Choosing an engagement ring is one of life’s most exciting milestones. While metal type, setting, and carat size all play a role, the engagement ring cuts is often the most important detail.
Why? Because the engagement ring cuts determines not only how your diamond sparkles but also how it flatters your hand, reflects your personality, and even how timeless it will look decades from now. According to the GIA, cut is the single most important factor affecting a diamond’s beauty. Even a modest stone can appear dazzling if it has excellent proportions and symmetry.
At the same time, engagement ring shapes—round, oval, cushion, emerald, and more—carry symbolic meanings. Each style appeals to different personalities, tastes, and love stories. Understanding the different ring cuts can help you choose the perfect diamond that truly reflects you.
Let’s dive into the most popular types of cuts on diamonds and the symbolic meanings behind them, along with the celebrities who have worn them.
1. Round Brilliant Cut
Celebrity Example: Dua Lipa’s round Engagement Ring
Dua Lipa is known for her modern pop sound paired with a classic sense of style. Her choice of a round brilliant diamond reflects her love for timeless elegance and stability. When her engagement was revealed, the round cut stood out as a symbol of wholeness and eternity—values that align with her grounded personality despite global fame. She chose this cut because it communicates a balance of glamour and tradition, perfectly capturing her relationship’s enduring foundation.
The round cut is the most popular diamond shape, celebrated for its unparalleled sparkle. Symbolically, its circular form represents eternity, wholeness, and everlasting love. By choosing this cut, you’re expressing a love that is classic and enduring, one that values stability and tradition. You may also appreciate simplicity and elegance, knowing that sometimes the most timeless designs speak the loudest.
Photo: Jason Kempin Getty Images
2. Princess Cut
Celebrity Example: Emily Ratajkowski’s Engagement Ring
Emily Ratajkowski has always embraced bold decisions, both in her modeling career and her personal life. She announced her marriage suddenly, surprising fans, and her princess-cut engagement ring fit that daring spirit. The sharp edges and brilliant sparkle echoed her modern, fearless character. The princess cut also reflected her independence and willingness to defy convention, making it an ideal choice for someone who thrives on standing apart from expectations.
The princess cut, with its sharp-angled, square shape, is a favorite among those who value both sophistication and contemporary flair. Its geometric lines symbolize strength and structure, while its dazzling brilliance reflects passion. If you’re drawn to this cut, you likely see your relationship as dynamic and fresh, filled with excitement and modern romance. It suggests you’re unafraid to step away from convention while keeping the elegance of a diamond’s brilliance at the forefront.
Photo:Emily Ratajkowski’s Instagram
3. Cushion Cut
Celebrity Example: Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring
Meghan Markle, a woman of grace and humanitarian values, received a cushion-cut diamond when Prince Harry proposed. The central stone was chosen from Botswana, a place meaningful to the couple, while the side stones honored Princess Diana. Meghan’s personality—empathetic, warm, and romantic—perfectly aligns with the soft corners and vintage charm of the cushion cut. She embraced this style because it reflected both her modern love story and her deep respect for tradition and family legacy.
The cushion cut, with its soft square shape and rounded corners, blends vintage charm with modern brilliance. Its romantic silhouette is often associated with warmth, comfort, and affection. By choosing this cut, you may be celebrating the tenderness in your relationship. The cushion cut is deeply romantic and ideal for someone who values tradition but also embraces cozy intimacy. It reflects a love story that is heartfelt, enduring, and deeply affectionate.
Photo:Anwar Hussein Getty Images
4. Oval Cut
Celebrity Example: Lady Gaga’s Engagement Ring
Lady Gaga is celebrated for her artistry, individuality, and boldness. Her oval engagement ring reflected her personality perfectly—it was elongated, dramatic, and full of brilliance, much like her performances. She chose the oval cut because it is classic yet slightly unconventional, a blend that matches her ability to push boundaries while maintaining universal appeal. The ring became a reflection of her creative spirit and her desire for a love that shines uniquely.
The elongated oval cut is known for its graceful shape, which elongates the finger and gives a soft, romantic appearance. Symbolically, the oval represents uniqueness, individuality, and adaptability. By choosing an oval cut, you’re embracing a love story that is flexible, creative, and deeply personal. This cut is perfect if you want something that stands out, but still maintains a classic appeal. It often appeals to those who cherish harmony but don’t mind taking a slightly unconventional path.
Photo:Matt Winkelmeyer Getty Images
5. Emerald Cut
Celebrity Example: Paris Hilton’s Engagement Ring
Paris Hilton’s personality has always combined luxury, confidence, and glamour. Her emerald-cut diamond engagement ring was no exception. Known for its clean lines and “hall of mirrors” effect, the emerald cut resonated with her love for sophistication and statement-making style. Unlike flashier cuts, the emerald emphasizes clarity—an ideal match for Paris, who has grown into a more authentic, grounded version of herself while still embracing old-world elegance.
With its elegant step cuts and long lines, the emerald cut has a distinctive appearance. Unlike other cuts that maximize sparkle, this style highlights clarity and inner beauty. Symbolically, it represents transparency, honesty, and confidence. If you’re drawn to the emerald cut, you likely value authenticity and strength in your relationship. You appreciate understated luxury, preferring sophistication over excess. This cut suggests a relationship built on openness, trust, and lasting integrity.
photo:Jason Kempin Getty Images
6. Asscher Cut
Celebrity Example: Pippa Middleton’s Engagement Ring
Pippa Middleton has always been admired for her refined taste and quiet elegance. When she accepted her asscher-cut engagement ring, it was clear the choice reflected her personality—classic, sophisticated, and appreciative of vintage artistry. The geometric design echoed her love of tradition and understated glamour. The asscher cut was chosen because it offered timeless beauty without being ostentatious, perfectly aligning with Pippa’s graceful and poised presence.
The Asscher cut, with its square shape and art-deco design, is often chosen by those who adore vintage elegance. With its deep facets and mesmerizing symmetry, it symbolizes balance, depth, and refinement.If you’re attracted to this cut, you may be drawn to history, tradition, and artistry. It suggests a relationship that values depth and sophistication, as well as beauty in detail. The Asscher cut is perfect for couples who want something timeless yet distinctive.
Photo:marieclaire
7. Radiant Cut
Celebrity Example: Jennifer Lopez’ Engagement Ring
Jennifer Lopez, a global icon of music and film, is known for her charisma and radiant presence. Her radiant-cut diamond engagement ring mirrored her personality—bold, glamorous, and impossible to ignore. The cut combined the brilliance of a round with the elegance of an emerald, just as J.Lo combines artistry with sophistication. It was chosen because it represents versatility and sparkle, qualities that define both her career and her love story.
The radiant cut thrives on brilliance and has a unique blend of both round and emerald facets. This shape is perfect for those who want the sparkle of a round while also desiring the elegance of a rectangle. It symbolizes creativity and versatility, making it a great option if your partner is someone who loves to explore and innovate.
Photo:OnTheJlo
8. Heart Cut
Celebrity Example: Pippa Middleton’s Engagement Ring
Avril Lavigne’s personality has always been expressive, emotional, and unapologetically unique. Her heart-shaped diamond engagement ring symbolized pure romance, aligning with her open approach to love and creativity. The heart cut is dramatic and sentimental, a perfect match for Avril’s boldness and sincerity. It was chosen because it declares love in the most obvious and heartfelt way—just as Avril embraces life with passion and authenticity.
The heart-shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of love and romance. Its shape is instantly recognizable and requires precision to achieve perfection. By choosing this cut, you are boldly declaring your love in its purest form. It represents passion, devotion, and sentimentality. While it may not be the most traditional choice, it speaks volumes about your desire to celebrate love in a heartfelt and unmistakable way.
Photo: Youtube
9. Marquise Cut
Celebrity Example: Selena Gomez Engagement ring
Selena Gomez, admired for her resilience and creativity, has a personality that balances vulnerability with strength. Her marquise-cut diamond engagement ring reflected ambition and elegance. The elongated shape created a regal appearance, matching her presence as a performer and philanthropist. The marquise cut was chosen because it symbolizes grandeur and individuality, aligning with Selena’s journey of reinvention and her fearless pursuit of personal and artistic growth.
The marquise cut, recognizable by its elongated body and pointed ends, carries a regal presence. Its shape creates the illusion of a larger stone, symbolizing abundance, ambition, and passion. If you choose a marquise cut, you may see your relationship as grand, bold, and full of shared dreams. This cut often appeals to those who are expressive, dramatic, and unafraid of the spotlight. It signifies a love that is both glamorous and adventurous.
Photo: Christopher Polk Image
10. Pear Cut
Celebrity Example: Victoria Beckham Engagement ring
Victoria Beckham’s transformation from pop star to fashion designer reflects elegance, discipline, and individuality. Her pear-shaped diamond engagement ring, one of many in her iconic jewelry collection, embodies her refined sense of style. The teardrop cut symbolized forward momentum and emotional depth, much like her continuous reinvention in both career and life. She chose the pear cut because it offered a blend of uniqueness and sophistication, standing out while remaining timeless.
The pear-shaped diamond, often described as a blend of round and marquise cuts, is both elegant and distinctive. Its teardrop shape symbolizes emotional depth, individuality, and forward momentum. If this cut appeals to you, it suggests a relationship filled with adventure and growth. It reflects your willingness to embrace life’s changes together, while celebrating uniqueness and personal flair. The pear cut is for someone who enjoys standing out and cherishes originality.
Photo:Instagram: @thecatwalkitalia
Engagement Ring Cuts FAQ
1. What are the most popular engagement ring cuts?
The most popular shapes include round brilliant, oval, princess, cushion, and emerald. Round remains the classic favorite because of its unmatched sparkle.
2. Which engagement ring cut has the most sparkle?
The round brilliant cut is considered the most dazzling thanks to its 58 carefully aligned facets. Cushion and radiant cuts also offer incredible brilliance.
3. What are the different types of cuts on diamonds?
Some of the most common cuts include round, oval, princess, emerald, cushion, pear, radiant, Asscher, marquise, and heart. Each one offers a different look and symbolic meaning.
4. Which engagement ring shape makes fingers look longer?
Oval, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds tend to elongate the finger, creating a slender, elegant appearance.
5. What engagement ring cut is the most unique?
Heart, Asscher, and marquise cuts stand out as distinctive and bold options. These are perfect for brides who want something truly different.
