Elongated is a proportion, not a shape name. An elongated diamond is noticeably longer than it is wide, and several familiar shapes come that way: oval, marquise, pear, emerald, radiant, and the elongated cushion.

Travis Kelce chose an elongated cushion for Taylor Swift’s engagement ring, and we broke that stone down in our guide to the old mine elongated cushion cut and its bezel setting. And National Jeweler noted that emerald, marquise, and the elongated cushion cut led shape growth over the past year. Our guide to fancy shape diamonds covers the wider family these belong to, from princess and emerald through oval, marquise, pear, and radiant, and if you are shopping as a couple, our tips for ring shopping together cover the game plan and the budget conversation before you go.

Key Takeaways

• Elongated describes proportion, and the threshold is different for every shape. A cushion is elongated past a 1.2 length-to-width ratio; an oval at 1.2 still looks round, and GIA does not call one long until about 1.41.
• Brilliant-faceted elongated cuts show a bow-tie: a dark band across the center of the stone. Product photography hides it. Daylight does not.
• The ends of the stone decide the setting, because a point chips more easily than a curve.

Oval, Marquise, and Pear: The Curved-Sided Elongated Cuts

Each of these is cut in the brilliant style, so they return light the way a round diamond does, and their sides curve even where the ends come to a point. The oval has no corners and no points. The marquise comes to a point at both ends. The pear takes one of each. The ratios that flatter them differ: GIA reads an oval at 1.30 to 1.40 as gently elongated and 1.41 to 1.50 as a longer, more dramatic stone, says many experts prefer a pear around 1.50 to 1.75, and reports that marquise diamonds submitted to its laboratory typically range from 1.6:1 to 2.2:1.

They can also carry a bow-tie. GIA’s oval buying guide describes the cause: the dark band appears when part of the light reaching the stone is blocked, specifically by your own head and shoulders, as you look at it. Some degree of it is always present in an oval, and GIA notes that marquise diamonds without one usually lack brightness and tend to be dull. The question is whether it stays faint enough that you stop noticing it.

An oval, a marquise, and a pear from our collection, each with a natural diamond center:

14k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Natural Oval Diamond Center 1/2 Ct. Tw.

• Oval center diamond, natural, included with the ring
• 14k white gold solitaire setting
• 1/2 ct. tw. in total, center stone included

14k Yellow Gold and 14k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Natural Marquise Diamond Center 1 Ct. Tw.

• Marquise center diamond, natural, included with the ring
• Two-tone 14k yellow gold and 14k white gold solitaire setting
• 1 ct. tw. in total, center stone included

Poem 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 1/3 ct. tw.

• Pear shaped center diamond, natural, included with the ring
• 14k white gold from our Poem collection
• 1 1/3 ct. tw. in total, center stone included

Browse oval, marquise, and pear engagement rings to compare them yourself, or go deeper on one shape with our guides to oval diamond engagement rings, marquise cut diamonds, and pear-shaped rings and the bands that pair with them.

Elongated Cushion, Emerald, and Radiant: The Straight-Sided Elongated Cuts

Square off the ends and the character of the stone changes. The emerald cut is a step cut, with long parallel facets and an open table that produce broad flashes of light rather than fire, so it rewards a clean stone. The radiant applies brilliant faceting to that same trimmed rectangular outline, which gives it sparkle an emerald cut does not chase. The elongated cushion sits between them, corners rounded rather than clipped.

A cushion at 1.0 to 1.05 is square, at 1.1 to 1.2 only slightly rectangular, and past 1.2 elongated. Our breakdown of Taylor Swift’s old mine elongated cushion cut and bezel setting works through those thresholds side by side against ovals and radiants, and covers what makes an old mine cut an antique rather than a style.

An elongated cushion and a radiant, both lab-grown, with a natural emerald cut between them:

Eternalle 14k Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 5 1/4 ct. tw.

• Elongated cushion cut center diamond, included with the ring
• 14k yellow gold from our Eternalle lab-grown collection
• 5 1/4 ct. tw. in total, center stone included

14k Yellow Gold and 14k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Center 1 Ct. Tw.

• Emerald cut center diamond, natural, included with the ring
• Two-tone 14k yellow gold and 14k white gold solitaire setting
• 1 ct. tw. in total, center stone included

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 2 ct. tw.

• Radiant cut center diamond, included with the ring
• Platinum from our Eternalle lab-grown collection
• 2 ct. tw. in total, center stone included

Compare our cushion cut, emerald cut, and radiant cut engagement rings. Our guide to cushion cut diamond engagement rings puts the elongated cushion directly against the emerald cut, and we have full guides to emerald cut diamonds and radiant cut diamonds.

Do Elongated Diamonds Look Bigger Than Round Diamonds?

Face-up, yes. GIA says an oval’s elongated shape offers a larger surface area than a round diamond of the same carat weight. Carat measures weight rather than size, so a stretched outline spends the same weight across more visible surface.

That spread is not free. Weight showing on the surface is weight that is not in the pavilion, and a stone cut too shallow or too deep to chase face-up size pays for it in brightness. GIA notes that a bow-tie is especially common in diamonds with either shallow or very deep pavilions, and it calls ovals above a 1.50 ratio rarely seen, because they are impractical to cut from the rough. A well-cut elongated diamond looks larger than a round of the same weight and stays bright. A poorly cut one manages only the first.

How Do You Choose an Elongated Diamond?

Work from the outline inward, and expect to decide the ratio before you decide anything else.

1. Decide how long you want it to look. Ask to see one shape at two ratios side by side. A 1.30 oval and a 1.50 oval are the same shape and look completely different on a hand.
2. Hunt for the bow-tie in daylight. Turn the stone, tilt it, and move your head. A faint band that shifts as you move is normal. A fixed dark stripe across the middle is the one to walk away from.
3. Match the setting to the ends. GIA names the points as the vulnerable areas on the marquise and the pear, and recommends a V-prong over the point or a bezel around the whole stone. Our guide to bezel settings for engagement rings walks through the full bezel, the partial bezel, and the bezel-look.
4. Bring the wedding band in early. A pointed end and a straight band compete for the same space, which is why contoured bands exist. Try them on together before deciding.
5. Choose natural or lab-grown on your own terms. We carry both in elongated shapes, and we do not steer the decision. Read up on natural diamonds and on lab-grown diamonds, or start with the 4Cs.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

As we said in an interview with Inquisitor, “Our role is to educate, support, and help each couple choose the diamond that aligns with their vision and feels right for them.”

Only 1 in 10 of the world’s most beautiful & radiant diamonds makes the cut. Our VIP diamond viewing rooms exist so you can put an oval next to a marquise under proper light and watch which one your eye keeps going back to.

We have been guiding couples through this since 1921 and our master jeweler works in house for custom settings and resetting work. Our lab-grown diamonds pass the same selection criteria as our natural diamonds, and both carry our Lifetime Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Limited Warranty. Additionally, natural diamonds qualify for our 110% Natural Diamond Trade-Up Guarantee. Full terms: Lifetime Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Limited Warranty & 110% Natural Diamond Trade-up Guarantee, excludes lab-grown, click here for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an elongated diamond shape called?

There is no single name, because elongated describes the proportion rather than the cut. You name the shape and add the proportion: an elongated cushion, an elongated radiant, or simply an oval, a marquise, or a pear. Ovals, marquises, and pears have no compact version, so they are elongated by definition. See the range in our elongated engagement rings.

What does an elongated cushion cut mean?

An elongated cushion cut is a cushion cut whose length-to-width ratio runs over 1.2, giving it a rectangular outline with softly rounded corners instead of a square one. Our guide to the old mine elongated cushion cut and bezel settings works through the ratios with side-by-side comparisons against ovals and radiant cuts.

What cut is Taylor Swift’s diamond?

Taylor Swift’s engagement ring centers an old mine elongated cushion cut diamond in a hand-engraved yellow gold bezel-look setting with four prongs and small sidestones. Old mine cuts were cut by hand before modern cutting technology, so every true one is both natural and antique. Our full breakdown of Taylor Swift’s engagement ring covers the diamond, the setting, and how to get the look.

Are elongated diamonds more expensive?

Not for being elongated. Price tracks the 4Cs, and shape affects it mainly through how much of the original rough stone survives the cut. A round brilliant removes more rough than a fancy shape does, so elongated shapes tend to offer more diamond for a given budget.

Is there an elongated oval diamond?

Yes, in the sense that ovals come at a range of ratios. GIA reads 1.20 to 1.29 as shorter and rounder, 1.30 to 1.40 as gently elongated, and 1.41 to 1.50 as a longer, more dramatic stone. Past 1.50 it calls them rarely seen, because they are impractical to cut from the rough, so the long-oval look in practice lives between 1.41 and 1.50. Compare a few in our oval engagement rings.

How much does an elongated cushion cut engagement ring cost?

That depends far more on the carat weight, color, clarity, and cut of the center stone than on the shape. Our guide to how much an engagement ring should cost breaks down how each choice moves the budget, and our jewelry consultants can show you what a given budget buys in this shape.

Which elongated diamond shapes does Robbins Brothers carry?

We carry elongated shapes across the bridal collection: oval, marquise, and pear on the curved-sided side, and elongated cushion, emerald, and radiant on the straight-sided side, in natural and lab-grown. Some are complete rings with the center stone included; some are settings you pair with a diamond you choose separately. Start with our elongated engagement rings.

Can I see elongated diamond shapes in person before buying?

We recommend it, because a bow-tie and the true proportions of a stone are hard to judge on a screen. Walk-ins are welcome at our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington, and you can book an appointment for time in one of our VIP diamond viewing rooms.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to compare elongated diamond shapes in person. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post Our Complete Guide to Elongated Diamond Shapes appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

A lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond are both equally true diamonds. They share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and hardness, and they sparkle the same way on your hand. What separates them is where they came from, how rare they are, what they cost, and whether they qualify for our trade-up guarantee. We sell both, and our jewelry consultants explain the trade-offs instead of steering you to one side.

For more details how lab-grown diamonds are grown, graded, and certified, read our guide to what lab-grown diamonds are and why they work for engagement and wedding rings. For details on what sets a natural diamond apart and the settings to build on, read our post on the timelessness and uniqueness of natural diamonds.

Key Takeaways

• Lab-grown and natural diamonds have the same chemistry and hardness, and GIA grades both on the same 4Cs scale.
• More than half of engagement ring center stones sold today are lab-grown, because the same budget buys a larger or higher-grade stone.
• When choosing diamonds, we hold both types to the same standard, and both carry our Lifetime Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Limited Warranty. Additionally, natural diamonds qualify for our 110% Natural Diamond Trade-Up Guarantee.

