1. Diamond Cuts
Each diamond shape possesses unique characteristics. Intricately angled cuts are what create a diamond’s shape, allowing light to reflect differently, giving each shape a special brilliance and sparkle.
Selecting Your Dream Ring
The cut of a diamond can dramatically alter the overall look and style of the engagement ring, so this might be one of the most important decisions to consider as you’re selecting a diamond. The diamond shape can take a ring from classic to modern, delicate to bold.
Classic Diamond Shapes
These diamond shapes are the most classic and prevalent of the bunch. Each timeless shape has its own unique characteristics.
Round
A round brilliant is a classic, versatile and often preferred shape designed for maximum sparkle and light reflection.
Cushion
Sometimes called a “pillow-cut”, this romantic, elegant shape has soft curves and a hint of vintage luxury.
Princess
Combining classic sparkle with modern shape, this square cut is armed with clean angles and proportional symmetry.
Fancy Diamond Shapes
For the bold trend-setter, these unique, elongated shapes are flattering on the finger and emphasize clarity.
Oval
An oval cut is sophisticated and classic, with as much brilliance and sparkle as a round cut.
Emerald
Dramatic and distinctive, this vintage-inspired cut emphasizes clarity with its rectangular shaped facets.
Pear
A combination of round and marquis, this teardrop shape can be worn facing up or down, and is truly unique.
Marquise
This romantic, elongating shape provides the largest size per carat, causing the diamond to appear large
Designer Note:
Have you decided on the diamond shape but love a different setting? All TACORI engagement ring settings can be customized to fit a variety of diamond shapes. Learn more about the Tacori engagement ring customization process and start creating your dream ring today! .
2. Diamond Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. Diamonds are weighed to a thousandth (0.001) of a carat and then rounded to the nearest hundredth or point. When determining the size of your center stone, consider choosing a setting with a bloom, smaller diamonds that wrap around your center diamond to make it appear larger.
3. Diamond Color
Diamonds are found in a spectrum of shades, with the most rare being colorless or near colorless. The colors are graded via the Gemological Institute of America’s D-to-Z color-grading scale; D is colorless and Z is visibly yellow.
For Tacori engagement rings and wedding bands, we use G color quality and better.
4. Diamond Clarity
There is no such thing as perfect, even when it comes to diamonds. Diamonds have inclusions -- tiny black or white flecks and blemishes - scratches and nicks that occur naturally as they are formed within the earth. The clarity of a diamond is measured through 11 clarity grades in the GIA grading system ranging from flawless to included. The fewer the inclusions and less visible blemishes, the higher the quality and price. Our diamond and gemstone team hand-select the very few diamonds that are able to meet our high standards for VS clarity and better.
Engagement Rings: How to Buy
These special moments can take time, we get it. That's why we're here to assist you along the way.
Find the Perfect Ring
Explore our hand-crafted engagement rings at Tacori.com. Login to your account and start adding favorites to your ring tray for a side-by-side comparison.
Complete the Look
Connect with a retail partner near you for expert help finding the perfect center stone to finish your ring!
We're Here to Help
Whether you're looking for an expert's opinion or have a general question, our live chat feature can help. Or, just shoot us an email and we'll get back to you.
All TACORI pieces are handcrafted with extraordinary care by our artisans in California.