Most Popular Diamond Cuts For Engagement Rings

Buying a diamond engagement ring is one of the most personal decisions a buyer will ever make, as it represents the ultimate symbol of elegance, commitment, and love. While all 4 Cs in diamond buying guide (cut, color, clarity, and carat) play a significant role in determining a diamond's quality and appearance, diamond cut stands out as the most influential factor in creating brilliance, fire, and sparkle. Over time, while certain diamond cuts have maintained their position as enduring favorites, others are making a strong comeback in 2026.

Engagement ring trends in 2026 are all about blending artistic design with individuality — a style that reflects personal values, aesthetic preferences, and meaningful stories.

In this guide, we've explored the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings to help buyers choose the perfect diamond cut for their engagement ring setting — with clarity, confidence, and convenience.

What Are The Top 3 Diamond Shapes For 2026?

From unexpected cuts to bold vintage details, engagement rings in 2026 are stunning standouts — yet elegantly sentimental. This year’s trends reflect a perfect blend of individuality and timeless charm. Take a look at the 3 best diamond cuts for engagement rings that are trending in 2026 among conscious buyers:

1. Princess Cut

Appreciated since the 1980s for its dazzling sparkle and clean lines, the princess cut complements most types of engagement ring settings with ease.

The unmatched modern elegance of the princess cut is a result of its angular silhouette combined with exceptional fire. It features a rectangular or square shape with sharp corners and offers excellent light performance due to its brilliant-style faceting.

Compared to the ever-popular round diamond, this cut offers buyers more visible carat weight for the price, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a larger-looking stone without compromising on budget or quality preferences.

Sahara Princess Cut Engraved Solitaire Engagement Ring

2. Cushion Cut

For buyers seeking a vintage-inspired look, the cushion cut makes an excellent choice due to its larger facets and rounded corners. Its pillow-like shape offers a soft aesthetic that aligns well with the trending styles of 2026.

With the cushion cut, buyers get the best of both worlds — the vintage charm of a square outline and the soft curves of a round diamond. It is a timeless and romantic option, known for the warm, glowing brilliance it gives off.

Even with its vintage charm, it remains popular among modern buyers, as it is available in both brilliant and antique styles — allowing buyers to shop according to their personal preferences.

Monaco Wide Cushion Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring

3. Asscher Cut

Known for exuding Art Deco glamour, the Asscher cut is another square, vintage-inspired diamond cut that is trending this 2026 season. Its high crown and step-cut facets ensure the signature hall-of-mirrors effect. Gaining an edge over the emerald cut, the Asscher cut delivers this signature brilliance in a more compact, symmetrical shape.

According to Rare Carat buyer data, the Asscher cut is expected to remain popular for years to come due to its unique, clean geometric design and timeless vintage aesthetic — a perfect blend of modern appeal and classic elegance.

Asscher Cut Diamond Eternity Ring

What Diamond Shapes Are Trending For Engagement Rings?

While Princess, Cushion, and Asscher cuts have claimed the top three spots for the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings in 2026, several beloved shapes from recent years continue to make waves. With their distinctive beauty, refined elegance, symbolic meaning, and bold presence, cuts like Round, Pear, Oval, and Marquise are still widely sought after — reflecting personal values and individual styles.

Below, Rare Carat answers some of the most frequently asked questions about these other trending diamond shapes to further help buyers make confident and informed decisions:

Why is the round brilliant still the most popular cut?

The Round Brilliant cut has been a crowd favorite for decades — and for good reason. With its 58 facets and balanced proportions, it ensures maximum light reflection, producing brilliance like no other. From modern bezel settings to traditional prongs, a variety of popular settings can complement this cut, offering a stunning, timeless, and effortlessly elegant appeal.

Windy Solitaire Engagement Ring in Round Cut

Are oval and emerald cuts gaining popularity?

The Oval cut has remained a popular choice for many decades, as it offers buyers the brilliance of a round cut in a more elongated shape, creating a distinctive silhouette. This shape is perfect for budget-conscious buyers, as it gives the illusion of a larger diamond — delivering maximum visual impact without compromising on budget.

On the other hand, the Emerald cut is another option whose popularity continues to grow with each passing season. The epitome of sophistication, this rectangular shape with step-cut facets offers unmatched clarity and a classic yet refined brilliance.

Are fancy shapes like pear or marquise in style?

With its regal history, the Marquise cut is ideal for buyers seeking royal-inspired engagement rings. The pointed ends and elongated shape (mimicking the Marquise of Pompadour's smile at King Louis XV's request) create the illusion of a larger diamond, allowing for the maximization of carat weight. It is most definitely trending in 2026 for its eye-catching, unique aesthetics.

On the other hand, the Pear cut is known as a bold, unconventionally sophisticated choice for engagement rings. The teardrop shape offers a distinctive and stunning silhouette designed to stand out. It is the perfect blend of marquise and round, delivering drama and elegance at the same time.

Windy Solitaire Engagement Ring in Marquise and Pear Cut

Tips For Finding The Best Diamond Cut For Engagement Rings

We’ve answered some more frequently asked questions on the trending diamond shapes in 2026 to help buyers find the one that perfectly aligns with their preferences and budget:

Which cuts best reflect light and sparkle?

The Round Brilliant cut is considered the best for maximum sparkle, thanks to its ideal proportions and 58 facets. Other popular options include the Princess and Oval cuts, both known for their brilliant faceting and exceptional light reflection. Buyers looking for a cut that offers both brilliance and a romantic glow can also consider the Cushion cut, which delivers warm fire with vintage charm. Want to explore this in more detail? Check out our guide — What Diamond Cut Sparkles the Most?

Which diamond shapes are preferred for lab grown stones?

Even though lab grown diamonds are available in all popular shapes, certain cuts are more favored due to their brilliance and pricing efficiency. The Round cut remains the most popular choice, even in lab diamonds, for its timeless appeal and exceptional brilliance. Buyers interested in lab grown options can also consider Cushion and Princess cuts, which offer excellent sparkle and slightly better value per carat. For budget-conscious buyers, Oval and Pear cuts are ideal, as their elongated shapes create the illusion of a larger stone.

What shapes are most common for vintage-style rings?

For vintage-style engagement rings, Cushion, Asscher, and Emerald cuts are among the most popular due to their timeless appeal and old-world charm. However, the setting plays a key role — designs like east-west, three-stone, and hidden halo can effortlessly enhance the vintage aesthetic. Take a look at the Sadie East-West Pavé Engagement Ring from Rare Carat, and see why it’s a popular choice for an effortlessly vintage-inspired engagement ring:

Which cuts offer the best value per carat?

The Oval, Cushion, and Princess cuts typically offer the best value per carat. Thanks to their elongated or square shapes and unique faceting styles, these cuts tend to appear larger than their actual carat weight. They are especially popular among modern buyers seeking brilliance and visual impact — without compromising on size or budget.

The 2026 engagement ring trends are still evolving, yet the popularity of the diamond cuts mentioned above continues to rise. Ultimately, buyers should choose a cut that holds personal meaning and resonates with their style. Therefore, using the 4Cs, especially the diamond cut, is highly recommended to achieve the desired brilliance and overall appearance, without compromising on budget or personal preferences.

With Rare Carat’s GIA-certified gemologist insights and AI-driven filtering tools, buyers can filter diamonds by cut, shape, price, and certification in seconds. Finding a diamond engagement ring that meets the buyer's all criteria (style, sparkle, and value) has never been easier. We’re committed to making diamond buying smarter and more transparent. From detailed diamond reports and certificate breakdowns to AI-powered comparisons across trusted retailers, Rare Carat provides honest, unbiased education every step of the way.