What Is the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds?

The Federal Trade Commission defines a diamond as pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system, and it allows the word “diamond” for a laboratory-grown stone as long as the origin is clearly disclosed (16 CFR 23.12). GIA states that lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds, and that they are just as hard (GIA).

High pressure and high temperature (HPHT) equipment mimics the conditions inside the earth. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) breaks down a carbon-containing gas in a vacuum chamber so carbon crystallizes onto a diamond seed plate. Either way the crystal is finished in days or weeks, then cut and polished by a diamond cutter (GIA Research).

You cannot tell them apart by eye, and neither can we at the counter. GIA reports that only a gemological lab with advanced testing equipment can authoritatively separate them. GIA grades both by the same 4Cs standards, issues a separate Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report, and laser-inscribes “laboratory-grown” on the lab-grown stone’s girdle. Our guide to the 4Cs of diamonds explains those grades.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamond Price and Value

Sixty-one percent of engagement ring center stones are lab-grown, according to The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings study, and The Knot’s editorial director, Esther Lee, named economic pragmatism as the number one reason (National Jeweler). A lab-grown diamond often costs less than a natural diamond of the same size and grade, so the same budget buys a larger stone, a higher color, or a cleaner clarity.

Supply of natural diamonds is limited. Our natural diamonds include a 110% Natural Diamond Trade-Up Guarantee: on a qualifying ring, solitaire earrings, or solitaire pendant of 1/4 carat or more, we credit 110 percent of your original purchase price, any time from six months after purchase, toward a new diamond piece priced at least twice as much. The full terms are on our product protection page.

We curate both kinds the same way. Only 1 in 10 of the world’s most beautiful & radiant diamonds makes the cut. Every RB Select natural diamond is chosen by our diamond curator beyond its certificate and sourced in accordance with the Kimberley Process. Our certified lab-grown diamonds come from respected growers, and we have carried them for over a decade. Compare both types in our loose diamond search before you commit to a setting.

Natural Diamond Engagement Rings

These complete rings from our Poem collection each hold a natural center diamond, a round, an oval, and a pear, in 14k white and yellow gold. Browse the full range of natural diamond engagement rings.

Poem 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct. tw.

• Complete ring with a natural round center diamond
• 14k white gold
• 1 ct. tw. of natural diamonds

Poem 14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct. tw.

• Complete ring with a natural oval center diamond
• 14k yellow gold
• 1 ct. tw. of natural diamonds

Poem 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 1/3 ct. tw.

• Complete ring with a natural pear center diamond
• 14k white gold
• 1 1/3 ct. tw. of natural diamonds

Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Eternalle is our exclusive lab-grown collection, sold as complete rings with certified center stones. These picks span platinum and 14k yellow and white gold with a princess cut, a radiant, and a marquise center. See everything in lab-grown diamond engagement rings.

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 2 ct. tw.

• Complete ring with a lab-grown princess cut center
• Platinum
• 2 ct. tw. of lab-grown diamonds

Eternalle 14k Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 2 ct. tw.

• Complete ring with a lab-grown radiant center
• 14k yellow gold
• 2 ct. tw. of lab-grown diamonds

Eternalle 14k White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 4 ct. tw.

• Complete ring with a lab-grown marquise center
• 14k white gold
• 4 ct. tw. of lab-grown diamonds

How to Choose Between a Lab-Grown and a Natural Diamond

Choose by origin, budget, and what you want the stone to do for you later. Work through it in four steps.

• Decide what origin means to you. If a stone that formed in the earth millions to billions of years ago is important to you, choose natural. If the finished look and the grade are the point, either type delivers.
• Price both at the carat weight you want. The gap between the natural and the lab-grown stone tells you which one fits the budget you set.
• Think past the proposal. Choose lab-grown as the stone you will keep. Choose natural if you may want to trade up to a larger diamond later.
• See both loose, side by side. Book a Diamond Discovery Experience at one of our showrooms and handle natural and lab-grown diamonds under the same light with our jewelry consultants.

As we recently noted in an interview with Inquisitor: “Some prioritize origin, rarity, or long-term value. Others appreciate the size and affordability that lab-grown diamonds offer. Our role is to educate, support, and help each couple choose the diamond that aligns with their vision and feels right for them.”

The Robbins Brothers Difference

Our master jeweler is in-house for sizing and future resets, our VIP diamond viewing rooms let you compare loose stones under ideal lighting, and our jewelry consultants guide rather than pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. A lab-grown diamond is pure carbon in the same crystal structure as a natural diamond, which is the FTC’s definition of a diamond. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are the ones to watch for: GIA notes they only look like diamond and have very different chemical and physical properties.

Are lab-grown diamonds as good as natural diamonds?

In hardness and sparkle, yes. GIA grades a lab-grown diamond on the same cut, color, clarity, and carat scale as a natural diamond, and our lab-grown diamonds are certified by SGS for sustainable production and curated to the same standard as our RB Select natural diamonds.

What are the downsides of lab-grown diamonds?

A lab-grown diamond is not rare, so it is excluded from our 110% Natural Diamond Trade-Up Guarantee, and it has no geological origin story, which some couples want in an heirloom.

Can a jeweler tell the difference between a natural and a lab-grown diamond?

Not by eye. Ask for the report and the girdle inscription: GIA issues a separate Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report and inscribes “laboratory-grown” on the stone, and our jewelry consultants show you both at the counter.

What do jewelers think of lab-grown diamonds?

We sell both without judgment. Our lab-grown diamonds come from respected growers, are certified by SGS for sustainable production, and pass the same selection criteria as our natural diamonds.

Do you offer both lab-grown and natural diamonds for engagement rings?

Yes. Shop complete natural diamond engagement rings and lab-grown diamond engagement rings, or start with a loose stone of either type in our loose diamond search.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to see natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post Natural Diamonds vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: What to Know appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

The perfect diamond shape for your engagement ring is the one you love and that best complements your setting. If the sheer number of options feels overwhelming, start here with the shapes couples reach for most. Each one has its own personality, and the right choice often comes down to how a stone catches the light on your hand and how it pairs with the setting you have in mind. For more on balancing stone and setting, read our guide to choosing a center stone for your diamond engagement ring.

Round Diamonds

Round brilliant diamonds are the most requested shape we set, and for good reason. Their 57 facets are engineered to return the most light, which gives them unmatched sparkle, and their symmetry works with every setting style from a classic solitaire to a diamond-accented band. If you want a stone that reads as timeless rather than trend-driven, this is a stunning place to begin. Browse our full selection of round diamond engagement rings to compare carat weights and settings.

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• SKU: 0456933
• 14K white gold with a rhodium-plated polished finish
• Eternalle lab-grown round brilliant center stone
• 4 ct. tw. with side-stone accents

Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds bring a modern, architectural edge. Think of them as a round brilliant reimagined in a square silhouette: the same lively facet pattern, but with crisp corners that feel sleek and contemporary. They look striking as a clean solitaire and gain even more presence flanked by side stones. Explore our princess cut diamond engagement rings to see how the shape shifts between minimalist and glamorous.

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• SKU: 0448317
• 14K white gold with a polished finish
• Eternalle lab-grown princess-cut center stone
• 2 1/2 ct. tw. with side stones

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds have surged in popularity, and they remain one of the most flattering fancy shapes. The elongated outline draws the eye along the finger and can make a stone appear larger than a round of the same carat weight. Ovals look beautiful as solitaires, inside a halo, or on a diamond band paired with a matching oval wedding ring. See the full range in our oval diamond engagement rings.

Verragio 14K White Gold Oval Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• SKU: 0464190
• 14K white gold with rhodium plating
• Verragio designer setting shaped for an oval center
• 5/8 ct. tw. side-stone accents in a semi-mount setting

Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds are sophisticated and refined. Instead of the fiery sparkle of a brilliant cut, their long, stepped facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect with bold, dramatic flashes of light. They can lean crisply modern or softly vintage depending on the setting, and heirloom-inspired designs with milgrain and filigree detailing continue to be a favorite among couples. Discover our emerald cut diamond engagement rings.

14K Two-Tone Gold Emerald-Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring

• SKU: 0462955
• Two-tone 14K yellow and white gold
• Solitaire style with a natural emerald-cut center
• 5/8 ct. tw.

Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pear shaped diamonds combine the brilliance of a round with the tapered point of a marquise for a graceful teardrop silhouette. Part of their charm is versatility: wear the point toward your fingertip for a lengthening effect, or turn it toward your hand for a softer look. It is a distinctive choice that still feels romantic and easy to wear every day. Browse our pear shaped diamond engagement rings.

Cherish 14K White Gold Pear Diamond Engagement Ring

• SKU: 0448522
• 14K white gold with a rhodium-plated polished finish
• Cherish collection, vintage-inspired pear-shaped center
• 3/4 ct. tw. with side stones

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings?

Round is consistently the most requested, followed by fancy shapes like oval, princess, emerald, and pear that couples choose when they want something a little more distinctive. The best way to narrow it down is to try several side by side and see which one speaks to you. Visit any of our showrooms and our jewelry consultants will help you compare them in person.

Which diamond shape looks the biggest for its carat weight?

Elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquise, and emerald tend to look larger than a round of the same carat weight because they spread the stone across a greater surface area on top. If maximizing visual size matters to you, mention it to one of our experts and we can show you the difference between shapes at the same weight.

What diamond shape is best for a smaller or longer finger?

Elongated shapes like oval, pear, and marquise can lengthen the look of a shorter finger, while a round or cushion can balance a longer, slimmer finger beautifully. There is no strict rule, though, so we always encourage trying styles on your own hand. Stop by a showroom to see how different shapes sit on your finger.

Are round or fancy-shaped diamonds a better choice?

Neither is better; it comes down to personality. Round brilliants deliver the most sparkle and a timeless look, while fancy shapes like emerald and pear feel more individual and distinctive. Trying both is the surest way to know, and our consultants can walk you through how each shape performs under different lighting.

How do I match a diamond shape to a setting?

Some pairings are natural: a solitaire flatters a round or oval, a halo adds sparkle around any shape, and side stones frame a princess or emerald cut. Shapes with delicate points, like a pear or marquise, benefit from a setting that protects the tip. Our experts can help you match your stone to a setting that suits both your style and your daily wear.

Do you offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds in these shapes?

Yes, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds across every popular shape, and we are happy to explain the differences without judgment. Whichever you choose, only about 1 in 10 diamonds meets our standards for cut, clarity, color, and carat, so every stone is hand-selected. Our consultants can help you choose the option that fits your values and budget.

