What Is The Best Cut For A Diamond Engagement Ring?

When choosing a diamond engagement ring, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make is which cut to go for. This decision isn’t just about the shape; the cut influences the sparkle, appearance and even how well the diamond holds its value over time.

With so many options available, from timeless round designs to elegant emerald cuts, finding the best cut for your engagement ring can feel like a big (and overwhelming) decision!

This guide explores the different diamond cuts available for engagement rings, answering common questions like: ‘What is the most expensive cut for an engagement ring?’. ‘Which diamond cut holds its value?’ and ‘What diamond cut looks the biggest?’.

Whether you’re planning to purchase a classic mined diamond or a lab grown option from Hatton Garden Diamond, this guide will help you understand what makes each cut unique.

What Does ‘Cut’ Really Mean?

Before exploring individual cuts, it’s worth understanding what the term actually refers to. In the diamond world, ‘cut’ has two meanings:

1. Shape: The outline or form of the diamond (e.g., round, oval, cushion).
2. Quality of Cut: How well the diamond’s facets are arranged and how precisely it has been proportioned and polished. (Facets refer to the flat, smooth surfaces on a diamond).

Whilst this blog focuses primarily on the shapes, it’s important to note that the quality of a diamond’s cut directly impacts its brilliance. Even a high-carat diamond can look dull if the cut is poor, so always consider both aspects when selecting your stone.

The Classic Round Cut

When it comes to engagement rings, the round cut is by far the most popular, and with good reason; Its symmetrical shape makes it the most sparkling of all cuts. The round design is known for maximising light reflection, delivering that iconic diamond sparkle that many people imagine when picturing an engagement ring.

Most Sought After? Yes, round cuts are the most requested diamond shape for engagement rings.

Most Expensive Cut? Typically, yes. Due to demand and the amount of rough diamond lost in the cutting process, round diamonds tend to be more expensive per carat than other shapes.

Holds Value? Round shapes often retain value better than other shapes because of their popularity and widespread appeal.

Oval Cut

The oval cut shares many characteristics with the round, including exceptional sparkle. However, its elongated shape makes it appear larger on the finger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. The oval cut also has a slimming effect on the finger, which many people find flattering.

Looks the Biggest? Yes, oval diamonds tend to look larger than round diamonds of the same weight due to their length.

Good Value? Generally, oval diamonds are slightly less expensive than round cuts but offer a similar level of brilliance and a larger face-up appearance.

Cushion Cut

Cushion cut diamonds have a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow, hence the name. This cut combines vintage charm with modern brilliance and is known for its soft, romantic appearance.

Popular Choice? Very much so, especially amongst those who love vintage-inspired rings.

Holds Value? Cushion cuts can hold their value well, especially if they are well-proportioned and feature high clarity and colour.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut offers a very different visual experience. Instead of brilliant sparkle, this cut delivers a sleek, mirror-like appearance thanks to its step-cut facets. It’s often chosen for its elegance and vintage feel.

Most Expensive Cut? Not typically, but high-clarity emerald cut diamonds can sometimes cost more because inclusions are more visible in this style.

Holds Value? With its timeless look, it appeals to those who appreciate clean lines. Emerald cuts can retain value when well-proportioned and paired with high-quality diamonds.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is a square diamond with pointed corners and a brilliant style of faceting. It’s the most popular non-round shape and offers a modern, angular alternative to traditional round or oval diamonds.

Looks the Biggest? Princess cuts have a broad face-up size, so they can appear slightly larger than round diamonds of similar carat weight.

Good Value? These diamonds are often more affordable than round cuts, offering great sparkle and size for the price.

Pear Cut

Pear-shaped diamonds, also known as teardrops, combine the appeal of round and marquise cuts. They’re ideal for those looking for something different yet classic.

Looks the Biggest? Yes, similar to the oval, the elongated shape can create the illusion of greater size.

Sought After? Increasingly popular among those who want a ring that stands out from the crowd.

Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is long and narrow with pointed ends, known for its dramatic, regal feel. It can create the illusion of a larger diamond and is often set with accent stones or in vintage-style designs.

Looks the Biggest? Marquise diamonds provide one of the largest face-up areas per carat, making them appear significantly larger than round or square cuts.

Heart Cut

If you want to say everything with a ring, then a heart cut might be the right choice for you. A relatively modern design, with a classic feel, a heart cut is an eternal reminder of love and devotion.

Sought After? In recent years, this unique design has grown in popularity due to its unique shape.

Choosing A Diamond Cut

Choosing the best cut for your engagement ring comes down to a few important considerations:

• Personal Style: Is your partner drawn to timeless elegance, vintage charm, or contemporary design?
• Finger Shape and Hand Size: Elongated shapes can be more flattering on certain fingers, whilst bold cuts can make a statement on larger hands.
• Budget: Some cuts maximise size and sparkle for less, whilst others, such as the round style, carry a higher cost per carat.
• Long-Term Appeal: Consider whether the shape has lasting appeal and how well it may hold its value over time.

Lab Grown Or Mined?

Whether you’re choosing a lab grown diamond or a mined stone, the cut is a defining factor in how the diamond appears.

At Hatton Garden Diamond, we offer a wide range of both options, and each diamond is carefully selected for brilliance and symmetry. Our lab grown diamonds in particular are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering flexibility and value without compromising on beauty.

Finding The Right Cut For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, ‘What is the best cut for a diamond engagement ring?’ It all depends on what matters most to you: sparkle, size, value, or uniqueness.

Whether you choose a timeless round, a dramatic pear, or a sleek emerald cut, the best diamond is the one that speaks to you and your relationship.

Get In Touch

At Hatton Garden Diamond, our team have years of experience in helping our clients choose the right ring for their significant other. Contact us today, or visit us at our showroom in the heart of Hatton Garden. You can book a consultation by calling us on 020 7404 9202, emailing us at regency@hattongardendiamond.com or filling out our online contact form.