The Top 6 Shapes of 2021
“On trend” or “trendy” are not adjectives you necessarily want to describe the engagement ring you propose to your partner with; the goal is for your partner to wear their engagement ring for years to come, through short-lived shapes and fleeting fads.
We do, however, believe it is helpful to know what’s popular in the engagement ring space when choosing the ring for your partner. After all, diamond shapes gain popularity for a reason.
We have compiled a list of the top 6 shapes of 2021 from internal data and external observation. Each of these shapes has unique characteristics and unparalleled beauty that create a stunning choice for your engagement ring center stone.
The Top 6 Shapes of 2021
No. 6: The Emerald Cut
The emerald cut refers to a rectangular-shaped diamond with long, parallel facets that create a “hall of mirrors” effect on the face of the stone. This cut is both elegant and sophisticated with perfect symmetry that looks graceful on the finger. Emerald cuts are often paired with either baguette or trapezoid side stones for a beautiful three-stone engagement ring or left on their own as the cut itself is so striking.
Shopping Tips
- The most common color grades for emerald cut diamonds are “I” or “J” since this cut hides color well.
- Emerald cut diamonds reveal inclusions clear as day as a result of the step-cut faceting. The most common clarity grade for emerald cut diamonds is VVS2 to VS1 to avoid a blemished diamond.
- Emerald cuts with a 1.25:1 ratio display a wider, more squared emerald cut while a higher ratio of 1.5:1 creates an elongated, more narrow look.
Educational Videos
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring Styles
2.01 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Cathedral Engagement Ring
2.5 carat Emerald Cut Diamond Compass Set Engagement Ring
1.70 ct Emerald Cut Diamond Two-Tone Invisible Gallery™ Ring
3.02 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Emerald Cut Moissanite Invisible Gallery Three-Stone Ring
No. 5: The Pear Shape
The pear-shaped gemstone is a hybrid of the round “brilliant” cut and the marquise cut, which creates a teardrop shape with one pointed end and one rounded end. This cut has a higher length-to-width ratio than all other fancy cuts except for the marquise cut, which provides more finger coverage and gives the illusion of a larger center stone.
Pear-shaped engagement rings are fun and feminine and pair well with our thin pave band, which provides a stark contrast to a delicate pear solitaire.
Shopping Tips
- “F” is the most common color grade for pear-shaped diamonds since the cut reveals color more prominently than others.
- Clarity is less obvious in pear-shaped diamonds; many of our clients prefer an SI clarity grade or higher.
- Most pear-shaped diamonds have a dark area across the center of the stone called a “bow-tie.” This is the result of stretching the facets in this elongated cut. If you want to minimize the appearance of the bow tie, look for diamonds with a longer and narrower shape.
Educational Videos
Pear Shape Engagement Ring Styles
1.35 carat Pear Shape Diamond Double Signature Wrap Ring
3.23 carat Pear Shape Diamond Signature Wrap Engagement Ring
Pear Shape Moissanite Three-Stone Engagement Ring
2.50 ct Pear Shape Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
2.01ct Pear Shape Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
No. 4: The Cushion Cut
The cushion-cut comes in a square or rectangular shape with rounded edges creating an ultra-feminine, pillow-like appearance—thus the reason it is called a “cushion” cut. Cushion-cut gemstones look great in virtually any setting and always appear soft and graceful on the finger. Cushion cuts are balanced with both color and clarity and look great in a wide range of color and clarity grades. Unlike other cuts, there are different ways cushions can be cut (i.e. old euro, antique, brilliant, and elongated).
Shopping Tips
- The color grade preference for cushion cut diamonds ranges from “D” to “I” based on personal preference.
- When choosing a clarity grade for your cushion cut diamond, VS1 and VS2 clarity grades are most common.
