or teardrop. Unique and stylish shape with rounded base and pointed top.

• Emerald – Step cut shape celebrates the clarity of the diamond, with subtle flashes of sparkle.

• Cushion – Square cut with rounded corners, known for their intense sparkle.

• Radiant – An intensely sparkly rectangular shape, an increasingly popular and modern choice.

• Asscher – A step cut square shape, like a hybrid between a princess and emerald cut.

• Princess – A sharp, square shape with vibrant brilliance for an angular ring.

• Heart – A symbolic shape for a distinctive display of affection.

• Marquise – The most unique of all the shapes; an elongated stone with pointed ends.

Queensmith offers the entire collection of these shapes, tailored to reflect personal style and elegance. You can also request other, rarer shapes such as a coffin cut or kite shape; and versatile shapes that make wonderful side stones on trilogy rings, such as cadillacs and trapezoids. Explore our full range of engagement rings to find the perfect shape for your special moment.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring shape is a deeply personal decision that reflects not only your individual style but a unique meaning behind each cut. So let’s explore exclusive meanings of ten common engagement ring shapes, helping you to find the symbol that resonates with and reflects your relationship’s journey.

The round cut is the most popular and traditional engagement ring shape. Its circular form maximises brilliance and fire, making it a timeless choice.

Known for their classic and enduring appeal, round engagement rings symbolise eternal love and commitment. Round diamonds’ symmetry and sparkle represent a love that is complete and everlasting.

‘Round cut diamonds are favoured for their unmatched brilliance and versatility. They’re a perfect choice for those who appreciate timeless elegance,’ says Joanna, Gemmologist & Ring Expert at Queensmith.

There are a number of celebrities with round diamond engagement rings, such as Mila Kunis, Brooke Shields, Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emily Blunt.

Oval engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular with buyers. They feature an elongated shape that enhances the diamond’s surface area, giving it a larger appearance.

The oval cut symbolises longevity and creativity. Its elongated shape represents a continuous journey, perfect for couples with a unique and enduring bond.

‘Oval engagement rings are ideal for those who want a classic style with a twist. The shape can make fingers look more slender and adds a touch of modern sophistication,’ notes Laura, Gemmologist & Ring Expert at Queensmith.

Some icons that are known to wear oval cut engagement rings are Hailey Bieber, Serena Williams, Phoebe Dynevor, Princess Diana, Katie Holmes, Molly Mae and Christina Aguilera.

Pear engagement rings combine the brilliance of round cuts with the distinctive style of marquise cuts, forming a teardrop shape.

The pear shape signifies elegance and individuality. The shape is incredibly modern, refined and offers intense sparkle.

‘Pear-shaped engagement rings are both elegant and unique. Their distinctive shape offers a flattering look on the hand and can be set to enhance the diamond’s sparkle,’ explains Joanna.

A few well-known faces spotted with a pear engagement ring include Margot Robbie, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Cardi B, Katherine Heigl and Mia Farrow.

The emerald cut is characterised by its rectangular shape and step-cut facets, which create an enchanting hall-of-mirrors effect.

Emerald cut engagement rings symbolise clarity and honesty. The large, open facets highlight the diamond’s purity, representing a clear and transparent relationship.

Celebrities who decided on an emerald cut diamond for their engagement ring include Beyoncé, Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Bell and Anne Hathaway. Oscar-winning actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, was also known for her iconic 10.48 carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

Cushion cut engagement rings are square in shape but feature rounded corners, giving the diamond a soft, pillow-like appearance. You can also find elongated cushion cut diamonds, which appear slightly more rectangular.

The cushion cut symbolises romance and comfort. Its vintage appeal and soft shape reflect a cosy, loving relationship.

‘Cushion cut engagement rings are perfect for those who love a touch of vintage charm. Their soft, romantic look is both timeless and comfortable to wear,’ shares Amelia, Gemmologist & Ring Expert at Queensmith.

Some celebrities who wear a cushion cut engagement ring include Meghan Markle, Sofia Vergara, Karlie Kloss, Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen, Leighton Meester, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff and Gabrielle Union.

Radiant engagement rings are known for their unique cut that combines the elegance of the emerald shape with the brilliance of the round cut. This glamorous style offers maximum sparkle and a modern, sophisticated look.

Famous personalities like Jennifer Lopez, Lea Michele, Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston have sported radiant-cut engagement rings, showcasing their timeless appeal and luxurious charm.

Asscher cut engagement rings is renowned for its distinctive square shape with cropped corners and step-like facets, creating a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. Originally developed in the early 20th century, this vintage-inspired cut offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. Its deep pavilion and high crown enhance the diamond's clarity and brilliance, making it a stunning choice for those seeking a timeless and eye-catching design.

The Asscher cut is perfect for those who appreciate Art Deco aesthetics and a ring that stands out with its architectural beauty. Several celebrities have chosen this distinctive cut, among them are Elizabeth Hurley, Zooey Deschanel, Nicky Hilton, Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pippa Middleton.