Can I design a custom engagement ring around a specific diamond shape?

Absolutely. Our in-house design studio and master jeweler can build a ring around the exact shape you have in mind, whether you are starting from scratch, modifying an existing design, or reimagining an heirloom stone. Book a consultation and we will design it with you.

Do I need an appointment to shop for engagement rings?

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend booking a personalized consultation so you have dedicated time with one of our jewelry experts. You can reserve a time at robbinsbrothers.com/appointment.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to explore these shapes in person with our expert consultants. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post The Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Lab-grown diamonds are a beautiful and affordable option for your engagement ring, wedding band, and fashion jewelry. They are chemically identical to natural diamonds and are of equal quality and beauty.

Because lab-grown diamonds are made of the same material as natural diamonds, they share the same visual and chemical properties, and therefore the same fire, light, sparkle, and shine. We have been working with premier growers around the world for a decade, which is how we are able to deliver independently certified, hand-selected lab-grown diamonds guaranteed for a lifetime of sparkle and joy.

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are a Beautiful Choice

Every cut and shape you would consider in a natural stone is available lab-grown, across the same range of quality grades, and it can be set in the same settings and metals. Nothing about the design conversation changes when you choose one.

That flexibility is why so many of the couples we work with start with a lab-grown center stone. It opens up shapes and carat weights that might otherwise sit outside the budget, without asking anyone to compromise on how the ring actually looks on the hand.

Platinum holds a large stone without adding any color of its own, which is why it is where our lab-grown center stones tend to look their best. The shapes below sit at the same weight class but read completely differently on the hand.

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• Platinum, polished, 2.1 mm shank
• Round center stone, prong set, 3 ct. tw. total
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond collection

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• Platinum, polished, 2.1 mm shank
• Princess-cut center stone, prong set, 3 1/4 ct. tw. total
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond collection

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• Platinum, polished, 2.6 mm shank
• Radiant-cut center stone, prong set, 3 1/2 ct. tw. total
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond collection

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Are they real diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also sometimes called lab-created or manmade, are real diamonds. They are created as a result of processes in a lab rather than processes in the earth, and they are graded the same way as natural diamonds. Only an expert in a lab using specialized equipment can tell the difference. Always ask for the diamond certificate so you know exactly what you are buying, since a distinction like lab-grown versus natural is not something you can identify by looking at the stone.

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab using HPHT (high pressure high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition) processes that are conflict-free. Both are chemical processes that result in real diamonds, in the same way that processes in the earth result in natural diamonds.

Any differences between natural, HPHT, and CVD diamonds are not visible by looking at the stone and can only be detected with specialized equipment. While the two growth methods are different, both produce beautiful diamonds. We evaluate them the same way we evaluate natural diamonds, based on their beauty and characteristics rather than on how they were made.

How are lab-grown diamonds different from cubic zirconia and moissanite?

This is the question we hear most often. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are made of entirely different materials, which makes them diamond simulants rather than diamonds. Moissanite is silicon carbide, and it throws noticeably more rainbow flash than a diamond does. Cubic zirconia is a far softer material that tends to cloud and scratch with daily wear. A trained eye and standard gemological testing separate both from a diamond without much difficulty.

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Compare to Natural Diamonds

Both types are graded according to the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. Neither type is better than the other. It comes down to your personal preference about the history and origin of the stone. Our natural diamonds are certified conflict-free under the 2003 Kimberley Process, and our lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free by the nature of how they are produced.

Where the two genuinely diverge is price. A lab-grown stone typically costs meaningfully less than a natural stone of comparable size and quality, which is what makes the trade-offs below worth thinking through before you choose.

A wider shank is the clearest example of where that difference goes. This one carries diamonds down the sides as well as the center, which is the kind of detail that usually gets traded away first when a budget is tight.

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• Platinum, polished, 3.2 mm shank
• Round center stone, prong set, 3 ct. tw. total
• Diamonds carried along the shank as well as the center
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond collection

Those gains show up most clearly in white gold, where the metal steps back and the stone does the work. A cushion-cut ring and a pair of studs are very different purchases, but the reasoning behind each one is the same.

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold, rhodium plated, 1.6 mm shank
• Cushion-cut center stone, prong set, 1 1/3 ct. tw. total
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond collection

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings

• 14K white gold, rhodium plated
• 3 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• Hinged snap backing

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings

• 14K white gold, rhodium plated
• 2 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• Hinged snap backing

Lab-Grown Diamonds Beyond the Engagement Ring

The same value argument holds across the rest of the jewelry box. Lab-grown diamond earrings, pendants, and necklaces are pieces people wear daily for decades, so carat weight and quality tend to matter more than they do in an occasional piece. Yellow gold in particular has been the metal our guests reach for most in recent seasons.

Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings in Yellow Gold

Eternalle 14K Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings

• 14K yellow gold, polished
• 5/8 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• Friction back, modern design

Eternalle 14K Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Hoop Earrings

• 14K yellow gold, polished
• 1/2 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• Hoop silhouette with a hinged snap backing

Eternalle 14K Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Huggie Earrings

• 14K yellow gold, polished
• 1/2 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• Huggie silhouette that sits close to the lobe

Lab-Grown Diamond Necklaces and Pendants

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Circle Pendant

• 14K white gold circle, rhodium plated
• 2 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• 18″ cable chain, lobster claw clasp

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Circle Necklace

• 14K white gold circle, rhodium plated
• 3/4 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• 18″ cable chain, lobster claw clasp

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Pendant

• 14K white gold, rhodium plated
• 1/2 ct. tw. lab-grown diamonds
• 18″ cable chain, lobster claw clasp

How We Certify and Grade Our Lab-Grown Diamonds

Every lab-grown diamond we sell arrives with independent certification against the standard 4Cs scale. What happens after that is ours. We hand-select every diamond and evaluate it further on visual beauty, sparkle, and structural integrity. Only 1 in 10 diamonds we see meets that standard, natural or lab-grown, and the ones that do not simply never reach our cases.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years, we have guided couples through one of life’s most meaningful purchases. That experience shapes how we buy lab-grown diamonds, how we grade them, and how we stand behind them afterward.

• A decade of lab-grown expertise. We have worked with premier growers around the world since the category was new to fine jewelry retail.
• The same lifetime warranty. Our Eternalle lab-grown diamonds carry the identical product protection as our natural diamonds.
• Custom work in house. Our master jeweler and in-house design studio can build a setting around the lab-grown stone you choose.
• See them side by side. Our VIP diamond viewing rooms let you compare lab-grown and natural stones under ideal lighting before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Grown Diamonds

Are lab-grown diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds?

Generally, yes. A lab-grown diamond is a strong value that can open up a larger center stone, a higher quality grade, or a more diamond-intensive band than the same budget would otherwise reach. How much you save depends on the shape, size, and quality you are comparing, which is why we recommend looking at both in person.

Do you offer both lab-grown and natural diamonds for engagement rings?

Yes. We carry both lab-grown and natural diamond engagement rings, and our jewelry consultants can walk you through the differences without pushing you toward either one. It is a personal decision about origin, budget, and what matters to you.

Will a jeweler be able to tell my diamond is lab-grown?

Not by eye. Distinguishing a lab-grown diamond from a natural one requires specialized equipment in a gemological laboratory. This is exactly why the certificate matters, and why every lab-grown diamond we sell comes with independent certification.

Can I create a custom ring with a lab-grown diamond?

Absolutely. Our in-house design studio works closely with you, whether you are starting from scratch, modifying an existing design, or reimagining an heirloom. Our master jeweler can build it with you around whichever stone you select.

What warranty comes with lab-grown diamond jewelry?

Our Eternalle line of lab-grown diamonds comes with the same best-in-class lifetime warranty as our natural diamonds, covering cleaning, inspection, and repairs. Complimentary cleaning and inspection are available at any of our showrooms.

How do lab-grown diamonds hold up to everyday wear?

Exactly as a natural diamond does. They are the same material, so they sit at the same point on the hardness scale and resist scratching the same way. What actually determines how a ring ages is the setting rather than the origin of the stone, so if you work with your hands we will usually point you toward a sturdier prong or a bezel that keeps the girdle protected.

Can I get a matching lab-grown diamond wedding band?

Yes, and it is worth trying the two together before you commit to either. Our lab-grown diamond wedding bands span plain metal through full eternity, and whether a band sits flush against the engagement ring depends on the center stone’s shape and how low it sits. That is a fit question a photograph cannot answer.

Do I need an appointment to see lab-grown diamonds in person?

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend booking a consultation so you have dedicated time with one of our jewelry experts and can view stones without feeling rushed.

You can learn more about our Eternalle lab-grown diamonds, or read our guides to natural diamonds and fancy shape diamonds.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to see our lab-grown diamonds in person. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post What are Lab Grown Diamonds? Why They Might Be the Perfect Choice for Your Engagement and Wedding Rings appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

A marquise is an elongated brilliant cut with two pointed ends and softly curved sides, and it is one of the few shapes people recognize instantly. Choose it if you want something distinctive, or if you are drawn to a silhouette with genuine antique character. It carries light down a long outline rather than concentrating it in the middle, which is what gives the shape its particular drama on the hand.

This guide covers where the shape came from, what to look at before you choose one, and how a marquise behaves once there is a wedding band sitting next to it.

What Is a Marquise Cut Diamond

By long-standing account the shape is named for the Marquise de Pompadour of eighteenth-century France, its outline said to echo the line of her mouth. Gemological sources tell that story as legend rather than documented history, and it has followed the cut ever since either way. What is not in doubt is how the shape behaves: those long lines draw the eye down the finger, and because the stone spreads across the top rather than sinking into depth, a marquise tends to look larger than a rounder shape of similar weight.

If you are weighing the marquise against other elongated options, our guides to pear shaped diamonds and round brilliant diamonds are a useful comparison, since each handles the same problem of length and sparkle differently.

The two-tone solitaires here show the outline with nothing competing against it, in a range of weights, so the effect of size on the same design is easy to read.

14K Yellow Gold and 14K White Gold Marquise Solitaire Engagement Ring

• 14K yellow gold and 14K white gold two-tone shank, polished
• Marquise cut center stone in a solitaire setting
• 1 ct. tw.

14K Yellow Gold and 14K White Gold Marquise Solitaire Engagement Ring

• 14K yellow gold and 14K white gold two-tone shank, polished
• Marquise cut center stone in a solitaire setting
• 3/4 ct. tw.

14K Yellow Gold and 14K White Gold Marquise Solitaire Engagement Ring

• 14K yellow gold and 14K white gold two-tone shank, polished
• Marquise cut center stone in a solitaire setting
• 5/8 ct. tw.

Considerations When Choosing a Marquise Cut

A marquise rewards a little planning, and two details matter more than the rest. Both are far easier to judge in person than on a screen.

Length-to-width ratio

This describes how stretched the outline looks. A higher ratio reads long and dramatic; a lower one reads fuller and rounder. There is no correct answer, only the silhouette you like on your own hand, and the gap between ratios is obvious once two stones are side by side.

The bow-tie effect and protecting the points

Most elongated cuts show some shadow across the center, and a well-cut marquise keeps it faint enough to ignore. The pointed tips are the other consideration: they are the most vulnerable part of the stone, so we recommend a V-shaped prong at each end to guard them. If you would rather choose the stone first and build around it, start with our loose diamonds and design the setting to suit it.

Lab-grown stones make the larger end of the range reachable, and the group here runs across a wide spread of weights in the same white gold setting so the jump in scale is easy to see.

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Eternalle, 2.2 mm shank, rhodium plated
• Marquise cut lab-grown center stone, prong set
• 4 ct. tw. total, VS2 clarity and G color minimums

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Eternalle, 2.1 mm shank, rhodium plated
• Marquise cut lab-grown center stone, prong set
• 3 1/4 ct. tw. total, VS1 clarity and F color minimums

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Eternalle, 2.2 mm shank, rhodium plated
• Marquise cut lab-grown center stone, prong set
• 2 1/4 ct. tw. total, VS1 clarity and F color minimums

Marquise Cut Diamonds in Wedding Bands

The marquise is not only a center-stone shape. Set end to end, or alternated with round diamonds, small marquises bring the same elongating line to a wedding band, and they sit naturally against a matching engagement ring. If a marquise center feels bold for everyday wear, a marquise-accented band is a gentler way to carry the shape.

There is a fit question underneath this that only shows up in person. A marquise center comes to a point at both ends, so how flush a band sits against it depends on where those points fall and how low the setting rides. When you are ready to see the two together, book an appointment and we will match them on your hand.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

A marquise is a shape you have to see moving. The bow-tie appears and disappears as the ring turns, the ratio reads differently on a long finger than a short one, and neither of those things survives a photograph. We keep a range on hand precisely so the comparison can be made side by side, and our diamond experts will talk you through what you are looking at rather than around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a marquise cut diamond?

It is an elongated, modified brilliant cut with two pointed ends and gently curved sides. The shape has a vintage, regal character and stands out from more common cuts. Stop by any of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington to see one sparkle in person.

Does a marquise cut look bigger for its carat weight?

Usually, though how much depends on the individual stone. A marquise spreads its weight across a long top rather than down into the depth, so more of the stone faces up at you. Ask for the millimeter measurements alongside the carat weight, because that is the pair of numbers that tells you what will actually show on your hand.

What is the bow-tie effect?

It is a shadow that can fall across the middle of an elongated cut, where the facets fail to bounce light back at you. Almost every marquise has one to some degree, and the question is whether you notice it. It moves as the ring moves, which is why a photograph is a poor way to judge it and a few minutes under our showroom lights is a good one.

What settings best protect a marquise diamond’s points?

The two tips are the thinnest part of the stone and the part most likely to chip. A V-shaped prong at each end cups the point and takes the knock before the diamond does. Plain round prongs can work, but they need to sit right at the tip rather than back along the curve.

How does a marquise compare with a pear or oval?

All three stretch the finger, and the difference is in the ends. A marquise comes to a point at both, a pear at one, and an oval at neither. That changes what you have to protect and how the ring sits under a wedding band. Our guides to pear shaped diamonds and cushion cut diamonds go further into each.

Should I choose a natural or lab-grown marquise diamond?

Both are real diamonds with the same brilliance, and the difference is origin. A lab-grown stone generally lets you reach a larger marquise, or a cleaner one, for the same outlay. We carry both and will put them next to each other so the trade-off is something you can see rather than take on trust.

Can I design a custom marquise ring?

Yes. Our master jeweler can build a one-of-a-kind marquise engagement ring, or a band to sit against one, around a loose stone you have chosen. Bring what you have in mind to an appointment and we will draw it out with you.

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are always welcome. Booking ahead means a diamond expert is set aside for you and marquise options are waiting when you arrive, which is worth doing if you want to compare several side by side.

For more inspiration:

• Pear shaped diamond engagement rings
• Round brilliant diamonds
• Cushion cut diamond engagement rings

Ready to see marquise diamonds in person? Find a Robbins Brothers near you and let our experts help you find the one. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post Your Guide to Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

When we talk about a “fancy shape” diamond, we simply mean any diamond shape other than the classic round brilliant. Round diamonds are timeless and deliver maximum sparkle, but fancy shapes open the door to something more personal, whether your taste runs modern, vintage, or traditional with a twist. Each shape carries its own personality, and choosing one is a wonderful way to make your engagement ring feel entirely your own.

There are practical reasons to love fancy shapes too. Elongated cuts like oval, marquise, and pear can appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight because their shape spreads across the finger. Fancy shapes also tend to offer more diamond for your budget, since cutting a round brilliant removes more of the original rough stone. Below we walk through seven of our favorite fancy shapes, grouped into the two families they naturally fall into, and you can always book an appointment to see them side by side in person.

Classic Shapes: Princess, Emerald, and Cushion

These three share a squared or rectangular outline, and the differences between them come down to faceting. The princess cut is a modern square with brilliant faceting, so it throws sparkle that comes remarkably close to a round while keeping crisp, contemporary lines. The emerald cut takes the opposite approach with long step-cut facets and an open table, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect instead of fire, which is why it rewards a stone with lovely clarity. The cushion cut softens the corners into a pillowy outline that pairs naturally with vintage-inspired designs and sits beautifully in halo and three-stone settings.

Eternalle 14k Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 3 ct. tw.

• Princess cut center diamond, included with the ring
• 14k yellow gold from our Eternalle lab-grown collection
• Prong-set center, 3 ct. total weight

Poem 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 1/4 ct. tw.

• Emerald cut center diamond, included with the ring
• 14k white gold from the Poem collection, natural diamonds
• Prong-set center, 1 1/4 ct. total weight

14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 1/5 ct. tw.

• A setting built for a cushion cut center, chosen separately
• 14k yellow gold with natural accent diamonds
• 1/5 ct. tw. of accent stones along the setting

Elongated Shapes: Oval, Marquise, and Pear

Length is what these three share, and how each one ends is what separates them. The oval is essentially a stretched round brilliant, keeping that lively sparkle in a softened outline with no vulnerable points. The marquise comes to a point at both ends, which gives it a regal, distinctive presence but means those tips want a setting that shields them. The pear splits the difference, with one rounded end and one point. All three are worth inspecting in person for the bow-tie effect described in the questions below.

Verragio 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 5/8 ct. tw.

• A setting built for an oval center, chosen separately
• 14k white gold, rhodium plated, from designer Verragio
• 5/8 ct. tw. of natural accent diamonds

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 2 ct. tw.

• Marquise cut center diamond, included with the ring
• Platinum from our Eternalle lab-grown collection
• Platinum prong-set center, 2 ct. total weight

Eternalle 14k Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 3 1/2 ct. tw.

• Pear shape center diamond, included with the ring
• 14k yellow gold from our Eternalle lab-grown collection
• Prong-set center, 3 1/2 ct. total weight

Where the Radiant Cut Fits

The radiant sits between the two families above, which is exactly what makes it worth knowing about. It takes the trimmed rectangular outline of an emerald cut and applies the brilliant faceting of a round, so you get clean modern lines with real fire rather than the emerald’s quieter mirror effect. Its cropped corners also make it durable and easy to wear day to day. If you like the shape of an emerald cut but want more sparkle from it, browse our radiant cut engagement rings.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

Fancy shapes are the part of diamond buying where photographs help least. A marquise and a pear of identical carat weight look nothing alike on a hand, and a bow-tie that barely registers in a product shot can be obvious in daylight. We have been putting stones in front of couples since 1921, and our VIP diamond viewing rooms exist so you can compare shapes under proper light rather than on a screen.

Only about one in ten diamonds meets our standards, so the shapes you see with us have already been through that filter. We are employee owned, our master jeweler works in house for custom settings and resetting work, and you are welcome at any of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fancy shape diamond?

A fancy shape is any diamond shape other than the round brilliant, including princess, emerald, oval, marquise, cushion, pear, and radiant. Each one has a distinct outline and faceting style, so the best way to understand the differences is to view several together. Our diamond experts are happy to walk you through them at any of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington.

Which fancy shape sparkles the most?

Brilliant-faceted shapes such as oval, pear, princess, and radiant tend to sparkle the most because their faceting is designed to return light much like a round diamond. Step-cut shapes like the emerald trade that fiery sparkle for a sleek, mirror-like elegance. If sparkle is your priority, we can show you these cuts side by side so you can see the difference for yourself.

Do fancy shapes really look bigger than round diamonds?

Often, yes, and it helps to know why. Carat is a measure of weight, not size, so two stones of equal carat can present very differently depending on how that weight is distributed. The trade-off is that a stone cut to spread wide can end up shallow, which costs it light return, so a well-cut oval will outperform a poorly cut one of the same outline. We are glad to put two side by side so you can see where that line falls.

What is the bow-tie effect in oval, marquise, and pear diamonds?

The bow-tie is a shadow that can appear across the center of elongated shapes when light does not reflect evenly through the stone. A well-cut diamond minimizes it, so a faint or barely visible bow-tie is the goal. We always encourage guests to inspect elongated stones in person, and we are glad to help you spot a cut with excellent light performance.

What settings work best for elongated fancy shapes?

Elongated shapes like oval, marquise, pear, and emerald look wonderful in solitaire, halo, and three-stone settings, and many benefit from a secure prong arrangement that protects any pointed ends. East-west orientations are a fun, modern option too. Our jewelers can recommend a setting that flatters your chosen shape and suits your daily lifestyle.

Can I get a fancy shape in both natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. Every fancy shape is available in both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and both are real diamonds with the same physical and optical properties. Lab-grown stones often let you choose a larger or higher-quality diamond within your budget. We carry both so you can compare them together and decide what feels right.

Can you create a custom ring around a fancy shape diamond?

Absolutely. Our master jeweler can design a one-of-a-kind ring around the fancy shape you love, tailoring the setting, metal, and accent stones to your vision. Custom design is one of our favorite ways to help guests create something truly personal, so start by booking a consultation with our team.

Do I need an appointment to shop fancy shape engagement rings?

Appointments are welcome and let us set aside dedicated time to show you a range of shapes, but walk-ins are always happy to browse too. Booking ahead simply means a diamond expert is ready to guide you from the moment you arrive. You can reserve a time online or stop by whenever it is convenient.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to see these shapes side by side with an expert. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post All About Fancy Shape Diamonds for Your Perfect Engagement Ring appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

When you are shopping for an engagement ring, wedding band, or other jewelry, you can choose lab-grown or natural diamonds. Both are true diamonds, chemically and optically identical, and both are beautiful. We sell both and we will not tell you which one to want. What we can do is explain what makes a natural diamond different, so the choice you make is an informed one rather than a default.

Why Choose a Natural Diamond

For many of our guests the answer is permanence. A ring that took the earth billions of years to make is a fitting object to hand to someone, and it is the kind of piece that ends up on a daughter’s hand decades later. If that idea is what draws you, a natural stone is the one to buy. You can browse the full selection in our natural diamond engagement rings collection.

There is a practical argument too. We back natural diamonds with a 110% trade-up guarantee, so if you want to mark a milestone later with a larger stone, the original keeps working for you. It applies to qualifying rings, solitaire earrings, and solitaire pendants, and it carries minimum carat weights and other conditions worth reading before you count on it. Lab-grown diamonds are not eligible, which is a genuine difference between the two rather than a marketing one. The full terms live on our product protection page.

Natural Diamond Settings to Build On

Each of the three below is a setting rather than a finished ring, which means the center stone is yours to choose separately. That is the usual way to buy a natural diamond: pick the stone first with our experts, then decide what holds it. Between them these three cover a pear, an emerald cut, and a marquise, in three different metals. When you are ready to choose the stone itself, start with our diamonds, and if you are still weighing the alternative, see how they compare in our guide to lab-grown diamonds.

RB Signature 14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 7/8 ct. tw.

• Built for a pear-shaped center, chosen separately
• 14k yellow gold, RB Signature, polished finish
• 7/8 ct. tw. of natural side stones, the most of the three

A.JAFFE Platinum Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 1/10 ct. tw.

• Built for an emerald cut center, chosen separately
• Platinum, A.JAFFE, polished finish
• 1/10 ct. tw. of natural side stones, the most restrained setting here

Divine 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 1/3 ct. tw.

• Built for a marquise center, chosen separately
• 14k white gold, rhodium plated, from Divine
• 1/3 ct. tw. of natural side stones on a slim 1.7 mm shank

The Robbins Brothers Difference

Roughly one in ten of the diamonds we review meets our standards. That number is the whole point of the way we buy: it is a filter applied before anything reaches a case, so the comparison you are making in the showroom is already between good stones rather than between a good one and a bad one.

We have been doing this since 1921, and we are employee owned, so the person walking you through cut and clarity has a stake in your leaving happy rather than a quota. Our VIP diamond viewing rooms let you see stones under proper light, our master jeweler works in house for custom settings, and you are welcome at any of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a natural and a lab-grown diamond?

A natural diamond forms deep within the earth over billions of years, while a lab-grown diamond is created in a controlled setting in a matter of weeks. They are chemically and optically identical, so the choice really comes down to what the stone means to you. Our diamond experts are happy to show you both side by side in any of our showrooms.

Are natural diamonds a better value than lab-grown?

They are different propositions rather than better and worse. A lab-grown stone generally buys you more size and clarity for the same spend, which is a real advantage. A natural stone is the one with limited supply behind it, and it is the one eligible for our trade-up guarantee. Decide which of those matters to you and the answer follows.

What standard do natural diamonds meet at Robbins Brothers?

We choose roughly one in ten of the diamonds we review, judged on cut, clarity, color, and overall beauty. Cut is where we are strictest, because it is the factor that determines how much light a stone actually returns and the one a photograph hides best. Stop in and we will walk you through exactly what separates a well-cut stone from a merely well-graded one.

Are your natural diamonds conflict-free?

Yes. Under the 2003 Clean Diamond Trade Act, all diamonds exported to the United States are mined ethically and are conflict-free, so you can shop with complete peace of mind. Our experts can share more about diamond sourcing during your visit.

Do natural diamonds come in every shape?

They do. From round and oval to emerald, marquise, pear, and cushion, natural diamonds are available in every popular cut. Visit a showroom to compare shapes in person and see which one flatters your hand and your setting.

Should I buy the setting or the diamond first?

The stone first, in most cases. Its shape and proportions determine which settings will actually hold it well, so choosing the setting first can quietly narrow your options on the thing you will look at every day. If you have already fallen for a setting, bring that to us and we will find the stone built for it.

Can you create a custom natural diamond ring?

Absolutely. Our master jeweler can help you design a one-of-a-kind ring built around the natural diamond you choose. Book a consultation and we will guide you from first sketch to finished ring.

What warranty comes with a natural diamond purchase?

Natural diamond purchases are covered by our lifetime limited warranty, with cleaning and inspection to keep the ring looking its best, and qualifying pieces are eligible for the 110% trade-up guarantee described above. Bring your ring in anytime and we will care for it.

Ready to see natural diamonds in person? Find a Robbins Brothers near you and let our experts show you what a well-cut stone looks like in daylight. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post The Timelessness and Uniqueness of Natural Diamonds appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

A pear-shaped diamond joins the rounded end of an oval to the single point of a marquise, which is why it is often called a teardrop. The shape carries brilliant faceting along an elongated outline, so it sparkles like a round while flattering the finger like a marquise.

This guide covers what makes the cut distinctive, the settings that suit it, and the bands that sit against it, which is the question a pointed shape raises and a rounded one does not.

There are two routes into a pear. You can start with a setting made for a pear-shaped diamond and choose the exact center diamond yourself, or take a complete ring where the pear-shaped center is included. The group here shows the shape in white metal along both routes.

Michael M. 18K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K white gold from Michael M., 1/2 ct. tw.
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• Designer collection setting

Poem 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Poem
• Complete ring with a pear-shaped center diamond
• 3/4 ct. tw.

Poem 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Poem
• Complete ring with a pear-shaped center diamond
• 1 1/3 ct. tw.

Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring Styles

A pear suits more settings than most shapes, and the metal around it changes its character more than the setting style does. Warm metal softens the point; white metal sharpens it. A plain solitaire lets the outline carry the ring, while our lab-grown diamond engagement rings make the longer end of the size range easier to reach. Designer work from Tacori, Verragio and Michael M. is worth seeing side by side, since each treats the point differently.

Poem 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K yellow gold from Poem
• Complete ring with a pear-shaped center diamond
• 1 1/3 ct. tw.

Suns and Roses 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K yellow gold from Suns and Roses
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• .06 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Eternalle, lab-grown diamonds
• Complete ring with a pear-shaped center diamond
• 2 1/2 ct. tw.

Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings with Halo Settings

Halo settings wrapped around a pear trace the teardrop outline and make the center read larger. A halo also puts metal and small stones around the point, which adds a measure of protection to the most vulnerable part of the diamond. If you like the effect pushed further, floral or vintage patterns build on the same idea.

Cherish 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold from Cherish
• Diamond halo framing the pear-shaped center
• Complete ring, 3/4 ct. tw.

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K white gold from Gabriel & Co.
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• 1/3 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Coast 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K white gold from Coast
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• 1/6 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Pear-Shaped Diamonds in Rose Gold and Two-Tone Settings

A rose gold engagement ring gives a pear a softer, more romantic reading, and a two-tone mounting lets the shank pick up one metal while the head holds another.

That combination can make a white center stone look brighter than it does in white metal alone, because the warm shank gives the eye something to measure it against.

Warm metal also softens the point, which some people want and others specifically do not.

Verragio 18K White and 20K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K white gold and 20K rose gold from Verragio
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• 1/2 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Verragio 14K White Gold and 14K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K white gold and 14K rose gold from Verragio
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• 1/3 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Tacori 18K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K rose gold from Tacori
• Shaped to hold a pear, center stone sold separately
• 1/2 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Wedding Bands to Pair With Your Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring

This is where a pear differs from a rounded shape. The point sits low and forward, so a straight band will often leave a small gap beside it. Whether that matters is personal, and it is much easier to judge with the pair on your hand than from a description.

Tacori 18K Yellow Gold Wedding Bands

• Skus: 0455644 · 0455633 · 0455710 · 0455641 · 0455634
• 18K yellow gold with natural diamonds, from .05 to 5/8 ct. tw.
• Tacori designer collection
• Mix, match, and stack alongside a coordinating engagement ring setting

A chevron wedding band answers the gap a different way. It comes to a point rather than a curve, so the V tucks under the tip of the pear instead of running flat across it. The same idea works in any metal, and ring wraps and enhancers are another route if you want to frame a ring you already own.

14K White Gold Natural Diamond Wedding Band

• 14K white gold, natural diamonds
• Chevron silhouette that points under a pear-shaped center
• 1/5 ct. tw.

14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Wedding Band

• 14K yellow gold, 1.6 mm shank, polished
• Gently curved chevron that warms a yellow gold or two-tone ring
• 1/6 ct. tw.

14K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Wedding Band

• 14K rose gold, natural diamonds
• Chevron set with a pear-shaped stone at the point
• 1/4 ct. tw.

A contour band solves the same problem with a curve instead of an angle, following the outline of the pear so the engagement ring and the band read as one continuous line rather than two shapes meeting at a point.

Contour Natural Diamond Wedding Bands

• Skus: 0449884 · 0449887
• 14K white gold, 3/8 ct. tw. and 14K yellow gold, 1/2 ct. tw.
• Curved silhouettes that trace the outline of your engagement ring
• Wear one snug against the pear or stack both for a fuller look

Caring for a Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring

The point is the part to watch. A V-shaped prong protects it, but any prong can loosen over time, and on an elongated stone a loose prong shows up as movement before it shows up as damage. Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush keep it bright between visits, our lifetime cleaning and inspection covers the rest, and a product protection plan covers what ordinary wear does not.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

A pear asks two questions a photograph cannot answer: how the bow-tie behaves as the ring moves, and how a band sits against the point. Both are answered in about a minute with the rings on your hand. We keep a range on hand precisely so that comparison is possible, and our diamond experts will point out what they are seeing rather than leave you to guess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pear-shaped diamond?

A pear combines the rounded end of an oval with the single point of a marquise, which is why it is sometimes called a teardrop. That asymmetry is the whole appeal: it reads elegant from every angle and elongates the finger. Visit a showroom to see how one sits on your hand.

Which way should a pear-shaped ring point?

Most guests wear the point facing away from the body, toward the fingernail, because that direction lengthens the finger most. There is no rule, and some people prefer it the other way. It is worth trying both before deciding, since the ring will sit that way for a long time.

