How much do diamond engagement rings cost?

According to the Brides American Wedding Study, the average couple spent $3,756 on an engagement ring in 2020. However, costs vary greatly depending on the weight, cut, and quality of the diamond.

What are the most expensive diamond cuts?

The round brilliant diamond cut is the most expensive , with princess cuts following on the price scale. Oval, pear, emerald, and Asscher cuts are less expensive.

What is the average diamond size for an engagement ring?

In the U.S., the average carat size for a diamond engagement ring is around one carat.

Where can I buy a diamond engagement ring?

You can buy a diamond engagement ring at a national jeweler, such as Jared; at trunk shows; from a private jeweler; through online retailers like Grown Brilliance ; or from small businesses throughout diamond districts.

The 12 Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

Woman holding her hand to her face wearing a diamond engagement ring — Photo by Tenth and Grace

It's no secret that the cut of the main stone makes all the difference when finding the engagement ring of your dreams. Each sparkles in its own way and deciding which one appeals to you is a great place to start. Think about what's important to you in everyday jewelry. Do you go for a more modern look, or do you frequent consignment shops for your next great vintage find? Do you want to elongate the appearance of your fingers, or would you rather have a rock that looks huge? All of these factors depend on the stone cut, and, lucky for you, we're here to break them down.

The most popular diamond cut for engagement rings is round brilliant. Round brilliant-cut diamonds are the quintessential sparklers due to their outstanding light performance and universal shape that works in an endless number of setting styles.

If you know what type of setting you want but are not sure what kind of diamond will work best, round brilliant is probably the way to go, especially if you favor a classic look.

But there are, of course, options for everyone. Consider a princess-cut diamond for a more angular and contemporary look with just as much brilliance as round cut. Or, if you love vintage settings, go for a cushion-cut diamond, which boasts an elegant sparkle and vintage feel. Step-cut diamonds, like Asscher and emerald, are sleek and angular, and they also have more transparency than other cuts. Radiant-cut diamonds mimic the emerald shape but have more facets for a bigger shine.

For something more unique, pear, marquise, and oval-cut diamonds stand out and make your fingers appear longer, while trillion-cut diamonds sparkle in a modern triangular shape. For those who prefer something a bit more low-key, opt for a baguette diamond band that nixes the idea of a center stone altogether. And, for only the most romantic, there are heart-shaped diamonds, which sort of speak for themselves.

Whether you're in search of that "something new" or prefer a more vintage-inspired style, here are the 12 most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings.

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Round Cut

Brides everywhere flock to round-cut diamonds. Considering that its shape maximizes the fire of the diamond at the proper reflection of light, it's no surprise that this is the reigning stone (we're all guilty of falling for a good sparkle). Round, brilliant-cut diamonds work well as solitaires, in two- and three-stone settings, and even in geometric settings for a more retro look. These diamonds are great for those who love the classics, but if you're on the more alternative side, you may want to consider a cut that'll appear on fewer fingers.

Rose-Cut Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

02 of 12

Princess Cut

Who doesn't want to feel like royalty on their big day? Enter the eponymous princess cut, another widely popular engagement ring style. The princess cut's versatile face-up shape—complete with square or rectangle sides—makes it a prime choice for nearly any ring style. You'll get a more modern and geometric look while still boasting a ton of brilliance, and they're generally much less expensive than the more popular round-cut diamonds. Be sure to choose a protective setting, though, as princess-cut diamonds are known for chipping at the corners or falling out.

03 of 12

Cushion Cut

This exquisite cut is often compared to a pillow, thanks to its square-cut combination with rounded corners which, when combined with the cut's classic 58 larger facets, increases the stone's brilliance. The cushion-cut diamond has been around since the 18th century, and it was huge in the 19th century when most gemstones were cushion-cut (though it was referred to then as the mine cut). They've recently surged back into popularity, emanating a total old-world aesthetic that's perfect for vintage settings. They do have a less intense sparkle than brilliant-cut diamonds, and though they look great in modern settings, they aren't the most contemporary.

