The eternal symbol of love and commitment, an engagement ring is one of the most important jewellery purchases a person can make. However, with so many exquisite options to choose from, deciding on the perfect shape can seem daunting. Each silhouette tells its own story and conveys a different message. For over a century, round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, marquise, heart, and radiant cuts have captivated couples with their beauty and meaning. While tradition remains strong, new designs continue emerging to suit evolving tastes.

For a classic, timeless look that never goes out of style, one cannot go wrong with a round brilliant cut. Its smooth contours create maximum sparkle and reflect light beautifully from any angle. Associated with purity and perfection, the round symbolises eternal love without end. An enduring favourite for generations, it brings to mind images of simplicity, clarity and commitment.

Those desiring a touch of vintage romance or Old World elegance often gravitate towards the princess or cushion cuts. With their softened edges and graceful flair, these styles exude a certain nostalgic air while retaining grandeur. The princess in particular evokes feelings of fairy tales, magic, and dreams coming true with its step facets that resemble tiers of a wedding cake. Its squarish shape provides excellent durability as well.

For a bold, eye-catching appearance, emerald and Asscher cuts stand out in a striking geometric fashion. Their sharply defined facets create a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow. Symbolising growth, strength and uniqueness, they suit independent spirits seeking to express their individuality. The emerald’s stepped facets form an emerald-shape silhouette that feels both modern and timeless.

Those with slender, elegant fingers tend to be beautifully complimented by the elongated teardrop shape of an oval or marquise diamond. Elongating the finger, they impart an air of sophistication, grace and natural beauty. With its subtle curves, the oval has long been associated with symbols of love such as teardrops and raindrops. The marquise, named after the Marquise de Pompadour, evokes images of 18th-century French royalty with its distinctive boat-like form.

For those drawn to a touch of vintage glamour, radiant cut engagement rings offer a perfect blend of elegance and brilliance. Combining the rectangular shape of the emerald cut with the sparkling facets of the round brilliant, the radiant cut dazzles with its intense fire and unparalleled sparkle. This cut is ideal for individuals who appreciate the classic beauty of an emerald but desire the extra brilliance that comes from more facets.

For an artistic, romantic choice outside the norm, consider unique silhouettes like the heart or radiant cuts. With their deeply symbolic meanings, they express deep devotion and passion through their one-of-a-kind forms. The heart in particular has come to represent cherished love and the joy of new beginnings. Its soft, rounded shape cradles the finger gently in an embrace. Meanwhile, the radiant’s intricate facets and sharp corners create a truly dazzling, multi-dimensional sparkle that simply cannot be rivalled.

Here at Moon Ocean Fine Jewelry in London, we take great pride in helping clients discover their perfect match. As a boutique specialising in unique, artisanal designs, our knowledgeable staff can provide insightful guidance on the cut, clarity, colour and carat weight based on individual taste, lifestyle and budget. We source exclusively from conflict-free, eco-friendly artisans worldwide to offer exclusive, heirloom-quality pieces. Whether you prefer classic solitaire elegance or a more whimsical stack, our collection has something for every love story.