Square Engagement Ring Cuts that Lead the Market Today

When a man decides that he has found the woman with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life, he then encounters one of the most difficult decisions he will ever face in his relationship thus far: the engagement ring. Choosing an engagement ring is a very complicated process with many aspects to consider. The best place to start, however, is with the engagement ring cut.

There are many different opinions about which engagement ring cut is the best choice, but the most popular fall into two rough categories called round cuts and square cuts. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and there are five square engagement ring cuts that make beautiful and unique rings.

The Elegant Princess Cut

The princess cut diamond is the most popular of all the fancy cuts, especially for engagement rings. It was first created in 1980 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz, and its greatest benefit is its versatility in ring settings. Princess cut diamonds also tend to have a lower price per carat than some of the round cut diamonds, because the four sloping sides of the princess diamond roughly match those of the uncut stone from which it is created. With these closely matching slopes, two princess diamonds can be cut from the same rough stone with little waste, making the process much more cost effective.

Enchanting Emerald Diamonds

An emerald cut diamond creates a very unique ring with a large open table across the top and steep cuts of its pavilion. Originally developed for cutting emeralds, this shape creates a hall-of-mirrors effect with the play of light and dark planes throughout the stone. Overall, this engagement ring cut creates a dramatic yet elegant look that turns heads.

The Comeback Asscher Cut

First created in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers, the appropriately named asscher cut diamond is similar to a square cut emerald, but has larger step facets and a smaller table which creates more brilliance than the emerald cut. The asscher’s cropped corners give it an almost octagonal look, but once mounted in a four-prong setting, the stone typically looks square. This cut was most trendy in the 1920s but fell out of popularity until the early 2000s, nearly 100 years after its creation. Until this comeback, the asscher engagement ring cut could only be found in antique jewellery shops.

True Radiance

The radiant cut lives up to its name with a vibrant and bright diamond that looks good when set with either square or round complementary stones. With cropped corners, this typically rectangular cut is created by using a brilliant-cut facet pattern on both the pavilion and the crown of the diamond. Originally popular in the 1980s, a radiant diamond is a great choice for a versatile, dazzling ring that is sure to capture any woman’s heart.

The Unique and Antique Cushion Cut

The cushion cut diamond is a classic look that has been around for nearly 200 years and was the most popular choice for an engagement ring for nearly half that time. Combining the look of a square cut with rounded corners, the cushion has an ambiguous appearance that makes it difficult to define. Today it is prized by antique designers for the way it returns the light in a chunky manner that is completely unique to the cut. If a couple is looking for a very distinctive and antique engagement ring cut, a cushion diamond may be the perfect choice.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best engagement ring cut to precious metals and coloured stones, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.