In my opinion couples need to be involved in designing the ring, after all it is celebrating their love and has a very sentimental value in cherishing their relationship. Therefore my first recommendation is to propose with a loose stone in a beautiful box which will definitely sweep her off her feet and then create the perfect ring together. Unless you know exactly what she is looking for based on her pinterest or posts she likes on social media and finally if her best friend knows!

Different diamond shapes Photo credit: Champagne Gem

Here you will find a brief explanation on different shapes with sample designs to show how each one will look when set, but remember there are endless design possibilities, I tried to limit this post to classics and all time favorite settings in the past decade:

ROUND

• ROUND: is the most sought after shape in diamonds because of its incomparable brilliance thanks to 57 facets that reflect the light and create sparkle and fire. (Not recommended for gemstones unless from a very high caliber)

Round Brilliant diamond engagement ring in Tiffany anniversary setting Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

SEMI ROUND

• OVAL: is one of the most popular shapes from diamonds to gemstones, make sure in diamonds there is no bow tie present, if so you will see two black triangles in the middle of the stone. because of its elongated shape we have seen it grow more and more on brides.

Oval shape diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• PEAR: Usually looks larger than its stated carat weight because of its wider spread and given that more of the stone is shown from top view.
  

  Pear shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Harry Kotlar

• MARQUISE: like oval and pear is perfect to make fingers look slender and long, their elongated shape is helping with this.

Marquise shape diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• HEART: well its the symbol of love, do I need to say more? From diamonds to gemstones it looks gorgeous, one thing to be mindful is the proportions. Make sure it is not too slim or chubby, it has to be the perfect heart.
  

  Heart shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Graff

SQUARE CUT

• CUSHION: is a square or square rectangle (elongated) shape stone with rounded corners, pillow shape hence the name and very romantic! If cut perfectly can shine as brilliant as a round. Usually has 58 facets.
  

  Cushion shape diamond ring Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

• PRINCESS: this shape carries 57 or 76 facets and because of its pyramidal shape that has four bevelled sides, it creates more light dispersion than any other square shaped diamond. In recent years demand for princess cut has decreased which I think is solely because of its sharp corners and it only makes an statement when is in larger carat weights. It is getting harder and harder to find the perfect princess cut.
  

  Princess shape diamond ring Photo credit: Jean Dousset

• RADIANT: is gaining more and more popularity both in diamonds and gemstones because of its scattered 70 facets that create a shattered glassy look in diamonds and bring out the best colors in gemstones and fancy color diamonds. If you like square or rectangular squere shape, this is the best alternative to cushion and princess.
  

  Radiant cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

STEP CUT

• EMERALD: the most favorite in step cuts, both gemstones and diamonds although it has less sparkle because of geometric steps, but due to high clarity it is more transparent, sleek and elegant.
  

  Emerald cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• ASSCHER/SQUARE EMERALD: perfectly square shaped stone, actually an octagonal rather than emerald cut that is rectangular. Same characteristics in terms of sparkle and clarity.
  

  Asscher cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• CARRE: comes in both square and rectangular, the main point of difference is its straight facets similar to steps and usually has sharp corners, this is my favorite shape in comparison to princess. It is making a come back slowly and because of its unusual facets it is gaining more attraction, absolutely will make a statement.
  

  Carre cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

This is just an introductory post to engagement rings, if you need more information on diamonds, grading and color diamonds on following links:

https://champagnegem.com/2019/03/10/insight-into-diamonds-part-iii-grading/

https://champagnegem.com/2019/05/06/insight-into-diamonds-part-iv-fancycolordiamonds/

Please note all views expressed on this post are my own and do not represent opinions of any of the jewellers mentioned in this post.

The Tiffany Diamond, considered among the most important gemstone discoveries of the 19th century, was unearthed in 1877 in the Kimberley Mines of South Africa. Founder Charles Lewis Tiffany purchased the rough diamond weighed 287.42 for $18,000. Later the rough was brought to Paris where i was cut to its current shape; 128.54ct Facy Yellow diamond with over 82 radiant facets. In 1961 Jean Shlumberger showcased the proceless Tiffany Diamond in Ribbon Rosette necklacem, worn by Audrey Hepburn for the Breakfast at Tiffany’s publicity photo shoot. In 1995 in honor of Jean Schlumberger, the 128.54ct stone was mounted on his iconic Bird on a Rock setting. and finally in 2012 to celebrate Tiffany & Co 175th anniversary, with over a year in the making, the exquisite necklace of white diamonds with over 100cts of round and cushion cut diamonds, given shape to the icon we recognize today. The Tiffany Diamond in its current setting worn by Lady Gaga during 91st Academy Awards®.

The Tiffany Diamond

For the 2018 Blue Book, Tiffany & Co opted mother nature as inspiration and pieces were categorized based on seasons, hence the name: The Four Seasons of Tiffany & Co.

Colors, motifs, and exquisite craftsmanship were highlight of the collection. From rare gemstones to unique diamonds, each piece was designed and created meticulously. In some words this high jewelry collection is a celebration of 180 years of artistry, innovation and unparalleled virtuosity.

During the grand opening party with over 400 guests and flowing of champagne, Kendall Jenner made an appearance as guest of honor and as always was radiating beauty and glamour while wearing Tiffany & Co The Blue Book necklace featuring morganite, a pink tourmaline, pink sapphires and diamonds.

Kendall Jenner in Tiffany & Co necklace featuring morganite, pink tourmaline, pink sapphires and diamonds from The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection 

Spring is ombre of colors, flowers, blooms and a graphic contrast between geometry and nature’s beauty.

Summer is all about butterflies, fluttering above angular links with abstract wing patterns, more emphasis on modern sense of movement.

Autumn is a sensual combination of round brilliant and emerald-cut diamonds with an organic and free flowing vines woven over and under one another.

Winter inspired by American Art Deco, displays linear fragments mirroring the graphic patterns of water as it freezes. Diamonds are cut in very unique shapes, the perfect iceberg landscape on a sea of platinum.

Bracelet in platinum with pink sapphires and diamonds, part of the 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Pendant in platinum with round and oval Tourmaline, baguette and custom cut diamonds, part of The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Ombre of colours from The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Ring in 18k yellow gold and platinum with rare Fancy Pink and white diamonds, part of the 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection.

20.27ct D VS1 oval-cut diamond in a platinum setting part of the 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection

Over 91cts of uniquely cut diamonds from The 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection