What are the most popular engagement rings to choose from now? Get ready for the 1980s glamoratti revival! Pinterest has predicted a return to decadent drama in fashion, which in terms of jewellery means chunkier and bolder designs.

We’ve already seen this trending, with recently engaged celebrities like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus making a statement with wide sculptural sculptural bands, and we predict we will see more of these stand-out shapes this year and next.

Here are some styles we are loving right now – as well as some guidance on where to start researching and buying the right one for you. And if you don’t love any of these, there are loads more ideas right here as well as an explainer on various cuts and shapes here and an A-Z of alternative gemstones here.

A Guide to Diamond Cuts and Shapes

Cut vs Shape

The shape of a diamond refers to the outline of the stone whereas the cut refers to the diamond’s proportions, the way its polished and its facets, which affect the way your ring shines and sparkles. The more facets, the more light is reflected so the more a gem sparkles. Cut is one of the famous four Cs – along with colour, clarity and carat – to determine the value of a diamond.

Round

The most familiar of the various cut options, the round diamond is ever popular because of its strong sparkling abilities and the spectacular way light shines, glitters and reflects through its facets.

Oval

Oval in shape, this style of diamond provides its wearer with a similar brilliance and shine to a round cut and is a timeless, incredibly elegant option.

Marquise

For that added level of drama, the Marquise cut takes on the form of a elongated striking oval with pointed ends. It can be great for making fingers look longer. Marquise cut diamonds are less expensive than round cut diamonds of the same carat weight, as they are not as in demand and allow gem cutters to make bigger cuts out of the same amount of raw material.

Pear

Combing the Marquise and oval cuts, a pear cut diamond takes the curved shape of the oval and the pointed tip of the Marquise to create the eye-catching teardrop appearance of this style.

Princess

Perfect for the modern bride, Princess-cut diamonds are a fantastic, contemporary option with an angular shape and inverted pyramid design.

Cushion

If you are leaning towards a more square shape but prefer a softer more rounded touch, the classic cushion-cut is a fantastic option for you.

Emerald

If you’re searching for a showstopping diamond that leaves an impression, look no further than an emerald cut which filters and shines out light differently to other cuts due to its straight facets.

Baguette

At first glance it’s easy to confuse an emerald cut for a baguette cut as they both feature a long rectangular shape. While the emerald cut has polished right angled corners the baguette differs in this aspect with its sharp, pointed corners.

Radiant

Another cut that shares the familiar rectangular shape, the radiant cut differentiates itself with its many facets that are polished similarly to a round cut – adding that covetable extra sparkle.

Asscher 

Also referred to as square emerald cuts, Asscher diamonds have a stepped square appearance and feature clipped corners.

Heart

For the romantics out there, the heart shape cut is for you! The signature heart shape and sparkling nature of this glittering diamond cut makes it a statement stone that packs a punch!

Trilliant or Trillion

If a square, round, rectangular or heart shape doesn’t spark you joy, than a trilliant diamond might be for you! With the sides of this style of cut coming in curved and uncurved variations, the triangular shape glints and reflects light spectacularly.

If you want more great ring advice, read our 15 Must-Read Engagement Ring Shopping Tips here!