If you’re exploring engagement ring shape options and are considering a rectangle cut diamond, you're in the right place! Rectangular diamonds, including the classic emerald cut, have been a favorite in engagement rings since the 1920s. Known for their sleek, elegant look, these diamonds offer a unique alternative to more traditional shapes. However, since there are several types of rectangle engagement ring styles to choose from, you'll want to consider the details of each before making your final decision. Take a peek below to see if a rectangle cut diamond for your engagement ring is right for you.
What is a Rectangular Cut Diamond Called?
If you’re considering buying a rectangle diamond ring, you should know that various names are given to rectangular cut diamonds, like emerald cut, cushion cut and more. Check out six of the most popular rectangle diamond cuts below.
Emerald Cut Diamond
Emerald cut diamonds are one of the most popular rectangle diamond cuts, characterized by their stepped facets (narrow, straight facets that create a staircase-like pattern) and large, open table (the flat, top surface of the diamond). Its distinctive "hall of mirrors" effect (a series of reflections creating a shimmering, mirror-like effect) provides an elegant, vintage look. Popularized in the 1920s, emerald-cut diamonds are known for their ability to showcase clarity, making them an excellent choice for diamonds with high clarity grades.
Asscher Cut Diamond
While more commonly known in its square form, Asscher cut diamonds also come in a rectangular shape. Maintaining the cuts' signature deep, cropped corners, rectangle Asscher cut diamonds have a beautiful vintage appeal. Popularized in the early 20th century, this diamond cut is often associated with the Art Deco style and is renowned for its striking symmetry and exceptional clarity. However, rectangle cut diamonds tend to show diamond inclusions and color more than their square-cut counterparts, so they are well-suited for high clarity and color diamonds.
Cushion Cut
Also more commonly seen in square form, cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners, with some versions featuring a slightly elongated, rectangular appearance. Known for its romantic, vintage charm, the cushion cut combines brilliance with a soft, timeless appeal. Larger facets allow light to enter the diamond, enhancing its fire and sparkle, while its rounded edges give it a softer, more delicate look. Popularized in the 19th century, the cushion cut has evolved over time, with modern versions featuring more intricate faceting for even greater sparkle.
Radiant Cut
This diamond cut is often rectangular (or square) with trimmed corners. It combines the emerald cut's elongated shape with a round cut's brilliance, making it an excellent option for those who want a sparkling rectangle diamond. While similar to Asscher cut diamonds, radiant cut diamonds feature triangular brilliant cut facets, significantly increasing their brilliance.
Baguette Cut
Typically used for accent diamonds, baguette cut diamonds are long and narrow. However, this cut can also appear in larger stones, like vintage or Art Deco-style rings. Featuring a step-cut facet pattern, like the emerald cut, baguette cut diamonds have a sleek, elegant look with clean lines and a distinct, angular appeal. When used as an accent diamond, the baguette cut's simple, sophisticated design subtly enhances the center stone, creating a refined, geometric aesthetic. Due to their minimalistic design, baguette-cut diamonds have timeless appeal, making them a popular choice for both modern and retro-inspired jewelry.
Princess Cut
While generally square, a rectangular version of the princess cut can also be found and is often referred to as an elongated princess cut. Known for its brilliant sparkle, the princess cut features sharp, angular edges and a brilliant facet pattern, offering a modern, edgy look. Its unique shape combines the fire of a round brilliant cut with the sleek geometry of a square or rectangular form, making it an incredibly versatile choice. Princess cut diamonds are popular in both solitaire and halo settings, where they can add contemporary elegance and bold style.
Who Should Wear a Rectangular Cut Diamond?
Rectangle cut diamonds are stunning! Who wouldn’t want to wear one? But while rectangle cut diamonds can look ravishing on almost any finger, there are certain factors to consider, from personal style and aesthetic to finger size and more.
Here are a few different types of people who may be more attracted to a rectangle cut diamond:
- Those with modern, elegant style. Individuals with a modern, elegant style who appreciate clean lines and sophisticated designs.
