The Most Popular Diamond Cuts for Engagement Rings

We've all been there, mesmerised by the sparkle of a diamond that seems to make the light dance across every room it enters, but what makes that sparkle so captivating? More than carat size or clarity, it's the cut that shapes how a diamond plays with light and, in many cases, how it tells your story.

The cut is the unsung hero of diamond design. While people may compare size or price, the angles and proportions within the stone influence brilliance, fire, and the diamond's perceived size. That's why choosing a cut is about more than style. It's about value, longevity, and making sure your choice reflects your partner's personality.

Together, we'll explore the diamond cuts that have stood the test of time, from the round brilliant to vintage-inspired old cuts. Along the way, we'll uncover how trends in the diamond cutting industry shape what's available today, what makes certain cuts feel more modern or classic, and why even your choice of cut may affect future valuations and decisions around diamond ring insurance.

Because while every diamond begins as a rough stone, it's the cut that transforms it into something extraordinary, and perhaps the detail that matters most when choosing an engagement ring.

What Is a Diamond Cut?

At its core, a diamond cut refers to the way a rough diamond is transformed into a polished gem through precise angles, proportions, symmetry, and polish. These elements work together to determine how light enters the stone, bounces within, and reflects back to the eye as sparkle. A well-cut diamond can appear brighter and larger than one of equal carat weight with poor proportions.

It's important to distinguish between cut and shape. Shape refers to the outline of the stone, with the most common shapes being round, oval, cushion, and princess. While cut describes the technical craftsmanship that influences brilliance. Two diamonds may share the same shape but differ dramatically in beauty and value depending on their cut quality.

How Are Diamonds Cut?

The process has come a long way from the hand tools used centuries ago. Today, the diamond cutting industry relies on advanced technology such as laser mapping and computer-guided precision to maximise yield from each rough stone. Expert cutters plan every facet to enhance light performance, balancing artistry with science. The result is a gem whose brilliance depends less on size and more on skill.

A Quick Diamond Cut Definition:

A diamond cut is the arrangement of a stone's facets, its angles, proportions, symmetry, and polish that control how light interacts with the diamond and how much it sparkles.

Why Cut Matters More Than Carat or Colour

When people first shop for diamonds, carat size and colour tend to dominate the conversation. Yet gem experts consistently highlight that the cut is the factor that can influence beauty the most. A well-cut diamond controls how light moves through the stone, creating three key effects:

• Brilliance – the overall brightness from light reflected back to the eye.
• Fire – the flashes of rainbow colours as light disperses.
• Scintillation – the sparkle or "dance" of light as the stone moves.

Even a large diamond with high colour grade may appear dull if its cut is poor. Conversely, a smaller diamond with an excellent cut can look more dazzling and appear larger than its weight suggests.

What Diamond Cut Has the Most Sparkle?

The round brilliant cut is widely considered the sparkliest of all. With 57 or 58 precisely aligned facets, it's engineered to maximise light return. This explains its popularity. Round brilliants made up 57.74% of global diamond revenue share in 2023, according to Horizon Databook.

Expert tip: If sparkle is your priority, focus on cut quality first. Carat and colour can be adjusted to suit your budget, but brilliance depends almost entirely on cut.

The Most Popular Diamond Cuts Explained

From timeless brilliance to bold geometry, diamond cuts shape both the style and personality of an engagement ring. Each cut has unique qualities that may appeal to different tastes. Let's explore the most popular choices and answer common questions.

Round Brilliant Cut

As mentioned above, the round brilliant cut is the global favourite, prized for its unmatched sparkle.

Are all round diamonds brilliant cut?

Not necessarily. While most round diamonds sold today are brilliant cuts, some antique styles, such as old European cuts, are round but are sometimes not faceted in the same way.

Jeweller's tip: Round brilliants are versatile, fitting well in solitaire, halo, or pavé settings.

Princess Cut

Known for its clean, square shape and sharp corners, the princess cut has a contemporary, architectural appeal. Its faceting creates plenty of sparkle while offering a modern alternative to the round.

Are princess-cut diamonds out of style?

While round brilliants lead sales, princess cuts remain one of the most popular fancy shapes. Their bold lines suit modern settings, and they may cost less per carat than round diamonds of comparable quality.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut blends a square or rectangular outline with soft, rounded corners, giving it a vintage-inspired charm. Sometimes called a "pillow cut," it combines sparkle with a romantic, antique feel.

What is a cushion cut diamond?

It's a cut with curved edges and large facets that enhance brilliance and highlight colour. Cushion cuts are often chosen for halo settings, which accentuate their softness and depth.

Emerald and Asscher Cuts

These are step cuts, with long, rectangular facets that create a "hall-of-mirrors" effect rather than the sparkle of brilliant cuts.

• Emerald cut: Rectangular with clipped corners, admired for its sleek, elegant lines.

• Asscher cut: A square variation with deep pavilion and high crown, popular in vintage-inspired rings.

Are Asscher-cut diamonds good?

They can be striking choices for those who prefer clarity and clean symmetry over sparkle. Step cuts highlight the diamond's transparency, so buyers may prioritise higher clarity grades.

Oval, Pear, and Marquise Cuts

These elongated shapes can make diamonds appear larger than their carat weight.

• Oval cut: Combines brilliance with a flattering, finger-lengthening effect.
  Pear cut: A teardrop shape that balances brilliance with a distinctive silhouette.

• Marquise cut: A football-shaped style with pointed ends, maximising surface area and visual size.

Expert tip: These cuts may offer more "spread," meaning they look bigger per carat compared with rounds.

Old Mine and Old European Cuts

Before modern precision cutting, diamonds were shaped by hand into old cuts.

• Old mine cut: Square with rounded corners, dating back to the 18th century.

• Old European cut: Round with fewer, chunkier facets than today's brilliants.

Are old cut diamonds worth more?

They can be, depending on rarity, craftsmanship, and historical appeal. Collectors and vintage lovers value their antique charm, though prices vary with condition and market demand.

Did you know? Old mine and European cuts laid the foundation for today's modern brilliant styles.

Does the shape of the diamond impact the way you care for it? Find out in our guide: How to Care for Different Diamond Shapes.

Diamond Cuts and Pricing

One of the most practical questions people ask when choosing a diamond is: "Are certain diamond cuts more expensive?" The short answer is yes, different cuts can influence price, sometimes significantly.

• Round brilliant cut: This cut usually carries a premium. The precision required to maximise light return, combined with high demand, means round brilliants may cost more per carat than other shapes. However, their popularity may mean they hold their value longer and may yield a higher resale price.

• Fancy cuts (princess, cushion, emerald, etc.): These often use more of the rough diamond, meaning less material is lost during cutting. As a result, they may be priced lower per carat than a round of similar quality.

• Vintage or rare cuts: Old mine or Asscher cuts may vary widely in price. Their value often comes from rarity and demand in the antique jewellery market rather than cutting efficiency.

Key takeaway: Cut doesn't just shape the look of your diamond; it also affects how far your budget stretches.

Trends and Insights from the Diamond Cutting Industry

The diamond cutting industry continues to evolve, shaped by both technology and consumer preference. These shifts affect which cuts rise in popularity and how diamonds reach the market.

Consumer taste drives demand

Preferences have shifted over time, with round brilliants holding steady while fancy shapes like ovals and cushions are gaining traction. Social media and celebrity engagements often influence these swings, as people look for rings that feel personal and distinctive.

Technology is transforming diamond cutting

Modern advances in laser mapping and computer-aided design allow cutters to maximise brilliance while minimising waste. Precision has reached a point where even subtle adjustments in angles and symmetry can change how light dances through the stone. This makes today's cuts more consistent and often more visually striking than older methods allowed.

The rise of pre-loved and lab-grown diamonds

Sustainability and affordability are now part of the conversation. Pre-loved diamonds bring vintage appeal and often lower costs, while lab-grown stones, cut using the same technology as natural diamonds, are becoming a mainstream choice. Both trends expand options for buyers who want value without compromising on beauty.

Interested in lab-grown diamonds? Read: Can You Insure Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Innovation in the diamond cutting industry means buyers today have more choices across price points, sustainability, and design than ever before.

Why Diamond Ring Insurance May Deserve a Place in the Conversation

After choosing the right cut, setting, and design, the final step is thinking about how to cover that investment. The sparkle of a diamond comes not only from its craftsmanship but also from its lasting value, and that's where diamond ring insurance may enter the picture.

What is diamond ring insurance?

Diamond ring insurance is specialist cover designed for high-value jewellery items, distinct from standard home and contents policies. Unlike generic cover, it can be tailored to the unique qualities of a ring, including its cut, certification, and current market value.

Why it matters for valuation

A diamond's cut and grading report directly influence its appraised worth. That valuation can then form the basis for insurance, ensuring the policy reflects the ring's true quality rather than a generic estimate.

Q Report Diamond Ring Insurance

With providers like Q Report, cover may extend worldwide for loss, theft, or accidental damage. Importantly, policyholders can often work with their preferred jeweller for repairs or replacements, keeping the integrity and sentiment of the original ring intact.

Key takeaway: Getting cover for your diamond ring is about more than replacing its price tag; it's about safeguarding the craftsmanship, design, and meaning you've chosen so carefully.

Finding the Cut That Matches Your Story

Choosing a diamond cut is about more than style; it’s about capturing the story you want your ring to tell. From the sparkle of a round brilliant to the elegance of an emerald or the vintage charm of an old European cut, the “best” choice depends on your budget, taste, and the meaning it holds for you and your partner.

Once you’ve found the cut that feels right, diamond ring insurance ensures that value is safeguarded for years to come. With Q Report, cover may extend worldwide and allow you to work with your chosen jeweller if the unexpected happens.

Ready to find the cut that matches your story? Explore your options with a trusted jeweller, and consider Q Report’s specialist cover designed to insure the ring you’ve chosen to last a lifetime.