Congratulations! You’ve decided to pop the question. This is an exciting time and you probably have a lot of plans in your head. How much thought have you given the ring? With the almost endless selection of wedding jewelry out there, it’s a good idea to have a starting point in mind. If you’ve settled on a diamond as your preferred gemstone, it helps to do some research before settling on what you want.
The most important decision you can make about a diamond is the cut. A diamond’s specific cut affects its brilliancy (more on that here). Always choose a diamond that ranks well on the GIA scale. The finer the cut, the greater the level of brilliance.
The next attribute you should consider – and the one that will have a huge impact on the look of the ring – is the shape. The shape and cut work together to affect the overall effect the ring will have.
Some of the pros and cons of the most popular diamond shapes:
Round: the round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond choice by far. Its symmetry and sparkle factor make it one of the most eye-catching and classic diamonds. Its versatility makes it a stunning choice for any ring. However, with great popularity comes great cost; round brilliant cuts are among the most expensive.
Princess: the most brilliant of the fancy shapes, the princess cut diamonds are typically square, though rectangular versions exist. They are stylish and modern, often coming with a smaller price tag as the cut hides tints and inclusions fairly well. Princess cuts are also quite versatile and can look wonderful in a simple or elaborate setting. However, be sure that your setting is secure: the princess cut’s four corners render it vulnerable to chipping or breaking.
Cushion: a nearly square cut with rounded edges, cushion cuts have seen renewed popularity in recent years as trends gravitate towards vintage looks. The cuts that must be made to create a cushion cut make the diamond particularly stunning; however, this also means that if you want a cushion cut you’ll likely need to spend more money, as the cushion cut does not hide flaws and inclusions well.
Marquise: a marquise cut diamond is shaped rather like a football, offering a statement look for a reasonable price. However, its points make it a delicate cut – if your sweetheart is active or busy with her hands, this might not be the choice for her.
Pear: a cross between the round brilliant and the marquise, the pear shape is perfect for anyone who likes vintage shapes with modern style. It is versatile and has a slimming, elongating effect on fingers, making it a perfect choice for anyone with short or wide fingers. However, you must be careful to find a well-cut pear diamond, as they tend to show any imperfections. If you choose a pear diamond, you should also be aware that its point can snag on objects, so it’s important to have an extremely secure setting.
Ask a Professional: There are so many factors that go into selecting engagement rings: your partner’s style, tastes, and lifestyle. If you’re looking for engagement rings that come with matching wedding rings, be prepared to narrow your search accordingly. Your budget is a concern as well, as is the quality of the diamond you choose. The best way to choose the right diamond is to visit the jewelry store and ask to see the diamond in person! R&S Diamond Exchange can help you select the perfect ring for your future bride. Visit us today to learn more and to browse our selection!
