A guide to fancy shaped diamond engagement rings

emerald cut diamond engagement ring london

Welcome back to the Diamonds Hatton Garden blog where we share the latest updates from our Hatton Garden Jewellers. In today’s blog we offer advice on how to choose a fancy shaped diamond engagement ring and how the different diamond shapes, whilst all beautiful, can offer different looks and styles.

What is a fancy shaped diamond engagement ring?

One of the first questions that we are often asked by clients who are looking for diamond engagement rings is what is a fancy shaped diamond engagement ring? A fancy shaped diamond engagement ring is an engagement ring that uses a fancy shaped diamond as its centrestone. This term is used to refer to any diamond that is not a round brilliant shape diamond. Whilst the round brilliant is by far the most popular of all diamond shapes, indeed the one that you think of when you think of a diamond, it also isn’t the only shape that exists. Over the past few years we have noticed that many clients are looking for something a little bit different that captures their personality and the special bond that their relationship symbolises. 

What popular options exist for me?

Depending on what style you like there are many options available. We outline some of the more popular shapes below. What we have found useful is to firstly look at the general shape as this can be useful as a starting point before looking into the nuances of each shape. Below we look at three categories that we use to help our clients to choose their perfect diamond engagement ring.

Rounder shapes: Pear or Marquise 

Pear shaped diamond engagement rings are, after the round brilliant, the most popular shaped diamond rings that we supply. The Pear diamond shape’s history can be traced back to 15th century Belgium and is closely linked to the development of diamond cutting. With sloping and elegant curves, the pear shaped diamond’s symmetry and beauty make it one of the most versatile shapes. In particular, a pear shaped diamond is suited for diamond pendants, diamond earrings and, of course, engagement rings. The beauty of the pear cut also resides in the variety of the shapes that one can find with some being longer than others and other being wider. 

Pear shaped diamond engagement ring

The classically shaped stone of the marquise cut diamond engagement ring elongates the finger, flattering the wearer with a shape that enhances the carat weight of the diamond and maximises scintillation. Marquise cut rings are usually more affordable than other cuts of diamonds, which makes them popular for those looking for exceptional quality and value when choosing an engagement ring. A Marquise cut maximises the amount of carat weight in a diamond so it appears to be larger than other cuts of diamonds such as the round brilliant.

history of the marquise cut diamond

Square/Rectangle shapes: Princess, Asscher, Emerald  

Tracing its origins back to European royalty and perfected in the 1960’s, the princess diamond cut is one of the most classic and popular of all diamond cuts for engagement rings. The gorgeous square cut shape consists of four pointed corners and is often set in a simple setting with a claw on each corner to hold the diamond in place. Whether you chose platinum, white, yellow or rose gold for the setting the beauty of the princess cut will shine though. A traditional choice of engagement ring, the princess cut diamond engagement ring captures the essence of love, of refined beauty and is the perfect way to celebrate your engagement.

princess cut diamond ring

The Emerald-cut diamond is one of the oldest of all of the diamond shapes and its origins are thought to be found over 5 centuries ago in the 1500s. As the name suggests, the shape was initially devised from emerald gemstones.  The name “emerald cut” was not used until the 1920s with the rise of the art-deco and art-nouveau movements. The symmetry and clean lines of the emerald cut saw the shape become a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces. An emerald cut diamond engagement ring is a choice that is sure to dazzle with the beautiful shape elegantly resting in a stylish mount. 

emerald cut diamond engagement ring uk

The Asscher cut is one of the more recent of the diamond cuts and was invented by Joseph Asscher in 1902. Joseph Asscher was an artisan diamond cutter who founded the I.J Asscher Diamond Company which is now known as the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. Joseph Asscher also gained notoriety within diamond cutting as he was entrusted by the British Royal family to cut the magnificent Cullinan diamond that is now part of the crown jewels. What makes the cut unusual is that it was the first diamond cut to be patented which protected it from being produced and replicated by other companies. With its brilliant straight lines, the cut became popular as the diamond of choice for many art-deco items of jewellery and an Asscher cut diamond engagement ring is the perfect choice for those looking for an original and uniquely shaped engagement ring.

Asscher diamond ring

Heart shaped diamond engagement rings

A shape unto its own, a heart shape diamond engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of love and devotion. For over 500 years, the heart shape diamond has been a popular choice in engagement rings across the world. Tracing its origins to European royalty, the heart shape captures the true essence of commitment, love and eternal partnership.The soft, rounded corners of the shape create a beautifully feminine feeling and is an excellent choice for those looking for a truly unique and special diamond shape for their engagement ring. With 56 or 58 facets, the heart shape diamond beautifully sparkles in the ring setting and is an eye-catching shape that symbolises you and your partner’s shared love.

heart shape diamond ring

We hope our mini-guide to fancy shaped diamond engagement rings has been useful. With such gorgeous variations and beautiful shapes choosing an engagement ring that symbolises your love is a joy to experience. Book your appointment today and speak to one of our team via harel@diamondshg.co.uk or call +44 7951 060238.