How to choose an engagement ring shape

Choosing an engagement ring starts with one big decision: the shape of the centre stone. It influences everything else, from how large the diamond looks to how it catches the light and how it pairs with a wedding band. Here's a guide to the shapes you'll find in our collection, and what makes each one special.

Round brilliant

The round brilliant is the classic engagement ring shape, and for good reason. Its facets are designed to return as much light as possible, giving it more sparkle than any other shape. It's timeless and works beautifully in almost any setting, from a simple solitaire to a pavé band.

Choose it if: you want maximum sparkle and a look that will never date.

Oval

An oval has the brilliance of a round diamond in an elongated shape. Because it's longer, an oval tends to look larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight, and it has a lovely way of making the finger appear longer and more slender.

Choose it if: you want brilliance with a little more presence on the hand.

Cushion

A cushion cut is square or slightly rectangular with softly rounded corners, like a pillow. It has a romantic, vintage feel and large facets that create bold flashes of light.

Choose it if: you love a soft, classic look with a hint of vintage charm.

Princess

The princess cut is square with sharp, pointed corners. It's crisp, modern and very brilliant, and it sits beautifully alongside a pavé band.

Choose it if: you want clean, contemporary lines with plenty of sparkle.

Radiant

A radiant cut combines the elegant outline of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round. With its trimmed corners and lively facets, it's a great choice for anyone who wants a rectangular stone that still sparkles intensely.

Choose it if: you want a rectangular shape without giving up brilliance.

Emerald

The emerald cut uses long, step-like facets that create a "hall of mirrors" effect. Rather than sparkling in small flashes, it shows broad, elegant flashes of light. Because its open facets show more of the inside of the stone, clarity matters a little more with this shape.

Choose it if: your style is sophisticated, architectural and understated.

Pear

A pear shape is rounded at one end and pointed at the other, like a teardrop. It's graceful and distinctive, and like the oval, it elongates the finger. It's traditionally worn with the point toward the fingertip.

Choose it if: you want something elegant and a little unexpected.

Marquise

The marquise is a long, boat-shaped cut with points at both ends. Of all the shapes, it has the largest surface area for its carat weight, so it looks especially generous on the hand.

Choose it if: you want a bold, vintage-inspired statement.

Then choose a setting

Once you've found your shape, the setting brings it to life:

• Solitaire: a single centre stone on a plain band. Clean, classic and all about the diamond.
• Pavé: small diamonds set along the band for extra sparkle.
• Hidden halo: a ring of small diamonds tucked beneath the centre stone, visible from the side, for a subtle surprise.
• Three-stone: a centre stone flanked by two side stones, often said to represent your past, present and future.

Metal matters too. White gold makes a colourless diamond look bright and icy, while yellow gold adds warmth and a classic richness.

Try them on

The best way to find your shape is to see it on your own hand. Browse our engagement rings, or visit us at West Edmonton Mall. We'll give you honest guidance on shape, cut, colour, clarity and setting, so you can choose with confidence.