How to choose the right diamond for your engagement ring!

In 1947 Frances Gerety, the woman who coined the phrase "A Diamond is Forever" would never have imagined that 71 years later it would still be one of the most recognized slogans in North America.  In 1948 when "A Diamond is Forever" appeared in print it began a 50% sales increase in diamonds, during a time when diamond sales had been in decline.  Today in 2018, diamonds are still associated with love, strength, luxury and emotion.

At Vandenbergs, we are designing and creating most engagement rings with a diamond as a centre feature and one BIG question we are asked is "how do I know what is the best shape to choose for my partner"?  "Can we mix different diamond shapes together in the same ring"?  For us, the answer is easy...anything goes!

Before we start looking at diamond shapes, please know shape does not refer to it's cut.  Cushion, Pear, Round, Emerald, Oval...these are diamond shapes.  Do you know the difference between round a cushion cut?  Here we go...

Round - considered the most classic of shapes, it is the most popular choice for engagement rings.  Set either on its own or enhanced with additional diamonds, round diamonds remain the #1 choice for brides to be. 

Oval - the ovals enlongated shape gives the impression of length.  It is best suited for smaller hands or shorter fingers.  Like rounds, oval diamonds have a scintillation and brilliance.  Oval diamonds are lovely set as a solitaire or surrounded by other diamonds or gemstones.

Princess - this shape is the second most popular shape for both men and women.  In the 1960's, princess cut grew in popularity and have been found with facets numbering from 49 to over 100, depending on the diamonds size.

Cushion - cushion cuts are square or squarish-rectangle in shape with rounded edges and larger facets to increase their brilliance.  This particular shape has a long history, it is one of the oldest diamond shapes, silimar to old mine cut, and has gained great popularity over the past 5 years.  Cushion cuts aren't readily found in smaller size stones.

Emerald - emerald cut was created in the 1920's and from that point forward remains in high demand.  The name derived from the cutting style most used in emeralds.  It doesn't have quite the brilliance as some other shapes, but on the hand it's long lines are stunning!

Pear - The shape looks like a tear drop and is extremely popular in pendants and earrings.  You can find pear shapes with a fat bottom or more elongated depending on the wearer's preference.  Pear cut engagement rings are beauties whether as a solitaire or all dressed up with additional gemstones.

A FUN FACT - in 1930 it was suggested an average price for an engagement ring would be 1 month's salary.  In 1980 it increased to 2 months salaries and continues to be the guideline in 2018.

There is a lot to think about when making the decision as to what is the right diamond shape for the intended.  Have them try on lots of shapes, it will soon come clear what is the most favored shape to best match their personality!