Princess cut engagement rings are square with pointed corners, known for their modern look and brilliant sparkle. The shape was popular in the early 2000s and is now loved for its vintage appeal.

The princess cut signifies elegance and sophistication. Its sharp angles and brilliant facets represent a dynamic and stylish love.

Celebrities with princess cut engagement rings include Kate Bosworth, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Katrina Bowden.

Heart engagement rings are a romantic and unique choice, featuring a distinct heart shape that is both sentimental and eye-catching.

The heart shape is the ultimate symbol of love and romance. It represents deep affection and an emotional connection.

A few celebrities with this unique heart engagement ring design include Avril Lavigne, Nicki Minaj, Arielle Charnas, Jenna Rennert and Gwen Stefani.

Marquise cut engagement rings have an elongated shape with pointed ends, maximising the diamond’s carat weight and giving a regal appearance.

The marquise cut symbolises ambition and grandeur. Its unique shape represents a bold and adventurous love.

Some celebrities who’ve chosen the bold marquise cut diamond for their engagement ring include Portia de Rossi, Victoria Beckham, Ashlee Simpson Ross and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Jacqueline Kennedy also had a near-flawless 40.42 carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring, though she only ever wore it twice.

The most popular engagement ring shape in 2024 is the round cut, and it has remained the most popular shape for several decades – however shapes like ovals and emeralds are increasingly approaching the top spot. Known for its timeless elegance and unmatched brilliance, the round cut diamond continues to be the preferred choice for many couples.

This classic shape's popularity stems from its ability to maximise light reflection, creating unparalleled sparkle. Its versatile design suits various settings and styles, making it an enduring favourite. The round cut's symmetry and brilliance not only symbolise everlasting love but also offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to a wide range of tastes. At Queensmith, our round cut engagement rings are crafted to the highest standards, ensuring each piece is a true reflection of your unique love story.

Our experts predict shapes like oval and emerald will continue to surge in popularity. Oval engagement rings comprised 23.9% of Queensmith's sales in 2023. Their popularity is largely due to their brilliance and elongated shape that creates a flattering effect on the ring finger – as well as the fact that many celebrities have chosen an oval shape ring in recent years. The elongated shape of the oval cut creates a greater spread of the carat weight, providing excellent coverage across the finger, whilst also creating an illusion of a larger diamond compared to other shapes.

You can read more about engagement ring shapes and trends to watch in 2024 in our annual ring trends report.

Choosing the right engagement ring shape for your partner is a meaningful and personal decision. Each shape has its unique characteristics and symbolism, reflecting different styles and personalities. This is how to select the perfect engagement ring shape that aligns with your partner’s preferences and captures the essence of your relationship.

Different diamond shapes come at varying price points. When considering the size of a one carat diamond, it’s important to realise that size in millimetres often differs depending on the cut. For example, a round 1 carat diamond size is usually around 6.34mm, while a cushion diamond is slightly narrower at 5.7mm. These will make some differences in terms of the price, so it's essential to consider this when Setting a Budget for your engagement ring. If you want to understand more about the diamond carats and differences in cut size, we have a guide about one carat diamonds.

The meaning of the ring will be impacted by the meaning of each shape cut. When choosing a ring, consider your partner’s preferences, style and characteristics. Additionally, the ring setting and metal type play a significant role in the overall look and feel of the ring. For more information, explore our Engagement Ring Style Guide and Engagement Ring Metal Guide.

Choosing the right engagement ring shape involves more than just personal style; it’s also important to consider how the ring will look on your partner’s finger. The shape of their fingers can influence which diamond cuts will appear most flattering.

For small or short fingers, elongated shapes such as oval, pear or marquise can create the illusion of length and make fingers appear longer and more slender. These shapes draw the eye along the length of the finger, adding elegance and balance.

Wider or long fingers can accommodate bolder shapes like round, princess or emerald cuts. These shapes offer a balanced and proportional look, enhancing the finger’s natural beauty without overpowering it.

For large or full fingers, choosing a ring shape that doesn't add extra width is key. Shapes like pear, oval and marquise are ideal as they help elongate the appearance of the finger. Opt for a setting that sits low on the finger to create a more flattering look.

Selecting the ideal diamond shape for your engagement ring is an important step in creating a piece that truly reflects your partner's style and personality. At Queensmith, our diamond and design experts are here to guide you through every step, from understanding the 4Cs – carat, colour, cut, and clarity – to designing a bespoke engagement ring that suits their hands perfectly. Whether you prefer a classic round cut or a unique pear shape, we’ll help you craft the ring of your dreams.

Discovering the perfect engagement ring is a journey made easier with Queensmith. Our extensive collection of loose diamonds, complete with real 360 videos and advanced filtering options, allows you to explore various shapes, sizes and colours to suit your style. For a budget-friendly and more sustainable choice, consider our stunning lab grown engagement rings. While diamonds are a popular choice, Coloured Gemstones, like sapphires or emeralds, offer a unique appearance to traditional shapes. Start your search today and find a ring that's truly special.