Everyone has unique tastes in jewelry design, and this can certainly be reflected in your choice of engagement ring. But an engagement ring is probably one of the biggest purchases you’ll make before your wedding. And for a ring of such importance, only the best will do.

Do you need some inspiration for your choice of diamond cut? Here are the 7 most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings.

Oval

There are engagement rings that will suit every budget, style, and personality. Whether you choose something traditional, or bespoke, is up to you. However, certain classic diamond shapes never go out of style, like the oval diamond shape.

This mirrors the brilliance of a round-shaped diamond but with a more elongated design. This makes the oval diamond shape sometimes appear larger than a traditional round diamond. The oval diamond shape is also versatile, as in the east-to-west design of recent years, with an oval set on its side.

Princess Cut

Every bride deserves to feel like a princess on their wedding day, but what about before the wedding? The Princess Cut diamond is certain to make any bride-to-be feel like a princess when used for the engagement ring.

Featuring a square or rectangular-cut diamond, it has four beveled sides and up to 76 facets. Technically a square, modified brilliant cut, the inverted pyramid diamond design was first introduced in the 1960s. It later got the name the “princess cut” in the 1980s and is still as popular today as it was then.

In fact, after the round diamond shape, it is the most popular choice for engagement rings. Although a much more modern design than the other choices on this list, it has a distinctly classic look.

Pear Shape

Looking for the ultimate high-end engagement ring to show off at your engagement party. You can’t go wrong with the pear shape.

With one end rounded like an oval, and the other pointed, its elegant lines and feminine lines lend themselves to all types of rings from the traditional to the modern. The pear shaped-diamond resembles a teardrop, like the tears of joy that your engagement will bring.

It can be worn with the tip facing either way, and this adds to its universal appeal. First introduced in the 15th century, it was not an immediate hit. But like many popular diamond shapes, it has over time acquired a loyal following.

Rose Cut

“My love is like a red, red rose”. So said the poet Robert Burns in 1794. But the rose has long been associated with all things romantic. Little wonder then, that a rose was the inspiration for a diamond shape.

The rose-cut diamond has been gracing the hands of lovers of luxury since before that poem was penned, and it’s not hard to see why. This flat-bottomed diamond with a domed top contains only 24 facets, in a pattern that resembles a beautiful rose.

Inspired by the tight spiral of petals in a bud, this design offers a subtle shimmer, unlike the crisp sparkle of brilliant diamonds.

Marquise

Before you even get to the most stressful elements of planning a wedding, there’s the daunting task of choosing the right engagement ring. But you don’t have to stress about it when you go for the classic Marquise shape.

First created for King Louis XV of France in the 18th century, this timeless diamond shape slowly evolved into what it is today. Also known as the Navette cut, the long narrow oval shape has 58 facets. It appears larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight, thanks to its elliptical shape and pointed ends.

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut is usually a rectangular shape (sometimes a square) and features 70 facets that reflect its light and radiance. With its classic understated shape, it continues to be a popular choice for engagement rings.

Often compared to other rectangular diamond shapes like the princess cut, the radiant cut’s longer diagonal shape makes it appear larger than it is. This is good news when you’re seeking to impress the love of your life with an engagement ring that will be the envy of all her friends.

Round Shape

Diamonds are no longer only a girl’s best friend, but they are also increasingly being viewed as a hard asset and resilient investment piece. When used in an engagement ring, a diamond is a symbol of your investment in your commitment to each other. And one of the best shapes to show this is the round.

As a circle has no end, a round diamond symbolizes a never-ending commitment. Perhaps this is why it’s the most popular diamond shape, and why more than half of all engagement rings feature this shape. Especially in a traditional solitaire setting.