Shopping for and buying an engagement ring is one of the most exciting purchases you’ll make during your lifetime. Picking out the perfect ring for that special someone is exhilarating and quite special, but if you’re uncertain what your loved one likes in terms of jewelry style, design, shape, and overall look, it may seem a little daunting. While there are a number of things to consider when it comes to engagement ring selection, one of the most important aspects of an engagement ring is the shape of the center stone. Whether the ring will have a traditional diamond, a stunning blue sapphire, or a gorgeous amethyst, the shape of that center stone will be hugely significant in the overall appearance of the ring. You want to select the most perfect ring for your incredible soon-to-be spouse, so start by exploring all different center stone shapes to make sure you choose the best one for her personal style and preference.

1. Round

By far the most traditional and the most popular center stone shape is round. Round-cut stones are the most brilliant when it comes to sparkle and fire, and they fit gorgeously in just about any design or style of engagement ring. If you’re searching for a classic ring that is timeless, stunning, and simple, a round-cut stone is a fantastic choice. Even if you want a more elaborate and elegant ring, perhaps with a halo, side stones, or eternity band, a round-cut center stone will balance the elegance and create an incredible engagement ring.

2. Cushion

Cushion-cut center stones have been increasing in popularity in recent years, primarily due to the vintage charm they bring to engagement rings. They pair a modern round brilliant cut with the facet pattern of an old mine cut, perfectly blending vintage with modern. Cushion-cut stones preserve more of the original rough stone and they appear softer than many other cuts due to their rounded cushion-like corners. Most commonly found in diamonds, cushion-cut options can also be applied to a variety of gemstones and fancy colored stones for an even more breathtaking engagement ring.

3. Princess

The bold look of a square-shaped princess-cut center stone is sure to be a gorgeous focal point of any engagement ring. This shape is known for the X-shape present in the middle of the stone when looking directly down at it from above. A princess-cut diamond or gemstone brings a very distinctive look to any piece of jewelry, particularly an engagement ring that will be worn daily. Because of this, it’s important that individuals are certain of the recipient’s preference for this style before purchasing a beautiful princess-cut center stone engagement ring.

4. Oval

In the last few years, the oval center stone has found its way back into the spotlight of engagement rings everywhere. The unique take on a round stone has earned its place among the most breathtaking engagement rings, as it brings an air of sophistication and elegance that other center stone shapes don’t provide. It pairs classic and timeless with unique and distinctive, and oval center stones are certainly some of the most versatile shapes out there. While diamonds can be cut into any shape, certain gemstones don’t have the hardness or versatility that allows them to be cut into unique shapes. Thankfully, just about any stone out there can be found in an oval shape, meaning the sky is truly the limit when it comes to designing your own engagement ring with an oval center stone. Oval center stones elongate the finger, work well in just about any design style, and can be found as a solitaire, halo, side-stone, and more.

5. Emerald

Emerald-shaped center stones are pure sophistication. They are classy and elegant, and they work seamlessly in both modern and vintage designs. The step-cut facets bring about dramatic yet symmetrical sparkles of light that are incredibly pleasing to the eye. It’s especially important for emerald-cut diamonds to be of the highest clarity because of how they are cut, but they also use more of the rough diamond. Many different gemstones can be found in stunning emerald cuts for the most unique engagement rings, including both the classic diamond and emerald. Emerald-cut center stones create bold, distinctive, and exclusive looks that make subtle statements and exceptional engagement rings.

6. Radiant

The radiant shape combines the rectangular look of an emerald-cut stone with the gorgeous sparkle that round-cut stones bring about. The facets of radiant stones emulate those of round-cut stones, bringing about a stunning sparkle and shine to every radiant-cut stone out there. Radiant-cut stones are generally cut a bit deeper than other shapes in order to produce the most sparkle and fire, and they tend to appear larger than they actually are due to the way they’re cut. Radiant-cut stones are one of the most durable shapes on the market, meaning they’re less likely to chip, crack, or fall out of a setting, making them excellent for more active individuals with on-the-go lifestyles.

7. Asscher

An Asscher-shaped stone is relatively square, but it has similar brilliance and sparkle to that of an emerald-cut stone. They are often compared to princess-cut stones since they have the same X-shape in the center, but Asscher has more smoothness and clarity that more closely resemble the overall appearance of the emerald cut. If you’re considering an Asscher-cut center stone for an engagement ring, know that they tend to look smaller than they weigh, meaning you’ll pay slightly more for a smaller-looking stone. But if your soon-to-be spouse has her heart set on an Asscher-cut diamond or gemstone engagement ring, you’ll certainly find a wide variety of options, each of them more stunning than the last.

8. Pear

Once thought to be purely vintage in nature, pear-shaped engagement rings are slowly gaining traction in their popularity. Pear-shaped diamond engagement rings were extremely popular several decades ago and then fell out of popularity a while back, but they are slowly making their comeback with several celebrities donning them nowadays.  When a diamond or sapphire is a pear shape, it appears like a striking drop of water, perfectly captured in its most stunning form. Other gemstones are also incredibly beautiful when cut into a pear shape, and they are a gorgeous center stone shape for engagement rings. Pear-shaped center stone engagement rings can be worn with the point facing up or down, making it more versatile and unique. It can also be longer and skinnier or shorter and wider, depending on preference, allowing for more versatility and customization.

9. Marquise

Gorgeously vintage and extremely unique and exclusive, the marquise shape is simply stunning. While it is quite a bold look that is certainly not for everyone, marquise center stones have certainly earned their place on countless engagement rings. Perhaps the most well-known for its elongating effect on the finger, marquise-shaped stones are less popular than many of their counterparts, meaning you can get more carats for less. Marquise-shaped center stones are typically worn vertically, but a newer trend includes east-west settings that place the stone horizontally across the finger, bringing about a more distinguished and unique look. Several celebrities have raved over their marquise-shaped center stone engagement rings, and there is no denying the beauty and glamour they invoke.

10. Heart

Perhaps the most uniquely cut center stone out there is a heart-shaped one. Diamonds, rubies, and many other gemstones have heart-shaped options, and as they are the perfect symbol of everlasting love, they are a great option for an engagement ring. Heart-shaped stones are extremely distinctive, however, so it is recommended that you are completely confident your partner wants a heart-shaped engagement ring before purchasing one. While heart-shaped stones are more frequently seen in necklaces or earrings than engagement rings, they are a great option for the center stone of an engagement ring as they represent true love, playful simplicity, and classic and elegant beauty.

No matter what shape you desire for the center stone of your engagement ring, trust that you have several options and endless possibilities when it comes to the final look of the ring. Consulting with engagement ring experts and experienced jewelry professionals, as well as discussing options and preferences with your spouse-to-be will help you narrow down your options and make the best decision in the end. Once you have a clearer idea of the center stone, you can also explore various settings and band designs that complement your choice. Learning how to select a wedding ring that aligns with your engagement ring is equally important, as the two pieces should complement each other. Ultimately, your decision will reflect your shared style and preferences, creating a symbol of your unique love story.

Author: Roman Malakov