Does a pear-shaped diamond look bigger for its carat weight?

Often, because it spreads its weight across a long face rather than down into the depth. Ask for the millimeter measurements alongside the carat weight; that is the pair of numbers that tells you what will actually show.

How do I protect the point of a pear-shaped diamond?

The tip is the thinnest part of the stone and the part most likely to chip. A V-shaped prong cups it and takes the knock before the diamond does. It is the single most important detail in a pear setting.

What is the bow-tie effect?

A shadow that can fall across the middle of an elongated stone where the facets fail to return light. A faint one is normal and invisible in wear; a strong one dulls the center. It moves as the ring moves, so a photograph will not tell you.

What wedding band works with a pear-shaped engagement ring?

A contoured band curved to trace the outline sits flush against the point, while a straight band leaves a small gap that some people like and others do not. Both are valid; it depends whether you want the two rings to read as one piece or as two.

Is a lab-grown pear a good idea?

Both lab-grown and natural stones are real diamonds with the same optical behavior, and on an elongated shape a lab-grown stone often buys noticeable extra length for the same outlay. Our guide to lab-grown vs. natural diamonds covers the trade-offs.

Can I wear a pear-shaped ring every day?

Yes, with the right setting. The point needs protecting and the prongs need checking periodically, which is true of any elongated shape. Our lifetime cleaning and inspection covers exactly that.

Can you create a custom pear-shaped engagement ring?

Our master jeweler can build a ring, or a band to sit against one, around a pear you choose. Bring your ideas to an appointment and we will work them into a design.

For more inspiration:

• Our pear-shaped engagement ring Pinterest board
• Halo engagement ring settings
• Rose gold engagement rings

Ready to see a pear in person? Find a Robbins Brothers near you and let our experts help you find the one. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings with Wedding Bands appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Oval diamond engagement rings pair the fire of a round brilliant with a longer, softer outline, and the shape has become one of the most requested silhouettes in our showrooms. It reads timeless and current at once. HELLO! reports that Hailey Bieber and Blake Lively both wear oval diamonds, which has done the shape no harm at all.

An oval has a generous surface area, so its brilliance has room to work. It looks striking alone, wrapped in a halo, or paired with a diamond band, and its elongated outline flatters the finger. If you want to compare shapes before deciding, our guide to how to choose a center stone is a good place to start.

Why Choose an Oval Diamond

Ovals carry the same fire as a round brilliant while offering a longer, gentler outline. Because the shape spreads across the finger, an oval often appears larger than a round of the same weight, and the elongating effect flatters the hand. Ovals also take almost any setting, from a spare solitaire to a halo with a pop of color.

If you are weighing your options, our guides to the round brilliant, the cushion cut and the pear shape cover the nearest alternatives, each of which solves the question of length differently.

Rose Gold Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Rose gold is soft and romantic, a departure from traditional white and yellow metals. Its warm blush tone flatters an oval center and lends the ring a vintage feeling that suits the shape’s long, gentle curves.

The rings here run from finished designs through to a mounting you complete with your own stone, all in the same warm metal.

Poem 14K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K rose gold from Poem, 1.6 mm shank, rhodium plated
• Vintage design style, oval center stone, prong set
• 1 1/3 ct. tw. total

Poem 14K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K rose gold from Poem, 1.9 mm shank, rhodium plated
• Vintage design style, oval center stone in delicate prongs
• 1 ct. tw. total

Suns and Roses 14K Rose Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K rose gold from Suns and Roses, 1.9 mm shank, polished
• Shaped to hold an oval, center stone sold separately
• 1/3 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Yellow Gold Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Yellow gold is the classic pairing, and its warmth gives an oval a heritage feel that does not date. It sits equally well in a sleek modern mounting or a detailed designer setting, which is why so many designers build their oval work in it.

These settings are all shaped to hold an oval center of your choosing. What separates them is the band: a shank paved with diamonds, a slim polished one with a hidden halo beneath the stone, and a wide plain band that lets the metal do the talking.

Michael M. 18K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K yellow gold from Michael M., 1.9 mm shank, polished
• Shaped to hold an oval, center stone sold separately
• 1/4 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

Michael M. 18K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K yellow gold from Michael M., 1.7 mm shank, polished
• Understated shank that keeps the oval as the focus
• 1/10 ct. tw. of accent diamonds

RB Signature 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K yellow gold from RB Signature, wide 3.4 mm shank, polished
• Modern Solitaire collection, shaped to hold an oval
• 1/10 ct. tw. of accent diamonds, center stone sold separately

Oval Halo Diamond Engagement Rings

An oval wrapped in a halo can read like a flower or like ripples spreading around the center. A halo adds sparkle and makes the center appear larger, and side stones or a touch of color give the ring a personal turn.

Each of these is a Gabriel and Co. setting in 14K white gold, shaped for an oval center you choose, so the difference between them is in the surround rather than the stone.

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Blue Sapphire Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K white gold from Gabriel & Co., milgrain finish, rhodium plated
• Blue sapphire accents around an oval center, sold separately
• 3/8 ct. tw. of diamond accents

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K white gold from Gabriel & Co.
• Shaped to hold an oval, center stone sold separately
• 1/2 ct. tw. of diamond accents

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K white gold from Gabriel & Co.
• Shaped to hold an oval, center stone sold separately
• 1/4 ct. tw. of diamond accents

Oval Diamond Wedding Bands

Pair an oval engagement ring with a diamond band for a layered look. A band lined with brilliant stones echoes the sparkle of the center and finishes the set. These are stacking rings rather than oval-specific designs, which is what makes them flexible: browse coordinating styles among our wedding bands.

The shapes here nest differently against a solitaire, which is the thing worth trying on rather than reading about.

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Wave Stackable Ring

• 14K white gold from Gabriel & Co., wave silhouette
• Stackable design that sits against an engagement ring
• 1 1/3 ct. tw. throughout

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold and 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Ring

• 14K white gold and 14K yellow gold two-tone
• Graduated design for layering with a solitaire
• 3/4 ct. tw.

Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Natural Diamond Criss Cross Ring

• 14K white gold from Gabriel & Co.
• Criss cross silhouette that nests against a center stone
• 3/4 ct. tw.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

An oval is a shape where two stones of identical weight can look quite different on the hand. Length to width changes the whole character, the bow-tie only reveals itself in movement, and the metal around the stone shifts its color. We keep a range on hand so those comparisons can be made side by side, and our diamond experts will point out what they are seeing rather than leave you guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have oval engagement rings become so popular?

Visibility is part of it. HELLO! reports that both Hailey Bieber and Blake Lively wear oval diamonds, and that kind of exposure moves demand. The practical reasons matter more, though: an oval has no corners to chip, so it needs less protective engineering than a pointed shape, and it suits almost any setting, which means it rarely rules out a design someone has fallen for.

Does an oval look bigger than a round of the same carat weight?

Usually, because an oval spreads its weight across a longer face rather than down into the depth, so more of the stone is visible from above. Ask for the millimeter measurements alongside the carat weight; that pair of numbers tells you what will actually show.

What is the bow-tie effect in oval diamonds?

Essentially every oval has one, so the question is never whether it is there but whether you can see it. It comes from the depth of the stone rather than any flaw, which is why it does not appear on a grading report and no clarity or color grade will predict it. The only reliable test is to tilt the stone under normal light and watch what happens to the middle.

Which metals and settings look best with an oval diamond?

Ovals are unusually accommodating. Rose gold adds warmth, yellow gold reads classic, and white metal keeps the outline crisp, while solitaire, halo and diamond-band settings all flatter the shape. That range is genuinely a choice rather than a constraint.

How does an oval compare to round and cushion cuts?

A round brilliant is the most sparkle-forward and traditional, a cushion has soft pillow-like corners and a romantic glow, and an oval sits between them: brilliant faceting in an elongated outline.

Do oval diamonds need a protective setting?

Less than a pointed shape does. An oval has no corners to chip, so the usual concern is simply that the prongs hold a long stone securely at both ends. It is one of the more practical shapes for everyday wear.

Should I choose a natural or lab-grown oval?

Both are real diamonds with the same optical behavior. A lab-grown stone typically lets you reach a longer or cleaner oval for the same outlay, which matters on a shape where length is much of the appeal. We carry both and will compare them with you.

Can you create a custom oval engagement ring?

Yes. Our master jeweler can build a ring around a loose oval you choose. Browse loose diamonds or bring your ideas to an appointment and we will work them into a design.

For more inspiration:

• All about round brilliant diamonds
• Your guide to cushion cut diamonds
• Pear shaped diamond engagement rings

Ready to see an oval in person? Find a Robbins Brothers near you and let our experts help you find the one. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post All About Oval Diamond Engagement Rings appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

If you love clean lines, geometric shapes, and jewelry that makes a statement through subtlety rather than sheer sparkle, the baguette cut diamond might be exactly what you’re looking for. This sleek, rectangular stone has been a favorite of jewelry lovers for over a century, and we’ve seen renewed interest from couples who want something distinctive yet timeless for their engagement rings and wedding bands.

Whether you’re considering baguette diamonds as elegant side stones for your center diamond or exploring a full baguette eternity band, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk through what makes baguettes special, how they differ from other diamond cuts, and what to look for when selecting these understated beauties.

What Is a Baguette Cut Diamond?

A baguette cut diamond is a step-cut stone with a long, rectangular shape and typically 14 facets. The name comes from the French word for a long, thin loaf of bread, which perfectly describes the stone’s slender, elongated appearance. Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds that are designed to maximize sparkle through dozens of angled facets, baguettes feature parallel, linear facets that create a sleek, mirror-like effect. You’ll find them used as accents throughout our wedding bands and engagement ring settings.

This simpler facet structure produces what gemologists call a “hall of mirrors” effect. Rather than fiery bursts of light, you’ll see broad, elegant flashes that emphasize the diamond’s clarity and clean geometry. It’s a look that appeals to those who prefer understated sophistication over maximum brilliance. Round stones can be alternated with baguettes for contrast, or used in their place entirely, depending on the rhythm you want along the band.

There are two main variations you’ll encounter when shopping for engagement rings with baguette accents:

• Straight baguettes have parallel sides that create a perfect rectangle. These work beautifully in eternity bands and channel settings where uniformity matters. When placed side by side, straight baguettes line up seamlessly around the finger for a continuous flow of light.
• Tapered baguettes narrow toward one end, forming a trapezoidal shape. This design makes them ideal as side stones on engagement rings because they create a graceful transition from the band to a larger center stone.

