Education

Best Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings | Luma Jewellery

Best Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings | Luma Jewellery

The shape of your diamond is the first thing people notice about an engagement ring. It sets the tone for the whole design. Here is what you need to know about each one.

A grid of loose diamonds in different shapes on a white background

Round

The most popular shape and the most brilliant. A round brilliant cut has 57 or 58 facets specifically arranged to maximise light return. It works in every setting style and never goes out of fashion. If you are not sure what to choose, round is always a safe starting point. See the options in our round engagement rings collection.

Oval

Oval has become one of the most requested shapes in recent years. It has a similar brilliance to round but the elongated form makes the diamond appear larger for the same carat weight. It also has a slimming effect on the finger. Oval works well in solitaire, halo and three stone settings. Browse the shape in our oval engagement rings collection.

Emerald

An emerald cut has long, step cut facets that create a hall of mirrors effect rather than the sparkle of a brilliant cut. It is clean, architectural and understated. Emerald cuts show colour and clarity more readily than brilliant cuts, so opting for a higher grade in those areas is worth it. Compare stones in our emerald cut engagement rings collection.

Three Luma solitaire rings compared in round, oval and emerald diamond cuts

Pear

Also called a teardrop. Pear shaped diamonds are distinctive and less common, which appeals to people who want something different. They look particularly striking in solitaire settings and can also be set east to west for a more modern look.

Cushion

A cushion cut has rounded corners and larger facets, giving it a softer, more romantic sparkle. It sits somewhere between a round and a square shape and works well in both vintage and contemporary settings.

Marquise

The most elongated shape, marquise diamonds maximise carat weight and make the finger appear longer. They are bold and dramatic. Less popular than round or oval, which means they stand out more.

Princess

A square shape with brilliant cut facets. Princess cuts offer strong sparkle in a geometric form. They are the second most popular shape after round and tend to be slightly less expensive per carat because of how they are cut from rough diamond.

Radiant

A radiant cut combines the emerald shape with brilliant cut facets, giving you the rectangular outline with more sparkle. It is a good middle ground if you like the emerald shape but want more fire.

Every shape is available across our engagement ring collection. You can select your preferred shape when customising any ring on the product page.

If you would like help choosing a shape for her hand, book a consultation at our Hatton Garden studio and we will talk it through.

More from the Journal

Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Jewellery Gifts: A Guide
21 July 2026
How to Buy Jewellery as a Gift When You Do Not Know Their Style
17 July 2026
buying guide
Star of David Pendants: A Solid Gold Buying Guide
08 July 2026