Educational Videos
Cushion Cut Engagement Ring Styles
2.50ct Cushion Cut Diamond ‘Megan Markle’ Three-Stone Ring
Elongated Cushion Cut Moissanite Pave Prong Engagement Ring
3 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Signature Wrap Solitaire Ring
4.39 ct Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
2.30 ct Cushion Cut Diamond Hidden Halo™ Engagement Ring
No. 3: The Round “Brilliant” Cut
The round “brilliant” cut is timeless and traditional with facets that emphasize brilliance more than any other cut. Round cuts have a larger surface area than many other fancy cuts with very little wasted weight underneath the stone. This cut is typically priced higher than fancy cuts because it requires more of the raw diamond to create.
Shopping Tips
- The round “brilliant” cut diamond effectively hides color as a result of the faceting. H-I-J color grades are popular with this cut.
- When it comes to clarity, VS2 to SI1 clarity grades are the most popular.
- The round “brilliant” cut is incredibly versatile when it comes to settings and styles.
Educational Videos
Round “Brilliant” Cut Engagement Ring Styles
2 ct Round Diamond Hidden Halo™ Engagement Ring
Round Moissanite Rose Gold Pave Style Engagement Ring
2.70 ct Round Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
2.01 ct Round Diamond Yellow Gold Bezel Wrap Engagement Ring
2.60 Carat Round Diamond Twisted Halo Engagement Ring
No. 2: The Radiant Cut
Radiant cuts come in both square and rectangular shapes with parallel sides and cut corners. Radiants were the first rectangular diamond to feature brilliant facets, 70 to be exact, making this shape an increasingly popular option.
Radiants have a similar shape to emeralds, but the intricate facets of this design, combined with a larger surface area than other cuts, give way to a center stone with maximum sparkle.
Shopping Tips
- The radiant cut diamond is more forgiving when it comes to revealing color. The most popular color grade range for radiant cut diamonds is “D” through “H” depending on personal preference.
- A VS2 to SI1 clarity range for radiant cut diamonds is most popular with our clients.
- A ratio of 1.3:1 to 1.35:1 is considered the sweet spot for elongated radiant diamonds.
Educational Videos
Radiant Cut Engagement Ring Styles
3.50 carat Radiant Cut Diamond Double Signature Wrap Ring
2.62-carat Radiant Cut Diamond Halo Three Row Engagement Ring
Radiant Moissanite Two-Tone Ring
2.60 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
3.02ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
No. 1: The Oval Cut
Oval-cut gemstones are essentially an elongated brilliant cut in an oval shape. The elongated appearance of this cut established covetable finger coverage and appeals to those who want an elegant and timeless center stone that will always be in style.
The oval cut has increased in popularity over the past few years with individuals choosing this cut for their center stones in a wide variety of settings and styles to suit their unique preferences. The oval gemstone has secured the top spot for engagement ring center stones for the past 2 years with no signs of losing its place.
Shopping Tips
- When shopping for an oval-cut diamond, you want a stone with rounded ends and no pointy tips.
- Colorless oval diamonds in the D-E-F color range are most popular since this cut reveals color more than other shapes.
- Inclusions and slight diamond imperfections can be masked in the brilliant faceting of this diamond cut. SI1-SI2 clarity grade is sufficient for a beautiful center stone.
Educational Videos
Oval-Cut Engagement Ring Styles.
4 carat Oval Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
1.51 carat Oval Diamond Three-Row Band Halo Engagement Ring
Oval Moissanite Pave Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
1.70 carat Oval Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
1.77 Carat Oval Diamond Hidden Halo™ Engagement Ring
The Perfect Ring Shapes for the Perfect Partner
You finally found the perfect person to make that ultimate commitment. Now all you have to do is design the perfect ring!
Whether you decide on a classic emerald cut diamond center stone or a modern and trendy oval lab-grown diamond, you need the customization options to make your partner’s engagement ring as unique as they are. At Lauren B, we offer a vast array of customization options from carat size to setting styles. If you or your partner have a specific vision in mind, you can work with one of our design consultants to custom design an engagement ring to your exact specifications.
Cheers to everlasting love in 2022. Visit our virtual diamond & gems inventory to view all our in-stock diamond shapes.