Your center stone's shape sets the tone for your ring more than any other choice. It shapes how the stone catches light, how it sits on your hand, and how it reflects your style. Shape is different from cut. Shape is the outline you see from above. Cut describes how well the facets are arranged to return light.
Below, we walk you through all ten shapes you can shop at Icing on the Ring. Every shape is available in natural diamonds, lab diamonds, and moissanite, so you can choose the look you love and the stone that fits your story.
Quick Guide: Shapes at a Glance
- Maximum sparkle: Round, Radiant, Cushion, Princess
- Elongating on the finger: Oval, Pear, Marquise, Emerald
- Vintage and Art Deco charm: Asscher, Cushion, Emerald
- Bold and unexpected: Star, Marquise, Pear
Asscher
The Asscher is a square step cut with cropped corners, first created in 1902. Look straight down and you'll see concentric squares that create a mesmerizing "hall of mirrors" effect. Its high crown and deep pavilion give it a glamorous, Art Deco personality.
Why you'll love it: It feels vintage and architectural at the same time. Because step cuts show clarity openly, choose a stone with strong clarity for the cleanest look.
Setting tip: A bezel, like the Per Lei Bezel Engagement Ring shown here, frames those clean lines and protects the corners.
Cushion
The cushion pairs a square or slightly rectangular outline with softly rounded corners, like a pillow. It descends from the old mine cut, so it carries more than a century of romance. Larger facets give it a warm, candlelit glow.
Why you'll love it: It balances vintage softness with serious sparkle. It suits you if you want something classic that still feels personal.
Setting tip: A hidden halo, like the Delaney Cushion Hidden Halo shown here, adds a surprise flash of diamonds beneath the center stone.
Emerald
The emerald cut is a rectangular step cut with long, open facets and trimmed corners. Instead of fiery sparkle, it delivers bold flashes of light. Think of it as quiet confidence in stone form.
Why you'll love it: It elongates your finger and reads instantly as sophisticated. It often looks larger than a round of the same carat weight thanks to its broad table.
Setting tip: A clean solitaire, like the Laurel Emerald Solitaire shown here, lets those long step facets take center stage.
Marquise
The marquise is a long, boat-shaped brilliant with two pointed ends. Legend says it was inspired by the smile of a French marquise. Its length makes it one of the most finger-flattering shapes you can choose.
Why you'll love it: Carat for carat, it has one of the largest face-up appearances of any shape. It feels vintage and daring all at once.
Setting tip: Look for V-tip prongs to protect the delicate points. A pavé band, like the Zoe Marquise Pavé shown here, adds sparkle along the whole ring.
Shop Marquise Engagement Rings
Oval
The oval is an elongated take on the round brilliant. It keeps nearly all of the round's sparkle while adding graceful length. That combination makes it one of today's most requested shapes.
Why you'll love it: It looks larger than a round of the same carat weight and slims your finger. It works beautifully with nearly every setting style.
Setting tip: The Tacori Coastal Crescent Oval Solitaire shown here hides Tacori's signature crescents along the profile, a detail meant just for you.
Pear
The pear, or teardrop, combines a rounded end with a single point. It blends the brilliance of a round with the length of a marquise. Wear the point toward your fingertip for a classic look, or flip it for a modern twist.
Why you'll love it: It's romantic, distinctive, and wonderfully flattering. It's a favorite if you want a ring that feels anything but basic.
Setting tip: A protective prong at the tip keeps the point secure. The Simply Tacori Pear Solitaire shown here keeps the focus on the stone's silhouette.
Princess
The princess is a square brilliant with sharp, crisp corners. Viewed from above, its facets form an X pattern that throws off lively sparkle. It's the go-to shape if you love clean, modern geometry.
Why you'll love it: It delivers brilliance close to a round in a contemporary square outline. It also pairs neatly with straight wedding bands.
Setting tip: Choose prongs that cover each corner. The Tacori Sculpted Crescent Princess Solitaire shown here does exactly that, with sculpted crescents underneath.
Shop Princess Engagement Rings
Radiant
The radiant shares the emerald cut's trimmed corners but uses brilliant faceting throughout. The result is a square or rectangular stone with crushed-ice sparkle. It bridges the clean lines of a step cut and the fire of a round.
Why you'll love it: You get structure and sparkle in one stone. Its cropped corners make it durable and easy to wear every day.
Setting tip: A micro-prong band, like the Broadway Radiant Micro-Prong shown here, extends that brilliance across your whole ring.
Round
The round brilliant is the most popular shape for engagement rings, and for good reason. Its 57 or 58 facets are engineered to return the most light possible. The result is unmatched fire and brilliance.
Why you'll love it: It's timeless and endlessly versatile. It suits every setting, from a sleek solitaire to an intricate halo.
Setting tip: The Tacori Coastal Crescent Round Solitaire shown here lifts the stone to catch light from every angle.
Star
Star and novelty shapes are for the couple who wants something truly one of a kind. These fancy shapes trade tradition for personality, with angular points that catch light in unexpected ways. Our Star collection celebrates that playful, geometric spirit.
Why you'll love it: It's a conversation starter and a little bit celestial. It says your love story doesn't follow a script.
Setting tip: Angular stones need secure prongs at every point. The Emery Trillion Three-Stone shown here pairs triangular trillion stones in a balanced three-stone design.
How to Choose Your Shape
- Start with your style. Classic, vintage, modern, or bold? Your everyday jewelry often hints at the answer.
- Consider your hand. Elongated shapes like oval, pear, marquise, and emerald lengthen the finger.
- Think about lifestyle. Shapes with rounded or cropped corners, like cushion and radiant, are especially easy to wear.
- Try them on. Shapes look different on your hand than on a screen. Seeing them in person makes the choice clear.
See Every Shape in Person
The best way to find your shape is to try them side by side. Visit our Downtown LA showroom and our team will guide you through every option, from stone type to setting. Every ring is backed by our Lifetime Warranty and Diamond Trade-Up program, so your forever piece is cared for long after you say yes.