Buying an engagement ring is an exciting thing, but it comes with its share of stress. With all of the questions that come with engagement ring shopping, there is one that always seems to rise above the rest: how big should the diamond be?
Here’s the scoop on which diamond cut shapes look the largest:
The round cut is a very popular style for engagement rings and has been for many years. This type of diamond is shaped into a circle with 58 facets, each designed to reflect light and give the diamond its fire, or sparkle. Round cut diamonds tend to be cut more shallow than other stones. This contributes to their intense sparkle, which helps the diamond look bigger. With the right setting, a round cut diamond can make a big statement, regardless of its size!
Oval cut diamonds have a similar cut to round stones. Like round diamonds, they can be exceptionally sparkly, which helps them appear larger than they actually are. However, oval cut diamonds have another advantage: their elongated shape that helps create the illusion of size. Engagement rings set with an oval stone don’t just make the stone look larger, either. The diamond’s shape creates the illusion of longer lines, making your bride-to-be’s finger appear longer and thinner, too! This stone makes a great choice for solitaire rings.
The emerald cut has a very different look than the other diamonds on this list. The “stair-step” cut of the facets creates a subtle, understated shine—more “hall of mirrors” than “twinkling star.” This stone best suits ladies who love old-fashioned glamor.
The rectangular shape and the large table help an emerald cut diamond appear larger. This style also tends to be less expensive, making it a great choice for a beautiful ring on a budget.
The marquise cut has been sold since the days of King Louis XV, but it isn’t a style you see everyday. This particular diamond cut resembles a football, with a thin and elongated shape that meets in a point on either end.
Like some of the other cuts listed here, the marquise’s long shape makes the stone appear bigger and your finger more slender. It is a diamond that looks lovely in solitaire settings, but you can also add accent stones to up the sparkle even more!
If you still feel like the diamond you’ve selected isn’t quite large enough, there are plenty of other ways to dress up that engagement ring! One popular choice is to add a halo of smaller diamonds around your center stone. This dazzling setting will add to the ring’s overall look and make that modest center diamond seem more extravagant.
White gold or platinum bands also make a diamond seem bigger, as the light reflecting off the band has a mirror-like effect, which makes the stone seem bigger.
So the next time you’re searching online or in a jewelry store, don’t sweat over carat size so much. With the right cut, the right setting, and the right person, any engagement ring can look impressive!
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