Engagement ring fashions, like any fashion, fluctuate throughout time; this applies to both the overall style of the band and the center-stone form itself. In this essay, we will look at the Most Popular Diamond Shapes as we approach the end of the year 2022 diamond engagement rings options.
Countdown of the Most Popular Diamond Shapes in 2022
To take it a step further, the shape's specific cutting technique may become more fashionable at any given period. For example, square radiant cut diamonds were formerly the most popular, but elongated ones have far overtaken them in recent years. The ratio of a diamond is its length divided by its breadth, and we shall refer to it often in this essay. While the round brilliant cut diamond will always be at the top of everyone's wish list, fancy shape diamonds (non-round brilliant) will trend up and down based on current engagement ring fashion trends.
Using data from the numerous engagement rings we have sold over the years, we will rank the most popular shapes from least to most popular, as well as offer you with insight into what our customers like most about each. While reading the following, keep one thing in mind: engagement ring consumers are now seeking for the maximum sparkle and finger size coverage. In parentheses next to each diamond shape, we have indicated the proportion of total engagement rings sold that shape accounted for. Take note of the stark disparity in popularity between the five least frequent shapes and the four most popular. We also present the most popular color and clarity combinations for each design based on data accumulated from the numerous in-stock and bespoke engagement rings we have sold to customers from all around the globe. Referencing this information should help you while looking for a diamond center stone for your engagement ring.
#6 Diamonds in the shape of a heart (less than 1%).
Heart shape diamonds, as the name suggests, are a romantic form with a brilliant style faceting design that helps it give off a great brilliance. This form was quite popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. It has, however, gone out of favor with today's engagement ring buyers. This is not to mean it is any less attractive than other forms; it does, however, create a highly distinctive look when set into any bespoke engagement ring design. This design is also ideal for usage as a diamond pendant and other jewelry items. The overall cut of this diamond is critical to ensuring that it has the correct cleft at the top and elegant sides to give you the traditional heart form. Because this diamond is not in great demand, diamond producers are manufacturing less of them, so if you locate the correct one, take advantage of it!
The most popular diamond quality combination is 'F' color and 'SI1' clarity, which accounts for a considerable portion of the heart-shaped diamond engagement rings we have designed. While there aren't many numbers to rely on, it may be a decent starting point.
Quick Tip: For the most traditional heart form, aim for a length to width ratio of 1:1 or less.
#5 Asscher Cut Diamonds (less than 1% of total)
This elegant diamond shape has the same step cut faceting and cut corners as an emerald cut but in a square configuration. This center stone is often used as part of a three-stone arrangement or in a traditional solitaire to highlight its clear, mirror-like look. Asscher cut diamonds feature a more focused shine than emerald cuts due to its square shape and centred facets. On the other hand, they will not give the same finger coverage from north to south on the hand, which is why many customers choose emerald as their step cut diamond of choice.
Most Popular Diamond Quality Combination: Asscher cut diamonds conceal color well, although inclusions are more visible inside the stone. As a result, you may consider 'J' color and 'VS2' clarity as your minimums for color and clarity and still walk away with an outstanding diamond at a reasonable price.
Quick Tip: An elongated Asscher cut with an in-between ratio of roughly 1.15:1 may be a happy medium for someone who is torn between a square and an elongated shape, but is set on a step-cut center diamond.
#4 Step Cut Hybrid Diamonds (less than 1%).
We named this form 'Hybrid Step Cut,' since it includes elements of an emerald, radiant, and cushion cut. It has the same crown facets as a radiant cut, cushion cut round corners, and a unique faceting pattern on the pavilion (underside) that gives it a step-cut look like an emerald cut; here is a video that compares all four of these diamonds.
While this newly released form may not be at the top of the charts, it is certainly eye-catching and boasts some of the greatest characteristics of the more popular designs. They are very uncommon since they need high accuracy to make. A video of this gem may be seen here.
Most Popular Diamond Quality Combination: Unlike pure step cut diamonds such as emerald or Asscher cut, this shape may include some stunning SI1 or even SI2 clarity diamonds. It may conceal inclusions better than other forms because to the increased faceting beneath.
Quick Tip: Due to a scarcity of availability on the market, this diamond cut will not be featured on any mass retailer websites and may only be available through us and a few exclusive merchants.
#3 Princess Cut Diamond (less than 1% of all diamonds)
A princess cut, another square design that falls at the bottom of our list, is recognized for its completely square shape and sharp edges. They will glitter more than an Asscher cut with the same parallel sides and square ratio since they are brilliant cuts. In the 1990s and early 2000s, this diamond cut was the second most popular shape for an engagement ring center-stone, behind only round. Clients who desire a square shape now prefer a square cushion cut due to its softer look. In addition, the overall increase in desire for elongated forms has contributed to the decline in popularity of princess cut diamonds.
Most Popular Diamond Quality Combination: Despite the lack of data, we notice an equitable dispersion from 'D' to 'H' color and VS to SI clarity. Princess cut diamonds are comparable to round diamonds in that they conceal both color and inclusions effectively.
Quick Tip: Because sharp corners are more prone to chipping, they should always be prong-protected and worn with care.
#2 Marquise Cut Diamond
When it comes to diamond trends, the marquise cut diamond is unquestionably the outlier. Many people projected incorrectly that this form will catch up to the popularity of other elongated shapes like ovals and pears in recent years, but that has yet to happen. You may wonder why this is the case. We feel that many people find it overly long and tapered, with sharp ends that do not suit their tastes. We like marquise diamonds and believe them to be particularly effective in our delicate pave patterns, whether on their own or surrounded by a flawless halo. Our Signature Wrap design features a 1.4-carat marquise diamond.
The most popular diamond quality combination is 'D' to 'F' color and SI clarity, which accounts for about 80% of the marquise diamonds we offer. As with other elongated forms (see oval and pear below), the focus is on color and the clarity is more flexible. Because these stones cover a bigger surface area, the color is more visible to the eye.
Quick Tip: The ratio of marquise diamonds may be adjusted. Using 2:1 as a guideline, increasing the ratio to 2.1:1 or decreasing it to 1.9:1 will have little effect on the look of this extra-long diamond.
#1 Oval Cut Diamonds (28% of total)
Perhaps ever, the oval cut diamond has witnessed the largest growth in favor as an engagement ring center-stone form! Not long ago, oval diamonds were hard to come by and were thought to be out of date. Beginning about 2010, a few customers began enquiring about them, and we designed some stunning halo and micro pave engagement ring designs that piqued the interest of many. Since then, it has been on an unstoppable ascension to the top as customers fall head over heals for the finger coverage and flowing look. It looks extremely pleasing on the hand and combines nicely with a wide range of our bespoke engagement ring designs, thanks to the rounded corners on both points.
Colorless and SI1-SI2 seem to be the most popular diamond quality combination for this gem. This makes sense since color is important for this diamond and some flaws may be concealed by its brilliant-cut faceting. Because there is more surface area to cover in an elongated diamond, the color of the stone becomes more visible.
Quick Tip: When oval diamonds first gained popularity, the length to width ratio was often approximately 1.3:1 for a broader look.
As consumers get more bold and seek the finger covering it provides, diamonds in the 1.45:1 ratio and above are leading the way. More about oval diamond ratios may be found here.