A Brief History: From Art Deco to Modern Romance

The baguette cut has roots dating back to the 16th century, when jewelers created what was then called the “hogback” cut, an elongated table cut often used for diamond monograms and jeweled letters. The modern baguette as we know it truly came into its own during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s.

Art Deco was all about geometric forms, clean lines, and architectural precision. The baguette’s linear facets and rectangular shape fit perfectly with the era’s aesthetic, and the cut became synonymous with sophisticated, modern design. Today we’re seeing a strong revival of that look, which you can explore across our vintage engagement rings. To learn more about the era’s signature styling, read our guide to styling Art Deco-inspired jewelry.

Why Choose Baguette Diamonds?

Baguettes offer several advantages that make them appealing for both engagement rings and fine jewelry:

• Architectural elegance: Their clean, linear design complements virtually any center stone shape while adding a sophisticated, structured look.
• Finger-flattering: The elongated shape can make fingers appear longer and slimmer, which many find attractive.
• Everyday value: Because baguettes are typically used in smaller carat weights and have a straightforward cutting process, they’re an accessible way to add diamond detail to a design.

How Baguette Diamonds Compare to Other Cuts

Baguette vs. Emerald Cut

Both baguettes and emerald cut diamonds belong to the step-cut family and share that distinctive hall of mirrors effect. Emerald cuts typically have 50 to 58 facets compared to the baguette’s 14, which gives them more internal brilliance, and their corners are beveled where a baguette’s stay sharp and squared. Emerald cuts are commonly used as center stones; baguettes shine brightest in supporting roles.

Baguette vs. Round Brilliant

The round brilliant is designed to maximize sparkle with its 57 or 58 precisely angled facets. Baguettes take the opposite approach, prioritizing clean lines and clarity over scintillation. If you want fire and brilliance, choose round. If you prefer sleek elegance and geometric precision, baguettes deliver.

Length-to-width ratio is the last variable. Baguettes typically run from about 1.5:1 to as much as 5:1. Wider stones look more substantial while longer, thinner ones read delicate, and for side stones the ratio should complement both the center stone and the band width.

Popular Ways to Wear Baguette Diamonds

One of the baguette’s greatest strengths is its versatility, from three-stone engagement rings to channel-set bands.

Tapered baguettes are classic choices for flanking a center diamond, adding balance and a graceful transition from band to center. Straight baguettes set in a continuous row create eternity bands, where channel settings protect the vulnerable corners while keeping the surface seamless.

The pieces here show the three roles a baguette usually plays: framing a center stone, carrying an eternity row, and detailing a band meant to sit alongside one.

Verragio 18K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K yellow gold from Verragio
• Shaped for a center stone, sold separately
• 1/2 ct. tw. of natural side diamonds

Memoire Platinum Natural Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

• Platinum from the Memoire collection
• Continuous eternity row with no break in the setting
• 2 3/4 ct. tw. of natural diamonds

A.JAFFE 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Wedding Band

• 14K yellow gold from A.JAFFE, polished finish
• Band width suited to wearing alongside a solitaire
• 1/2 ct. tw. of natural diamonds

Ballerina and Channel Settings

For something truly statement-making, the ballerina setting fans baguettes out around a center stone, resembling a ballet dancer’s tutu. Baguettes set sideways in a channel do something quieter but just as distinctive: the horizontal orientation showcases the stones’ length and reads as unexpectedly modern next to a traditional round diamond band.

Fine Jewelry

Beyond bridal, baguettes appear in elegant line bracelets, pendants, and earrings. Their rectangular shape sits flush against skin and neighboring stones, making them ideal for creating seamless, flowing designs.

Caring for Baguette Diamond Jewelry

While diamonds are the hardest natural material, baguettes do call for some special consideration because of their design:

• Protect those corners: The sharp, squared corners chip more readily than the beveled corners of emerald cuts or the rounded edges of brilliant cuts. Channel and bezel settings mitigate this.
• Regular cleaning: Large, open step facets show fingerprints and oils more readily than brilliant cuts.
• Professional checkups: Because baguettes are often set as accent stones, have settings inspected regularly so every stone stays secure.
• Safe storage: Store baguette pieces separately to prevent scratching from harder stones or metals.

Our Designers Featuring Baguette Accents

Many of the designers we carry incorporate baguette diamonds into their vintage-inspired and Art Deco collections. Tacori, known for intricate detailing and romantic designs, uses baguettes to add geometric interest to their settings. Verragio‘s architectural approach often features baguette accents that complement their signature styling. And A.JAFFE brings century-old craftsmanship to designs that showcase baguette side stones. Our RB Signature collection also includes options with baguette diamonds, in both natural and lab-grown.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years, we’ve helped couples find engagement rings and wedding bands that tell their unique stories. Our jewelry consultants understand the nuances of diamond selection, including what makes baguettes special and how to evaluate them properly.

When you visit one of our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington, you can view diamonds in our VIP diamond viewing rooms under ideal lighting conditions. That matters more for step-cut stones than for anything else we sell, because clarity and color are the two things a baguette cannot hide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baguette Diamonds

What is a baguette cut diamond?

It is a step cut, which means the facets run in straight parallel lines rather than the angled ones a round diamond uses. The practical consequence is what to shop for: a baguette is chosen on clarity and color rather than on sparkle, because a step cut conceals far less than a brilliant does. We carry them straight and tapered, and our consultants can hold both against a center stone so you can see which suits it.

Can baguette diamonds be used as center stones for engagement rings?

While baguettes are most commonly used as accent or side stones, they can be used as center stones for those who want a truly unconventional look. A larger baguette center makes a bold, architectural statement. Because baguettes have fewer facets than brilliant cuts, they display less sparkle in that role, so we recommend visiting a showroom where our jewelry consultants can show you options side by side.

Are baguette diamonds more fragile than other cuts?

The sharp, squared corners of baguettes are more vulnerable to chipping than the beveled corners found on emerald cuts or the rounded edges of brilliant cuts. Protective settings like channel or bezel settings help shield these corners. With proper care and secure settings, baguettes hold up well to daily wear, and our team can inspect your settings any time you stop in.

How do I match baguette side stones to my center diamond?

Match the color grade to your center diamond so the stones appear consistent, and make sure the baguettes match each other in clarity, color, and physical dimensions. Size matters more than carat weight here, because two stones of equal carat weight can have different proportions. Our consultants can help you pair stones that read as one cohesive design.

Do you carry engagement rings with baguette diamonds?

Yes. We stock engagement ring styles featuring baguette diamonds from designers including Tacori, Verragio and A.JAFFE, alongside our own RB Signature collection, plus wedding bands with channel-set baguettes. Visit any of our showrooms to view options in person, or book an appointment for personalized assistance.

Do you offer both lab-grown and natural baguette diamonds?

Yes. We carry both natural and lab-grown baguette diamonds, and our jewelry consultants can walk you through the differences so you can choose the option that aligns with your values and budget.

Can I create a custom ring with baguette diamonds?

Absolutely. Our in-house design studio works closely with you to create something uniquely yours. Whether you are starting from scratch, adding baguette accents to an existing design, or reimagining an heirloom piece, our master jeweler can build it with you.

Do I need an appointment to shop for baguette diamond jewelry?

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend booking a consultation so you have dedicated time with one of our jewelry experts.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to explore our baguette diamond collection in person. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post The Vintage Baguette Cut Diamond: A Buying Guide appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Round diamonds are called “brilliant” because the shape returns more light than any other cut, which is another way of saying they sparkle more. That is the short version of why the round brilliant has held its place as the most requested shape for engagement rings, decade after decade, while other shapes have come in and out of fashion around it.

If you love a ring that catches the light from across the room, the round brilliant is hard to beat. Below we get into why the cut performs the way it does, show you rings and bands from our collection, and answer the questions our guests ask most often at the counter.

Because so much of a round diamond’s beauty comes down to how it was cut, it helps to understand the 4Cs before you shop. If you would rather start with the stone and build the ring around it, our diamond search tools let you filter loose diamonds by the qualities that matter most to you.

Round Diamond Engagement Rings

A round center diamond is the most versatile place to start an engagement ring, because it flatters every finger shape and never fights the setting around it. Explore our full selection of round engagement rings, or focus on the classic solitaire if you want nothing between the eye and the stone.

Here is a range from our collection, spanning settings waiting for a center stone and a ring that arrives finished.

14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting .06 ct. tw.

• 14k yellow gold, warm against a colorless round center
• A whisper of natural diamond accent at .06 ct. tw.
• Center diamond chosen separately, so the budget goes into the stone

14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 5/8 ct. tw.

• 14k white gold, the traditional partner for a round brilliant
• Generous natural diamond work at 5/8 ct. tw. before the center is added
• Built to hold a round center you select yourself

Poem 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 1 ct. tw.

• 14k white gold from the Poem collection
• Round natural diamond design at 1 ct. tw.
• Arrives finished, for anyone who would rather not shop for a stone

Some designer settings are worth seeing on their own, because the detail work only reads properly up close.

Gabriel & Co. 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting 3/8 ct. tw.

• Bright 14k white gold from Gabriel & Co.
• Natural diamond side stones running down the shoulders, 3/8 ct. tw.
• Made to hold a round brilliant center diamond of your choice
• A good candidate if you are pairing a setting with an heirloom stone

Round Diamond Wedding Bands

A diamond wedding band echoes the sparkle of a round center stone and looks just as good worn on its own, stacked, or years later on the other hand. Browse all of our wedding bands, or narrow to lab-grown diamond bands if that is your preference.

Eternalle lab-grown round diamonds, from center stone to band

The Eternalle line runs the whole way across the pairing, so an engagement ring and the band beside it can share the same diamonds and the same finish. Below, a platinum ring with a round lab-grown center sits alongside bands in warm and white gold.

Eternalle Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 2 ct. tw.

• Platinum, which holds its white color without replating
• Round lab-grown center diamond, already set
• 2 ct. tw. total across center and accents

Eternalle 14k Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Wedding Band 1/2 ct. tw.

• Warm 14k yellow gold
• Lab-grown diamonds set along the band, 1/2 ct. tw.
• Slim enough to layer without crowding the ring above it

Eternalle 14k White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Wedding Band 1 1/2 ct. tw.

• 14k white gold with a bright polished finish
• Bolder lab-grown diamond coverage at 1 1/2 ct. tw.
• Substantial enough to wear alone on the right hand

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years we have guided couples through one of life’s most meaningful purchases, and the round brilliant has been at the center of more of those conversations than any other shape. Cut precision matters more here than anywhere else in the diamond world, which is why only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our standards before it reaches a case. Our in-house master jeweler can reset an heirloom round or build something original with you, and every purchase is backed by our product protection plan. Visit our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington and we will put a few rounds side by side under proper light so you can see the difference cut makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do round brilliant diamonds sparkle more than other shapes?

Light performance is the entire design brief of the cut, and the payoff shows up in ordinary conditions: a well cut round keeps working in a dim restaurant, where a shallow stone goes flat and grey. The flip side is that a poorly proportioned round disappoints more visibly than a poorly proportioned fancy shape, so cut grade is the spec to guard hardest. Our diamond experts can show you the difference side by side in any of our showrooms.

Do round diamonds cost more than other diamond shapes?

They usually sit at a premium against the same carat weight in a fancy shape, for the reasons above. If budget is the constraint, our consultants will show you where you can ease off without anyone seeing it: a hair under a whole-carat number, or a color grade lower in a yellow gold setting that warms the stone anyway. And a fancy shape is always worth trying on before you rule it out.

What setting styles work best for a round diamond?

A round brilliant is the most flexible shape there is, so it looks beautiful in nearly any setting. A solitaire keeps all the attention on the stone, a halo adds sparkle and visual size, and a side stone or three stone design spreads the brilliance wider. We are happy to help you try several styles to see what suits your hand.

Do you offer both lab-grown and natural round diamonds?

Yes, we offer both, without judgment either way. Lab-grown and natural diamonds share the same physical and optical properties, so your choice comes down to values and budget. Our jewelry consultants can walk you through the differences and help you decide.

Should my wedding band match my round diamond engagement ring?

It is entirely your call. Many guests match the metal of their band to their engagement ring for a seamless look, while others choose a contrasting metal or a diamond band that stands on its own. Bring your engagement ring in and we will help you find a band that sits comfortably against it.

Can I design a custom round diamond engagement ring?

Absolutely. Our in-house design studio works closely with you to create something uniquely yours, whether you are starting from scratch, adjusting an existing design, or reimagining an heirloom. Our master jeweler can build it with you from the first sketch.

How do you select the round diamonds you carry?

Each stone is hand-selected against the same rigorous standard, and with a round brilliant that screening leans hardest on cut, since proportions and symmetry decide whether the facets actually do their job. You can view your options in our VIP diamond viewing rooms under ideal lighting and compare them yourself.

Do I need an appointment to shop for round diamond rings?

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend booking a personalized consultation so you have dedicated time with one of our jewelry experts. You can book an appointment at robbinsbrothers.com/appointment.

Or find a Robbins Brothers near you to see the sparkle of a round brilliant in person. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

The post All about Round Brilliant Diamonds for Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands: The Diamond with the Most Sparkle appeared first on Robbins Brothers Blog.

Looking for an elegant diamond that can be styled as modern or vintage? An emerald cut might be the perfect choice! With its clean lines and glassy, understated glow, the emerald cut has long been a favorite for guests who want something a little different from a traditional round. In this guide we walk through what makes this shape special, how to choose a setting that flatters it, and how it compares to other diamond shapes.

What Is an Emerald Cut Diamond

An emerald cut diamond has a rectangular shape with beveled corners and parallel, step cut facets. Instead of the many tiny facets that create the fire of a brilliant cut, the step cuts form concentric, broad, flat planes that resemble stair steps. The result is a sophisticated series of wider flashes of light and a signature “hall of mirrors” effect that reflects back and forth across the stone. You can browse the full selection in our emerald cut engagement rings collection.

The cut was originally created for emerald gemstones, hence the name, and it became increasingly popular during the Art Deco era of the early 1900s. Because those open, roomy facets reveal so much of the stone, an emerald cut shows its clarity plainly, so we often guide guests toward a diamond with a higher clarity grade for this shape. It is a look that rewards a clean stone with quiet, luminous elegance.

The rings below are complete, sold with the emerald cut center already set, and they climb steadily in scale from a little over a carat to three and a half. Seeing them in that order is the fastest way to work out how much stone you actually want across the finger.

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold, rhodium plated, polished
• Emerald cut center stone, prong set, 1 1/3 ct. tw. total
• Eternalle lab-grown diamond collection

Eternalle 14K White Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K white gold, 2.3 mm shank, rhodium plated
• Emerald cut center stone, prong set, 2 1/4 ct. tw. total
• Vintage design style from the Eternalle lab-grown collection

Eternalle 14K Yellow Gold Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring

• 14K yellow gold, 2 mm shank, polished
• Emerald cut center stone, prong set, 3 1/2 ct. tw. total
• Vintage design style from the Eternalle lab-grown collection

Choosing a Setting for an Emerald Cut

The right setting can style an emerald cut as sleekly modern or richly vintage. A solitaire keeps the focus entirely on the stone and its long, elegant lines. A three-stone design flanks the center with side diamonds for extra sparkle and symbolism, and it suits the emerald cut beautifully because tapered baguettes or smaller emerald cuts echo the step-cut theme. A halo wraps the center in a frame of small brilliant diamonds, adding fire around the calm center and making the whole ring look larger.

Emerald cuts can also be set vertically or horizontally in an east-west orientation for a contemporary twist. Explore more options across our emerald cut ring selection, or book an appointment to try styles on in person.

If you would rather choose the diamond yourself, the mountings here are sold without a center stone, each one shaped to hold an emerald cut. Yellow gold is doing something specific in this group: it warms the cool, glassy face of a step cut in a way white metal does not.

Michael M. 18K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K yellow gold, polished, modern design style
• Shaped for an emerald cut center stone, sold separately
• 3/8 ct. tw. of natural accent diamonds

A.JAFFE 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K yellow gold from the A.JAFFE collection
• Shaped for an emerald cut center stone, sold separately
• 1/2 ct. tw. of natural accent diamonds

Gabriel & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 14K yellow gold from the Gabriel & Co. collection
• Shaped for an emerald cut center stone, sold separately
• 1/2 ct. tw. of natural accent diamonds

Emerald Cut vs. Other Shapes

Every diamond shape has its own personality. Where the round brilliant is built for maximum fire and the marquise stretches the finger with dramatic points, the emerald cut trades rapid sparkle for broad, dignified flashes of light. Compared with a princess cut, which is square and brilliant-faceted, the emerald cut reads longer and more understated. Its close cousins are the radiant, which adds brilliant faceting to a similar silhouette, and the Asscher, which is essentially a square emerald cut.

Settings built for a step cut show the difference plainly. Each of these is shaped to hold an emerald cut and nothing else, with the long, open outline that gives the shape its proportions.

Tacori Platinum Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• Platinum from Tacori, 2.9 mm shank, polished
• Shaped to hold an emerald cut, center stone sold separately
• 1 1/2 ct. tw. of side diamonds, VS2 clarity and G color minimum

Tacori 18K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K yellow gold from Tacori, 2 mm shank, polished
• Shaped to hold an emerald cut, center stone sold separately
• 1/4 ct. tw. of side diamonds, VS2 clarity and G color minimum

Tacori 18K White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Setting

• 18K white gold from Tacori, rhodium plated, 2.1 mm shank
• Shaped to hold an emerald cut, center stone sold separately
• 1/4 ct. tw. of side diamonds, VS2 clarity and G color minimum

The Robbins Brothers Difference

Clarity is the whole argument with this shape, and it is the hardest thing to judge from a photograph. That is the practical reason we ask guests considering an emerald cut to come and look.

• Only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our standard. Every stone is hand-selected before it reaches a case, which matters more here than in a shape that hides its inclusions.
• Compare stones side by side. Our VIP diamond viewing rooms let you set two clarity grades next to each other under the same light and decide whether the step up is worth it to your eye.
• Natural and lab-grown, without a steer. We carry both and will lay out the trade-offs rather than push you toward either.
• Our master jeweler works in house. If none of the settings is quite right, our in-house design studio can build one around the stone you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an emerald cut diamond?

An emerald cut is a step cut, meaning its facets are long, parallel planes arranged like stair steps rather than the many small triangular facets of a brilliant cut. It gives a rectangular stone with cropped corners and an elegant, glassy look. Our diamond consultants are always happy to show you the difference side by side in one of our showrooms.

Why does an emerald cut show inclusions more than other shapes?

Less of the stone is broken up by faceting, so there is not much flash to distract the eye. What matters most in practice is where an inclusion sits rather than how the grade reads: something under the open table is far more noticeable than the same inclusion out near a corner, where a prong may cover it entirely. Every graded diamond comes with a plot showing exactly where its inclusions fall, and we will go through it with you before you decide.

Does an emerald cut diamond sparkle?

It does, but in a different way than a brilliant cut. Instead of lots of rapid, fiery sparkle, an emerald cut produces broad, dramatic flashes of light and a mirror-like play across the surface. Many guests love this calm, sophisticated glow once they see it in person.

What are the best settings for an emerald cut?

Solitaires highlight the clean lines, three-stone designs echo the step-cut theme with tapered baguettes or side stones, and halos add extra sparkle and apparent size. East-west orientations give a modern edge. Visit us and we can help you find the setting that suits your style and your hand.

How is an emerald cut different from a radiant or Asscher cut?

A radiant cut shares the rectangular silhouette but uses brilliant faceting for more sparkle, while an Asscher cut is essentially a square version of the emerald cut with the same step facets. The classic emerald cut sits between them with its elongated shape and understated flashes. Seeing all three together is the easiest way to decide, and we are glad to arrange that for you.

Does an emerald cut look bigger per carat?

Often, yes, but it varies more between individual stones than people expect. Two emerald cuts of the same carat weight can differ noticeably in how much length and width they actually show, because the weight can sit down in the depth where you will never see it. Ask for the millimeter measurements rather than going by carat weight alone. That is the number that tells you what will show on your hand, and we will pull it up for any stone you are considering.

Should I choose a natural or lab-grown emerald cut diamond?

Both are real diamonds with the same physical and optical properties, so the choice comes down to your budget and preference. Lab-grown diamonds often let you step up in size or clarity for the same investment, which pairs nicely with an emerald cut. We carry both and can compare them with you at any of our showrooms.

Can I design a custom emerald cut ring, and do I need an appointment?

Yes to both options. Our master jeweler can help you design a custom emerald cut ring from the setting to the diamond, and while walk-ins are always welcome, booking an appointment means dedicated one-on-one time with a consultant.

Find Your Emerald Cut in Person

Ready to see the hall-of-mirrors effect for yourself? Browse our emerald cut collection online or come see the sparkle up close with our diamond consultants at our showrooms across California, Arizona, Texas, and Washington.

Find a Robbins Brothers near you and let us help you find the perfect emerald cut diamond. You can also browse our Pinterest board for inspiration.

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