Most Popular Lab Grown Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings
When it comes to selecting the perfect lab grown diamond for your engagement ring, the shape plays a crucial role in defining the overall aesthetics and personality of the ring. Lab grown diamonds offer the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds but with a more ethical footprint and often at a more accessible price point. Let’s explore the most popular shapes that couples are choosing for their forever rings.
In this article:
Round Brilliant Cut: The Timeless Classic
The round brilliant cut remains the undisputed champion of engagement rings, accounting for approximately 75% of all diamond engagement rings sold. This popularity extends to lab grown diamonds as well, and for good reason. With 57-58 precisely calculated facets, the round brilliant cut maximizes a diamond’s fire, brilliance, and scintillation – the three optical properties that make diamonds so captivating.
What makes the round brilliant cut so special is its unmatched ability to return light to the eye. The science behind this cut has been perfected over centuries, resulting in the most sparkle possible. If you visit Lorenza Jewelry in Atlanta, you’ll find that most customers are initially drawn to this classic shape for its timeless appeal and unparalleled sparkle.
The versatility of the round brilliant cut also makes it ideal for various custom jewelry settings, from solitaire designs to halo settings and three-stone arrangements. Its symmetrical shape pairs beautifully with any metal choice, whether you prefer the warmth of yellow gold, the contemporary look of white gold, or the durability of platinum.
Oval Cut: Elegant Elongation
Over the past decade, the oval cut has surged in popularity, becoming the second most requested shape for lab grown diamond engagement rings. This elongated brilliant cut offers many of the same light-reflecting qualities as the round brilliant, but with a distinctive elongated shape that can make fingers appear slimmer and longer.
Oval diamonds typically offer better value than round brilliants, as they often appear larger face-up than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This “spread” effect gives you more visual impact for your investment. The oval’s smooth, rounded edges also make it less prone to chipping than shapes with pointed corners.
For those seeking personalized jewelry with a romantic touch, oval cut lab diamonds create stunning solitaires and look particularly impressive in east-west settings (where the diamond is set horizontally rather than vertically). At Lorenza Jewelry in East Cobb, many customers choose oval cuts to balance tradition with a touch of uniqueness.
Cushion Cut: Vintage Appeal
The cushion cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow (hence the name). This shape has roots dating back 200 years but has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity, especially among those drawn to vintage-inspired engagement rings.
One of the cushion cut’s most distinctive features is its exceptional ability to showcase a diamond’s color. For this reason, cushion cuts are often chosen for colored diamonds or for those who appreciate the subtle champagne hues sometimes found in natural diamonds. In lab grown diamonds, which can be created with exceptional clarity, the cushion cut’s larger facets beautifully highlight the diamond’s flawless nature.
The cushion cut works beautifully in custom designs that incorporate halo settings or intricate metalwork. Its soft corners also make it a practical choice for active lifestyles, as there are no sharp points to catch on clothing or get damaged during daily wear.
Princess Cut: Modern Geometry
The princess cut, with its square shape and pointed corners, emerged in the 1970s as a modern alternative to the round brilliant. Today, it ranks as one of the most popular shapes for lab grown diamonds in engagement rings, particularly among those who appreciate geometric precision and contemporary design.
Princess cut diamonds feature a brilliant facet pattern that creates impressive sparkle while maintaining clean, architectural lines. This combination of brilliance and modern shape makes them versatile enough to complement both minimalist and elaborate wedding ring designs.
When shopping for a princess cut lab grown diamond, it’s important to select a setting that protects the pointed corners, which can be vulnerable to chipping. V-prong settings or bezels are excellent choices that provide protection while showcasing the diamond’s unique shape. At Lorenza Jewelry, experts can guide you toward the ideal setting to protect and enhance your princess cut diamond.
Emerald Cut: Sophisticated Steps
The emerald cut belongs to the “step cut” family, characterized by parallel facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. Unlike brilliant cuts that maximize sparkle, the emerald cut emphasizes a diamond’s clarity and elegant lines. This sophisticated cut has been enjoying renewed popularity, especially among those seeking a refined, understated elegance for their engagement rings.
