Wedding Season - Rings: Shapes, Shapes and More Shapes

When showing a wedding ring the first thing most people notice is the size and shape - or cut - of the diamond. The traditional round cut diamond is still popular today for a woman's wedding ring, but there are lots of other interesting cuts available if you would like something a little more unusual or different. These more uniquely shaped stones are a little more reasonably priced than the same carat in a round stone. This could also be a good way to save a little if you're planning a frugal wedding.

Precious stones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires as well as semi-precious stone like garnets, amethyst, and aquamarine are often used as accents to personalize the ring. Stones can be chosen for their representation: because it's a family member's birth stone or perhaps your lady's favorite stone. Below are some of the more popular cuts, including some of the more popular unusual cuts. When making a purchase such as this, isn't it good to know your options first?

Emerald cut is basically a rectangular or square step cut having diagonally cut corners and variably two, three, or four rows of facets parallel to the girdle on the crown and pavilion. It is frequently used to fashion emeralds. It is called a square emerald cut if the shape is square.

Heart shape is another version of modified brilliant cut on the market. It is cut in the shape of a heart, with a table, 32 crown facets, 24 pavilion facets, and a shield-shaped culet.

Marquis cut is shaped like an elongated diamond brilliant cut with curving sides and pointed ends. This cut is a good choice if you would like to be a little more creative and place smaller semi precious or precious stones around it. This cut was believed to have been developed in France in the mid 1700s.

Oval Brilliant cut with an elliptical girdle outline; also called an oval brilliant cut. A characterizing barrel-shaped cut, circular in section and accented with triangular facets.

Pear is another variation of the brilliant cut with a pear-shaped girdle outline and 56 to 58 facets. Also called the teardrop cut.

Princess cut can be either square or rectangular but there are many variations available on the market. It is a little different than a traditional brilliant cut, usually with 57 facets (21 crown facets, 32 pavilion facets, and four girdle facets) but occasionally a rectangular or square brilliant with 144 facets.

Round is a circular shaped cut, just as the name implies. It can have many different inclusions and accents on how it has been faceted.

Trillion cut is a triangle that is rounded on all sides to be more smooth than sharp. It generally has a shield-shaped culet.