Buying an engagement ring is one of the most personal, nerve-wracking, and joyful decisions you can make. I’ve seen it all, guys pacing outside the store rehearsing their pitch, couples shopping together with Pinterest boards in hand, even moms and daughters picking the perfect upgrade for a milestone anniversary. And every time, it comes down to the same few questions: What’s her style? What’s your budget? And—arguably the most important—what kind of diamond cut speaks to you?
At Noah’s Fine Watches & Jewelry, we carry a wide range of engagement rings, but I always find myself drawn to the classics—the cuts that have stood the test of time. Specifically, the top four diamond cuts we see most often: round brilliant, emerald, pear, and oval. Each one has its own vibe, and with the images included here, I wanted to break them down—not just from a jeweler’s perspective, but as someone who’s helped hundreds of clients find “the one.”
Round Brilliant Cut: The Tried-and-True Classic
Let’s start with the round brilliant cut. This is the most popular diamond shape in the world—and for good reason. It’s engineered for maximum sparkle. With 57 or 58 facets (depending on whether it has a culet), this cut is all about fire and brilliance.
The round diamond is timeless. It’s like the Rolex Submariner of engagement rings—classic, versatile, and appreciated by pretty much everyone. The solitaire gold ring (shown above) is a textbook example. The yellow gold setting gives it a warm, traditional feel, but you could just as easily throw this stone into a platinum or white gold band for something more modern.
I’ve sold round cuts to old-school romantics and ultra-minimalist brides alike. It’s the kind of diamond that lets the stone do all the talking. If you want to play it safe but still make an impact, this is your move.
Emerald Cut: Understated and Elegant
Next up: the emerald cut. This one’s a favorite of mine. It doesn’t have the sparkle of a round brilliant, but what it does have is clarity. And presence. The emerald cut is all about clean lines and quiet confidence.
Take a look at the white gold ring with side stones in the image gallery. That’s emerald elegance in action. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it commands it. Brides who choose emerald cuts usually appreciate architecture, symmetry, and refined aesthetics.
One thing to note: because the emerald cut doesn’t hide inclusions as well as a brilliant cut, you’ll want to invest in a higher clarity grade. But when you get it right? There’s nothing like it. It’s less "sparkle princess," more "art deco power move."
Pear Cut: Romantic and Unique
The pear cut—sometimes called the teardrop—is where things get fun. It’s bold. It’s feminine. And it’s a little off the beaten path. This shape combines the round and marquise cuts, giving you one soft end and one point. The result? A diamond that feels delicate but still packs visual punch.
The pear-shaped halo ring in the second and third images above shows just how dynamic this cut can be. With a halo setting and a matching diamond band, the entire set gives off a luxurious sparkle that’s romantic with a hint of drama. Brides who go for pear cuts tend to have strong personal style and aren’t afraid to stand out a little.
Fun fact: the orientation of the pear cut can also change the vibe. Point up is a little more unconventional; point down elongates the finger and leans more classic.
Oval Cut: Modern and Flattering
Finally, we’ve got the oval. This one’s been gaining steam for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. It offers a lot of what makes the round brilliant so beloved—sparkle, symmetry, and versatility—but with a twist.
Ovals look bigger per carat than rounds thanks to their elongated shape. They also tend to be more flattering on the finger. They’re a great pick if you want a stone that feels traditional but still a little different.
We’re constantly adding more ovals to our inventory because the demand is strong. I’ve seen ovals paired with thin bands for that delicate, Instagram-friendly look, and I’ve seen them go bold in rose gold or split shank settings. Brides who choose ovals usually want something modern, but timeless. A little trend-forward, but not trendy.
So, How Do You Choose?
Here’s what I always tell clients: the best engagement ring is the one that feels right. You can analyze symmetry, light performance, and price-per-carat all day—but if the ring doesn’t feel like her, you’ll know.
That’s why I encourage people to come into the shop, see these stones in person, and try them on. Your eye might gravitate toward something you didn’t expect. A lot of clients come in thinking they want a round and leave with an emerald. Others fall hard for the drama of a pear cut the second it hits their hand.
At Noah’s Fine Watches & Jewelry, we’ll walk you through the differences, show you stones at every size and quality level, and make sure you leave feeling confident—not confused. We can also customize settings, talk through metal types, and even help you design a ring from scratch.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Sparkle
At the end of the day, an engagement ring is a symbol. It’s not just about sparkle or carat weight—it’s about commitment, taste, and identity. The shape you choose says something. And the story behind it becomes part of your story.
Whether you’re leaning classic with a round brilliant, going elegant with an emerald, choosing romance with a pear, or going modern with an oval—there’s no wrong choice. Just your choice.
So if you’re ready to start the search, come see us. We’ll pour the coffee, pull out the diamonds, and find the cut that fits your future.
