If you are interested in learning a little about what diamond shapes are available for engagement rings, the following article may be of some interest. Diamond engagement rings can be purchased in any shape, weight, cut, color and clarity of diamond. It is therefore wise to find out what is available before parting with your hard earned money.

First of all, we have the Round Brilliant Cut diamond. Variations exist, but essentially, this is always a favourite and will most likely remain the best selling of all diamond shapes. It has 57 facets usually and can be found from under 1mm in size and upwards. The proportions can vary enormously and it is a wise investment paying that little bit extra for a very nicely cut stone. Engagement ring designs vary enormously from claw or prong settings to bezel or rub-over settings.

The Princess Cut is the classic square shaped diamond. Most typically this stone is found with equal sides, although some slight rectangular diamonds are available at greater discounted prices. Princess Cuts have a greater depth than the round brilliant cut and weight slightly heavier for the measurement. A 5mm round will typically weigh 0.50cts but will be more like 0.75cts in a Princess Cut. It was created in 1980 and generally has 76 facets although other similar cuts do exist. It is one of the most popular shapes available today. Princess Cut engagement rings often lend themselves quite well to designs focusing on the four corners. Box claws often protect these most vulnerable parts of the stone. Shallower, larger spreading diamonds often do not throw light back as well as a nicely cut stone, so, as with most diamond shapes, it is always advisable to opt for a very good cut.

The Emerald Cut is another true classic. It is usually rectangular and is step cut. Emerald cuts are more subtle and understated, without the fire of the brilliant cuts. Variations exist in the model of stones available. They can be long and slim or short and fat. It is always best to go for a length between 1.5 to 1.75 times the stone's width. The step cut arrangement of facets provides a very different look from the brilliant cuts. Similarly cut stones on each side of a large centre diamond make wonderful 3 stone diamond engagement rings.

The final shape we will look at here is to be found in Marquise Cut engagement rings. The Marquise Brilliant is supposed to be cut in the shape of the mouth of the Marquise of Pompadour, commissioned by King Louis XIV. It is by far one of the most beautiful diamond shapes for engagement rings and is most attractive when the length to width ratio is between 1.85 : 1 and 2 : 1. The typical Marquise is cut with 56 facets. It is often described as boat shaped.

Other fancy shapes include the Oval Brilliant, the Pear Shape, the Cushion Cut and the Radiant. These will be covered in a further article on fancy shaped diamond engagement rings.

M Johnson

Managing Director of http://www.serendipitydiamonds.co.uk

mark@serendipitydiamonds.co.uk