Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings: Chicago Jeweler's Complete 2026 Guide
Posted by Koorosh Daneshgar on Aug 1st 2024
Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings: A Chicago Jeweler’s Complete 2025 Guide
Couples searching for an “engagement ring near me” or visiting jewelry stores in Chicago often find that choosing a diamond shape is one of the most important decisions in the entire ring-buying process. Diamond shape defines the personality of your engagement ring and plays a major role in how your love story is expressed.
With over 25 years of experience serving more than 10,000 couples, our Chicago-based jewelry team created this guide to help you understand the most popular diamond shapes for 2025 how they look, how they wear, and how to choose the one that feels right for you.
Each diamond shape offers a unique balance of sparkle, elegance, and individuality. At Wedding Bands & Co., our custom jewelers guide couples through how different shapes complement hand size, lifestyle, personal style, and budget. Below are the leading diamond shapes for 2025 and what makes each one special.
Round Brilliant: The Timeless Classic
The round brilliant remains the most popular diamond shape, accounting for nearly 75% of all diamond sales. With 58 precisely cut facets, it delivers unmatched brilliance and fire.
Why Choose Round Brilliant
- Maximum sparkle and light performance
- Works beautifully in every setting style
- Timeless design that never goes out of fashion
- Universally flattering on all hand sizes
Because of higher demand and greater diamond loss during cutting, round diamonds typically cost 10–30% more than fancy shapes.
Best For: Couples seeking classic elegance, maximum sparkle, and long-term value.
Princess Cut: Modern Sophistication
The princess cut features a square or slightly rectangular shape with brilliant faceting, making it a favorite for those drawn to clean, modern design.
Why Choose Princess Cut
- Contemporary, architectural look
- Excellent brilliance, second only to round
- Typically 20–40% more affordable than round diamonds
- Versatile across both traditional and modern settings
Considerations: The pointed corners require protective prongs or a bezel setting to prevent chipping.
Best For: Those who love modern style and sharp, geometric lines.
Cushion Cut: Romantic Vintage Charm
Often called the “pillow cut,” cushion diamonds feature soft corners and larger facets, offering a romantic blend of vintage charm and brilliance.
Why Choose Cushion
- Inspired by Victorian and Art Deco eras
- Soft, elegant appearance
- Large facets create beautiful fire
- Excellent value, typically 20–30% less than round
Considerations: Cushion cuts range from square to elongated, and proportions greatly affect appearance.
Best For: Lovers of vintage elegance with a soft, romantic feel.
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Oval Cut: Elegant & Finger-Flattering
Oval diamonds combine the brilliance of a round cut with an elongated silhouette, creating the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers. In 2025, oval remains one of the fastest-growing trends.
Why Choose Oval
- Elongates the appearance of the hand
- Appears 10–15% larger than a round of the same carat weight
- Strong sparkle with a modern edge
- Popular with celebrities and fashion-forward couples
Considerations: Some ovals show a “bow-tie” shadow across the center. Our jewelers carefully select stones with minimal or no bow-tie effect.
Best For: Couples who want elegance, presence, and a modern yet timeless look
Emerald Cut: Sophisticated Step-Cut Elegance
Emerald cuts feature long, rectangular step facets that create a refined “hall of mirrors” effect. This shape emphasizes clarity over sparkle.
Why Choose Emerald
- Clean, architectural elegance
- Art Deco glamour
- Appears larger due to wide table
- Typically 15–25% less expensive than round
Considerations: Inclusions are more visible, so higher clarity (VS2 or better) is recommended.
Best For: Those who value understated luxury and timeless sophistication.
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Marquise Cut: Dramatic & Regal
With pointed ends and an elongated shape, marquise diamonds maximize perceived size and create dramatic finger lengthening.
Why Choose Marquise
- Appears larger than any other shape per carat
- Strong finger-elongating effect
- Rare and distinctive
- Rich royal history
Considerations: Pointed tips require protective prongs, and bow-tie effects should be evaluated carefully.
Best For: Bold personalities who want a statement-making ring.
Asscher Cut: Art Deco Glamour
The Asscher cut is a square step-cut diamond with deep proportions and mesmerizing depth.
Why Choose Asscher
- Pure Art Deco elegance
- Architectural symmetry
- Unique and uncommon
- Vintage luxury appeal
Considerations: Like emerald cuts, higher clarity is essential.
Best For: Lovers of vintage glamour and bold geometry.
Pear Shape: Graceful & Unique
The pear-shaped diamond combines round and marquise elements for a feminine, elegant look.
Why Choose Pear
- Distinctive yet classic
- Elongates the fingers beautifully
- Strong sparkle from brilliant faceting
- Trending upward in 2025
Considerations: The pointed tip should be protected, and symmetry is essential for visual balance.
Best For: Romantic individuals who want something unique but refined.
Radiant Cut: Brilliant & Durable Hybrid
Radiant cuts blend emerald-cut structure with brilliant-cut sparkle, offering durability and brilliance.
Why Choose Radiant
- Excellent sparkle with clean lines
- Strong corner protection
- Hides inclusions well
- Typically 20–30% less than round
Considerations: Proportions vary, so trying different ratios is important.
Best For: Couples who want sparkle with a modern, structured look.
Heart Shape: Ultimate Romance
Heart-shaped diamonds are the most symbolic and romantic of all cuts.
Why Choose Heart
- Strong emotional meaning
- Rare and eye-catching
- Perfect for romantic personalities
Heart shapes typically look best at 0.75 carats or larger, and symmetry is critical.
Best For: Those who wear their heart proudly and love sentimental design.
Diamond Shapes' Comparison Table
How to Choose the Right Diamond Shape
Lifestyle Matters
- Rounded shapes are more durable for everyday wear
- Bezel settings add protection for active lifestyles
Hand Shape Matters
- Short fingers: oval, pear, marquise, emerald
- Long fingers: round, cushion, Asscher
- Wider fingers: elongated or larger stones for balance
Budget Matters
- Round brilliants are the most expensive
- Princess, cushion, and radiant offer excellent value
Emerald, Asscher, pear, and marquise often cost 15–30% less, allowing for larger carats or better clarity
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Why Choose Wedding Bands & Co.
- 25+ years of Chicago expertise
- GIA Graduate Gemologist on staff
- Carefully curated diamond selection
- In-person try-on experience
- Transparent education and pricing
- Custom design services
- Lifetime care, cleaning, and repairs
Visit Our Chicago Gold Coast Showroom
Wedding Bands & Co.
43 East Oak Street, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60611
+13129200726
info@weddingbandscompany.com
Schedule a complimentary consultation to compare diamond shapes side by side, explore custom designs, and find the diamond that best represents your love story.
Your perfect diamond shape is waiting and seeing it in person makes all the difference.
By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief