• Round setting – The round cut diamond ring is the most popular setting. The diamond is drilled at the top in a circle. This means that six prongs attach the diamond to the ring, the most secure setting for a jewel.

• Princess cut – Tiffany made the princess cut diamond popular. If the diamond has a lot of color, this is a beautiful cut. One drawback to a princess cut diamond ring is that it is held in place by only four prongs which means if one comes lose, the jewel could be lost.

• Oval cut – Brides with long fingers may wish to choose the oval cut for their diamond rings. The oval elongates the finger and adds elegance to the hand.

• Marquis cut – This cut looks like an oval with tips. In addition to the benefits of the oval cut, the Marquis makes the diamond look bigger than it actually is.

• Pear cut – Many jewelers do not even carry the pear shaped cut of diamond rings because it is not very popular. Still, this may be one of the more romantic choices. The pear cut looks like an oval cut on the top and a Marquis cut on the bottom.

• Emerald cut – This is one of the so called “fancy cuts” and it has its advantages for some women. A round cut has 58 facets making it very “sparkly” while the Emerald cut diamond ring has only 25 facets. The Emerald cut gives the impression that it is a large and perfect stone.

• Radiant cut – The Radiant is a newer cut. The first time it was ever employed was in 1977. It is a hybrid of the Princess cut and the Emerald cut and has 70 facets.

• Heart cut – Perhaps the most romantic of all engagement rings is the heart cut. Nothing says “I love you” more than a heart.

• Asscher cut – Maybe the most unique of all of the diamond cuts, the Asscher is a deeply trimmed square that looks almost like an octagon. There is no international standard for the Asscher and each diamond is custom cut.

• Cushion cut – Are you proposing over candlelight? Then your diamond ring should be a cushion cut. There’s no cut that is as appealing under the soft glow of candles as this large facet, rounded corner cut. For a time, you mostly found cushion cut diamond rings in antique stores, but they are now coming back into style for new rings.

• Triallian cut – The Trillian cut is done in the shape of a wedge. It looks like a triangle from the top. The Triallian cut is the best diamond shape to reflect light.