Most people are familiar with the two most requested ring cuts (the round brilliant and the princess cuts), but we here at PJD think that simply because those cuts are common, they are not necessarily for everyone. As some of our own staff will attest, these lesser used diamonds are sometimes the most glamorous and most favored for people with bold personalities. No shade to the ever-popular princess and round cuts, but today, we are choosing to show some love to lesser talked about engagement ring cuts!

1. Pear Cut

First up on our rare gems list, the illusive pear cut. Pear cut engagement rings can be absolute stunners depending on the designer and how they treat the diamond. A beauty like this three-stone engagement ring from one of our favorite name brands, Tacori, shows the cut in the best light possible. This Tacori RoyalT Engagement Ring HT2628PS14X9 shows off the diamond without overwhelming it and is made more elegant with its large prongs.

 

Often these rarer ring cuts get ignored because they seem like they might not be amenable to current trends, but that’s not necessarily the case. For instance, one of the most popular setting types today, halo settings look equally as wonderful on pear cuts as any other diamond cut.

This Tacori pear cut engagement ring from their Dantela collection, Ring 2620PS10X7P, maintains its unique pear look because Tacori has adorned the diamond with a micro halo. This tiny pave of diamonds really brings out the brilliance of the center stone without overwhelming it.

 

2. Radiant Cut

Another unique cut for diamonds is the illustrious radiant cut. Not the be confused with the princess cut, this stone shape has cropped corners that make way for a more uncommon look. Radiant cut engagement rings have many of the same physical benefits of the princess cut, but with a unique twist. Often, they are seen as more rectangle that square, but for those couples seeking a square-like alternative, this is a good choice. Radiant cut’s curved corners and diamond cut reflections work well to continually emanate sparkle and brilliance. This Couture Eng-0378 from Verragio is especially beautiful with the bold prongs that accentuate the diamond corners and split shank band.

 

3. Heart Cut

Breaking away from tradition and current trends might be tough for some, but an absolute goal for others. For those looking for something altogether different, but still iconic for love, the heart shape is definitely for you. As the literal symbol for love, a heart diamond is ideal for cute or nature adoring couples. There is no rarer center stone than the heart shaped diamond to demonstrate love. 

Our favorite heart cut engagement ring is this Shah Luxury Carizza Engagement Ring CAH0197EHK-37W. It features not one, not two, but three diamond pave split bands and the center heart stone is adorned with a halo. It is undeniably gorgeous.

4. Marquise Cut

Also making the cut for our obscure diamond shapes, is the marquise cut. Long and narrow, some say the cut resembles a football, while others suggest it looks like a woman’s lips. Some of our preferred looks for the cut resemble eyes to us, but whatever the case, we think it looks elegant if not mesmerizing. 

Our pick for the marquise cut goes to this Engagement Ring 300-2MQ11X55, once again from the innovators from Tacori. The thick bezel setting places an observer’s attention squarely on the center stone’s dazzling surface.

5. Emerald Cut

Saving the best for last, we couldn’t have a list of alternative diamond cuts without including the glamorous emerald. From the much sought-after creatives at Gabriel New York (newly renamed from Gabriel & Co.), we have this Engagement Ring ER7740W44JJ-1, with a precious emerald center stone and a surplus of breathtaking embellishments. Gabriel New York’s intricate band designs, plus the halo setting, plus the emerald cut diamond, make this ring one of the most luxurious, rare finds.

Now It’s Your Turn!

From these exotic cuts, this writer’s favorite pick goes to the emerald, but we are always curious as to what others think. Has your partner already gifted you a uncommon diamond cut? Or do you dream of unique center stone shapes? We want to know. Let us know what other cuts we’ve left out via our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.