- Those desiring to create an elongated finger appearance. The longer shape of these cuts can create a slimming effect, elongating your finger's appearance.
- Those who enjoy a classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Rectangle cut diamonds are ideal for people who gravitate toward classic, timeless designs or vintage-inspired aesthetics. Individuals who prefer a more subtle, refined style rather than bold, intricate designs tend to love rectangle cuts because of their understated yet striking appeal.
- The celebrity inspired. Many celebrities are known for flashing their rectangular-shaped bling. If you’re looking for some inspiration, look no further than the famous rectangle cut diamonds worn by Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham, actress and singer Hilary Duff and Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Rectangle Cut Diamonds Pros and Cons
When it comes to rectangle cut diamonds, here are a few general pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros of rectangle cut diamonds
Timeless style
Rectangle cuts, with their clean, elegant lines, have been popular for decades. They offer a classic, sophisticated look that will likely never go out of style.
Versatility
Rectangle cut diamonds work well with various settings and styles, from modern to vintage, making them adaptable to different tastes and occasions.
Longer, slender-appearing fingers
The elongated shape of rectangle cuts creates an optical illusion, making fingers look longer and more slender (ideal for those with shorter or wider fingers).
Cons for rectangle cut diamonds
Less sparkle and brilliance
Generally speaking, rectangle cut diamonds tend to have fewer facets than round cuts, which can result in less sparkle and brilliance. Instead, they often focus more on clarity and elegance. If you’re looking for a rectangle cut diamond with more sparkle, consider radiant cut or cushion cut diamonds, which typically feature higher facet counts.
Can be more difficult to find
As they aren’t the most popular diamond cuts, rectangle cut diamonds can be harder to find in stores, requiring more effort and research to locate the perfect stone.
Potentially more expensive
The inclusions and color of a lower-grade diamond, which can often be masked in other cuts, such as round cut, would be more noticeable in a rectangle cut diamond. While inclusion-free, near-colorless rectangle cut diamonds do exist, achieving this level of quality in a rectangle cut typically requires a higher-grade diamond - and, as expected, a higher price tag.
What is the Best Setting for a Rectangle Cut Engagement Ring?
Choosing the right setting is essential for showcasing your diamond and completing the overall look of your engagement ring. Again, the “right” setting will depend on a few important factors, such as the specific diamond cut selected and your personal style preferences. Here are a few popular settings for rectangle cut diamonds.
Prong setting
A classic choice, the prong setting allows maximum light exposure to the diamond, enhancing its brilliance. For rectangle cuts like emerald or radiant cuts, four prongs can emphasize the shape, while six prongs provide extra security. This open setting helps highlight the sleek, elongated shape.
Halo setting
A halo setting adds extra sparkle by surrounding the rectangle cut diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds, creating a dazzling effect. Depending on the overall design, this setting can help make the center stone appear larger while adding some vintage or modern glam.
Channel setting
A channel setting features accent diamonds set into a groove on the band, creating a sleek, continuous line of sparkle alongside the rectangle cut diamond. This setting is perfect for those who want a clean, modern look and a bit of extra shimmer without overshadowing the center stone.
Bar setting
Thin metal bars on either side hold the rectangle-cut diamond in place in a bar setting. This minimalist style creates a very modern and sophisticated look, allowing the diamond to stand out while maintaining a secure and structured appearance. The open sides of a bar setting offer great visibility of the diamond's shape and sparkle.
Protect Your Engagement Ring with Jewelers Mutual
If you’ve decided to purchase a rectangle-cut diamond for your engagement ring, congratulations! But the next order of business should be protecting that beautiful, new ring with a personal insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. While many people use homeowners insurance to insure their jewelry, there are some downsides to that option compared to purchasing personal jewelry insurance. Check the rate to insure your valuable pieces from Jewelers Mutual by clicking the button below.
