When you get to that point in a relationship where an engagement ring is on the horizon, it can be a daunting task for anyone to select the right ring. Most women are very particular about one crucial element with their dream engagement ring: the shape of her diamond ring. Did you know that different cuts of diamonds compliment her hand depending on its shape?
When selecting a diamond, there are ten basic shapes: Asscher, Cushion, Emerald, Heart, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess, Radiant, and Round. Your challenge lies in determining which is the right one for your future bride.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you despite the tips you’ve overheard from your bride-to-be’s girlfriends about her ring shape preferences. If the two of you are unsure what to select, why not consider the shape that compliments her hand the best?
Specific diamond cuts look best on certain hand sizes. It’s very similar to matching the best outfit for your body type. Take a close look at your future fiancé’s hand before you start diamond hunting. Then take these steps to consider your options.
For a Short Hand Shape
If her palms are more square-shaped with shorter fingers, lean towards a smaller sized diamond. Everything appears delightfully proportioned when a smaller-sized gem is placed on a tiny hand.
Short-hand shapes allow smaller-sized diamonds to look bigger than if she had a handshape that was longer, wider or thinner. Bulkier cuts would also be another direction to avoid for her little finger.
Since carat size will be on the smaller side, this allows you to have an extra budget room to focus on the color and clarity of the diamond. These two aspects of a diamond will give the “ooh and ahh” spellbinding sparkle that will make her friends jealous.
The Diamond Spot Considers These Cuts: Asscher, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess, Small Round.
Try to Avoid these Shapes: Emerald, Heart, Large Round.
For Long Hand Shapes
There are plenty of options if your bride’s hand consists of rectangular palms and long fingers because this shape accommodates a wide range of diamond shapes. The popular choices typically round and princess cuts, but the emerald might be the right route to go if she’s less traditional.
Asymmetrical-set oval cut diamonds are an option since long fingers allow you to explore off the beaten track options.
The Diamond Spot Considers These Cuts: Asscher, Cushion, Emerald, Oval, Princess, and Round.
Try to Avoid these Shapes: Marquise, Pear, and Radiant.
For Wide Hand Shapes
Full fingers with a broader palm allow a woman to have room for a stouter diamond.
Avoid delicate shapes that will appear too frail for her steady hand. To slenderize her finger, consider finding a cut that allows for minimal skin to show.
With her hand shape, she can pull off a larger carat size than the typical engagement ring. One option could include something bold like a rock cluster. Ladies with full fingers have more room to play with, which can be fun.
The Diamond Spot Considers These Cuts: Horizontal Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess, Radiant, and Round Diamond with a Cluster.
Avoid these Cuts: Emerald and Traditional Marquise.
For Thin Hand Shapes
When a woman has an oval palm with slender fingers, trying to determine which ring flatters her more is like which outfit looks best on a supermodel. You are lucky that pretty much every shape works! Your focus should be more on her sense of style and fashion preferences. If her style is more classic, lean towards more a round or princess cut. On the other hand, if she’s got more an edge to her, why not explore an emerald cut?
Just a heads up, many people make the typical mistake by purchasing more carats than necessary for a slender finger. Think about proportion. You would not want to give her early-onset arthritis.
The Diamond Spot Considers These Cuts: Cushion, Emerald, Oval, Pear, Princess, and Round.
Try to Avoid these Shapes: Heart and Radiant.
Remember the diamond given with love is ultimately the most flattering to her finger. With you putting your heart and soul into the selection, there is no doubt she will proudly show off to all of her friends and family the diamond you picked just for her.
Shop online, visit our Boston, MA location or schedule an appointment at the Diamond Spot and let one of our Diamond Specialists walk you through the differences in all of these unique diamond shapes. Seeing the difference in person is vital in determining the precise diamond that is perfect for you.