Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Dresses & Style Wedding Jewelry Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands Glossary of Engagement Ring Cuts By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Picking an engagement ring is nerve-wracking, whether you're planning a surprise proposal and going it all on your own, or you've decided to go to the store as a couple and select one together before getting engaged. There are tons of options out there—so many that it can become overwhelming, and fast. That's why walking into a jewelry store without any background is bound to leave you dazzled and confused. What are all the different shapes and styles? Are there benefits to certain designs? Which one can you truly see yourself (or your partner) committing to wearing forever? We've given our fair share of advice about choosing an engagement ring, whether you know what the bride-to-be wants or not. But before you even read those tips, you should educate yourself on the different diamond cuts. No matter where you go to look for the piece of jewelry, it's something you're going to be asked about. It's important to get an idea of what the soon-to-be wearer likes so that you can help the jeweler or salesperson help you. Ahead, a description of the 9 most-common diamond cuts: marquise, cushion, emerald, Asscher, princess, round, heart, pear, and oval. We walk you through the specifics of each, and let you in on what's unique about every style. Browse through and get a sense of your favorites, and consider the bride-to-be's personality if you need help deciding. Popping the question is stressful as it is—make the process a whole lot smoother by nailing the basics. Learn More About Engagement Rings 01 of 09 Marquise Cut The marquise is an oval with pointed ends. See More Marquise-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 02 of 09 Cushion Cut The cushion cut is a cross between a rectangle and an oval; it has a pillow shape, and it is also called an "antique cut." See More Cushion-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 03 of 09 Emerald Cut An emerald cut (originally developed for the gem of the same name) is rectangular with cropped corners and long, stair-step-like facets. See More Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 04 of 09 Asscher Cut An asscher is similar to an emerald cut, but square, so it looks octagonal (the radiant is a popular variation of these but with facets that give it even greater sparkle). See More Asscher-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 05 of 09 Princess Cut A very popular diamond cut, the princess cut is a brilliant square stone. See More Princess-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 06 of 09 Round Cut One of the most popular cuts for an engagement ring, the round cut is also a classic diamond shape. A round stone with 58 facets, it has the most sparkle. See More Round-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 07 of 09 Heart Cut A heart-shaped diamond resembles its name, so the diamond is in the shape of a literal heart. See More Heart-Shaped Engagement Rings 08 of 09 Pear Cut A pear-cut diamond also resembles its name. An added bonus to the pear shape is that if you wear it with the point facing away from your body, it makes your finger look long and slender. See More Pear-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings 09 of 09 Oval Cut The oval shape, which first began appearing in the Sixties, visually elongates the fingers and is completely unique. See More Oval-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit