Diamond Cuts

How to Choose the Perfect Center Stone For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

• July 18, 2023
• by Tracey Lyles

When choosing the perfect engagement ring, you can either select a complete ring (that includes the setting and a curated center stone) or you can create a custom ring by choosing a setting you love and the perfect center diamond for you. This enables you to create exactly the ring you are looking for within your preferred budget.

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When you select a diamond for your center stone, you have many diamond cut options. While many ring settings and styles work beautifully with any diamond cut, this post provides information that you might consider when making your choice. 

Some of the most common diamond cuts are:

• Round Brilliant – This classic cut with 57 facets is by far the most popular. It offers exceptional brilliance and fire. The symmetrical shape works with all setting types.
• Princess – Also called a square modified brilliant, this cut has a contemporary, sleek look with sharp corners and provides excellent light return. Princess cuts require secure 4-prong settings.
• Cushion – This vintage-inspired cut has rounded corners and larger facets to create a soft, pillow-like shape. Cushion diamonds have an elegant, romantic vibe. They work well in halo or solitaire settings.
• Emerald – This sophisticated rectangular cut with cut corners has step facets. The shallow pavilion gives it a more subtle sparkle. Emerald cuts are often paired with art deco settings.
• Oval – The elongated oval shape looks larger face-up. The brilliant-style cut provides plenty of flash. Ovals are popular in solitaire and halo ring designs.
• Pear – Also called teardrop, this elegant cut combines a round end with a tapered point. The brilliance balances the uniqueness. Pear shapes require protected prong settings.
• Marquise – The eye-catching marquise cut has pointed ends and curved sides. The larger surface area means maximized brilliance. Prongs protect the tips.
• Radiant – This stunning square or rectangular cut combines step-cut and brilliant facets. The blend offers a vivid sparkle. Radiant diamonds work with many setting styles.

Ring Settings Made to Pair Perfecting With a Specific Diamond Cut

Some ring settings work best with a particular cut. For instance, this engagement ring setting with emerald cut sidestones works wonderfully with an emerald center stone. (This ring is shown with complementary diamond wedding bands.)

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However, mixing diamond cuts in the ring setting and center stone can be stunning as well. The examples below show emerald cut center stone diamonds paired with ring settings with round diamond cuts.

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Many styles are available in ring settings for a variety of ring cuts (for instance, you can choose a halo setting that’s been created for your diamond cut). Below are examples of two diamond cuts in halo settings.

Pear center stone with halo setting	Oval center stone with halo setting

Matching Diamond Cuts with Settings

Some diamond cuts and shapes work especially well with certain engagement ring settings. Round and princess cuts offer versatility to work with most setting styles. Cushion and oval diamonds also complement many setting options. Uniquely shaped stones like pear or marquise diamonds require settings specifically tailored to protect points and edges. All diamond cuts are stunning as a solitaire.

Below are some ideas to start with:

Below are emerald cut, pear, and oval center stones in solitaire settings:

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Selecting an engagement ring diamond is all about what speaks to you and your style. Work with an experienced jeweler at your local Robbins Brothers to create a ring that will become a cherished heirloom.

• Author
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Tracey Lyles

A hopeful romantic and enthusiastic UCLA grad, Tracey serves as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Robbins Brothers. For leisure she enjoys shopping, dancing, hosting parties for family & friends and staying abreast of the latest celebrity news.

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