With its large, open table (the flat top facet) and stepped facet pattern, the emerald cut showcases a diamond’s clarity like no other shape. This makes high-quality loose lab grown diamonds particularly well-suited for this cut, as they typically have excellent clarity that can be fully appreciated through the emerald’s “window-like” design.
The elongated rectangular shape of an emerald cut diamond creates a slimming effect on the finger and pairs beautifully with wedding bands of various styles. For a truly show-stopping effect, consider flanking an emerald cut center stone with tapered baguettes or trapezoid diamonds in a three-stone setting.
Pear Shape: Unique Teardrop
The pear-shaped diamond combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elongating effect of a marquise, resulting in a distinctive teardrop silhouette. This unique shape has been trending upward in popularity for lab grown diamond jewelry, particularly among those seeking something different yet timeless.
When properly proportioned, pear-shaped diamonds offer excellent brilliance and an elegant, elongated appearance that flatters the finger. They can be worn with the point facing either up or down, though the traditional orientation is with the point directed away from the hand.
Pear-shaped lab diamonds make stunning solitaires but also work beautifully in halo settings that accentuate their unique outline. For a contemporary twist, consider a custom east-west setting where the pear is positioned horizontally across the finger. The asymmetrical nature of the pear shape makes it a conversation starter and a perfect choice for those who want their engagement ring to stand out.
Marquise Cut: Maximizing Carat Appearance
The marquise cut, with its boat-like shape featuring pointed ends, has royal origins dating back to 18th-century France. This elegant, elongated cut creates the illusion of greater size – a marquise diamond can appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to its spread.
For those seeking maximum impact from their lab grown diamond, the marquise offers excellent value. Its elongated shape not only maximizes the perceived size but also creates a slenderizing effect on the finger. The pointed ends can also be oriented to create the illusion of greater length in the hand.
When setting a marquise diamond, special attention must be paid to protecting its pointed tips. V-prong or bezel settings are often recommended to prevent chipping. For a truly distinctive engagement ring, consider a marquise lab grown diamond as the centerpiece of a vintage-inspired design or surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds that echo its unique shape.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diamond Shape
While personal preference should be your ultimate guide, several practical factors are worth considering when selecting a shape for your lab grown diamond engagement ring:
- Hand shape and size: Longer fingers may complement elongated shapes like oval, marquise, or emerald, while shorter fingers might be better suited to round or princess cuts.
- Lifestyle considerations: If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle, shapes without pointed corners (round, oval, cushion) may be more practical choices as they’re less likely to snag or chip.
- Budget efficiency: Certain shapes like oval, pear, and marquise tend to appear larger per carat than round diamonds, potentially offering better visual value.
- Setting preferences: Some shapes pair better with specific setting styles. For example, emerald cuts look stunning in sleek, minimalist settings, while round diamonds are versatile enough for virtually any setting style.
At Lorenza Jewelry, our diamond specialists can help you explore different shapes in person, allowing you to see how each option looks on your hand. We offer an extensive collection of loose lab grown diamonds that can be set into the custom design of your dreams.
Remember that the “perfect” diamond shape is ultimately the one that speaks to you personally. Whether you’re drawn to the classic brilliance of a round diamond, the vintage charm of a cushion cut, or the contemporary edge of a princess cut, your engagement ring should reflect your unique style and relationship.
Lab grown diamonds offer all the beauty and durability of mined diamonds with additional benefits of ethical sourcing and often more favorable pricing. Combined with the perfect shape, these remarkable gems create engagement rings that are both meaningful and magnificent – the perfect symbol of your commitment and love.
Visit us at Lorenza Jewelry in East Cobb or our Atlanta location to explore our collection of lab grown diamonds in all these beautiful shapes and find the perfect stone for your engagement ring.