Are you ready to propose to your loved one but unsure which engagement ring style to choose based on your partner’s preferences?

Let’s look at engagement ring styles that will never go out of style.

But first, a little lesson in popular diamond shapes.

Diamond Cut for Engagement Ring Styles

Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

The most popular diamond cut of all is the Round Brilliant with 58 facets that give exquisite brilliance and scintillation to the diamond. Round Brilliant Cut diamonds work in several engagement ring setting styles, especially solitaires and three-stone settings. The round shape represents unending love, and the people drawn to it are romantic and traditional.

Princess Cut Diamond

Princess cuts are modern and elegant. They can be either square or rectangular in shape, and are generally less expensive than the Round Brilliant Cut. Make sure that they are in a protective setting, though, as they are known for chipping at the corners. Princess cuts suggest the wearer likes to be the centre of attention, a person who enjoys taking risks and who has an air of excitement about them.

Cushion Cut Diamond

This beautiful cut is often compared to a pillow, as it has soft corners and a square cut combination. The modern cushion cut evolved from the 19th-century ‘Old Mine cut’ (or mine cut), which was the most prevalent diamond shape of the Victorian era. While modern cushion cuts retain the soft, pillow-like outline of historic Old Mine cuts, they feature updated brilliant faceting for enhanced light performance and brilliance. The cushion cut is both traditional and trendy, and is perfect for someone looking for a soft and feminine look.

Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds are elegant with an elongated, rectangular shape. They are cut to perfection with smaller chiselled step cuts and straight linear facets. The corners of an emerald cut diamond are usually cropped. Emerald cut diamonds exude refinement and are great for someone who prefers understated sophistication. Still classy but with an edge.

Oval Cut Diamonds

Oval shapes are an elongated, oblong version of a Round Brilliant Cut diamond. It has as many facets as a round cut and can sparkle just as much. Oval shapes have beautiful brilliance, fire, and scintillation. This stone shape is for the woman who has flair, is creative and individualistic. It is great for those who love a classic, elegant aesthetic but enjoy staying ahead of the trends.

Marquise Cut Diamonds

A Marquise diamond, also called the boat shape, is a regal choice for an engagement ring and is striking and flattering. It is the ultimate in elegance and is essentially an elongated oval with points on either end that also creates the illusion of elongated hands. They will also look bigger than a Round Brilliant diamond of the same carat weight. This shape is for the woman who loves all things glamour, who has a joi de vivre attitude and a passion for the exotic.

Pear Cut Diamonds

The Pear-shaped diamond is also called the teardrop shape, as it is pointed at one end and rounded at the other end. Because of their elongated shape, they appear to look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. In fact, they are about 8% larger on the top surface, which means even a smaller diamond will make a bigger impact. It often represents a strong will and an independent, unique style of its wearer.

Classic Engagement Ring Styles

The Solitaire Ring

Solitaire rings are by far the most popular engagement ring style. The classic and simple design of a solitaire ring makes it perfect for anyone who prefers a timeless, elegant look.

While this versatile style accommodates virtually any diamond shape, Round Brilliant and oval-cut diamonds are typically the most sought-after.

There is nothing more classic than this elegant platinum solitaire ring featuring a round brilliant cut diamond in a timeless four-prong setting.

The Accented Shank

If you are looking for a classic ring with a bit more sparkle than your average solitaire, you can consider adding diamonds to the shank. This adds glamour while keeping the focus on the centre stone

A 1.51ct Round Diamond Solitaire in Platinum with Accent Diamonds in the band.

The Halo Ring

Halo diamond rings are sparkly, feminine and look best with a round, oval, or cushion-cut centre stone. The surrounding diamonds create an illusion of a bigger centre stone and add a lot more sparkle.

A classic halo ring with accent diamonds.

The 3 Stone Ring

Also known as a trilogy ring, this ring style holds 3 stones representing a couple’s past, present and future. The most common diamond shapes for 3-stone rings are rounds, baguettes, cushion, or princess Cut.

An elegant platinum three-stone engagement ring featuring a round brilliant cut diamond centre with sparkling pear-shaped side stones.

Timeless Designs

Trends come and go, but a classic diamond ring is forever. Find a ring that you can fall in love with every day. Simply let us know, and we will make your dreams come true.

At Mark Solomon Jewellers, we take great pride in our extensive collection of exquisite handmade diamond engagement rings. If you are interested in purchasing one of our authentic South African diamonds or diamond engagement jewellery, get in touch with one of our highly qualified designers.

We will be glad to assist you in any way we can.