04 of 12

Emerald Cut

Characterized by a rectangular step cut, an open table, and cropped corners, the emerald-cut diamond is often favored for its Art Deco aesthetic. While it has more of an understated sparkle—some like to call it a "hall-of-mirrors" effect—its long silhouette and angular lines capture the diamond's clarity, while dramatically catching the light. When set vertically, their shape helps fingers look longer and more slender, perfect for those engagement ring selfies. However, because it has fewer facets to distract from blemishes, clarity is of the utmost importance, as is color. It's also not a super flashy style, so if you're looking for a mega sparkler, it's not the cut for you.

The Ultimate Engagement Ring Guide

05 of 12

Marquise Cut

Wedding band, engagement ring, and wedding band resting on a leaf — Photo by Tony Wodarck

Also called the Navette cut, the marquise cut is known for its regal feel. Its distinctive silhouette is marked by curved sides and pointed ends—an elegant football shape if you will. The long, narrow shape not only creates an illusion of greater size but elongates the finger when set vertically. It also boasts a brilliant sparkle. However, because of its delicate pointed edges, there's a risk of chipping and breakage if the ring is not set properly. It also tends to show what's called a "bowtie" appearance across the center of the diamond. If the ring is not cut well, this can be very noticeable and is generally undesirable.

06 of 12

Oval Cut

Essentially an elongated version of a round diamond, the oval-shaped diamond can have just as many facets as a round-cut stone, which means it has the capacity to sparkle just as much. It's an elegant and out-of-the-ordinary choice, and its oblong shape can lengthen the finger. If not cut properly, though, it tends to have a similar "bowtie" effect as a marquise-cut stone, and it also tends to show flaws and inclusions. One way to combat this is to choose a salt-and-pepper oval-cut diamond so that otherwise unwanted inclusions become an essential part of your look.

07 of 12

Radiant Cut

True to its name, a radiant-cut diamond—invented in 1977 by Henry Grossbard—catches the light in a big way. The shape mimics an emerald-cut stone, but the unique, deep-cut facets allow for extra sparkle. Those who don't want to stray too far from the classic shapes will appreciate this stone's timeless nature and bespoke spirit. It doesn't have the sharp edges of a princess-cut diamond because it actually has eight corners, which minimizes the chances of chipping. If you desire a big-looking rock, the radiant shape may not be the one for you, as the deep cuts make the stone appear smaller. It's also quite rare, so you may not be able to find a wide selection of stones in this shape to choose from.

08 of 12

Pear Cut

Also known as a teardrop, the pear-shaped diamond is a hybrid of styles that dates back as early as the 1400s. Taking its cues from both the oval and marquise, this unique shape is a perfect choice for vintage-lovers who play by their own set of rules and think that two is better than one. Since more of the stone shows from the top view, pear-shaped diamonds tend to appear larger than they are, so if size matters to you, this cut is a great choice. Due to the shape's pointed tip, these rings work best in a bezel or half-V setting, as they're prone to chipping. They can also show inclusions and may be less-than-brilliant if not cut properly.

09 of 12

Asscher Cut

Asshcher-cut diamond engagement ring — Photo by Carla Penoncelli

The Asscher cut has been a favorite among the fashion-conscious crowd ever since Carrie Bradshaw modeled the style during her brief betrothal to Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City. Named after the jeweler who patented the design in 1902, the Asscher cut features an octagonal shape with 58 large step facets. Popular during the Art Deco period, its uniquely symmetrical geometric design still maintains radiance and sparkle. Since it doesn't have sharp edges, it's not prone to breakage, and it looks great in a variety of settings. This cut does, however, require you to invest in a high-quality diamond with lots of clarity, as it tends to show blemishes.

Asscher Cut Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

10 of 12

Heart Cut

Heart-shaped engagement ring with diamond halo and diamond band — Photo by Sonju Photography

An eternal symbol of love, heart-cut stones aren't traditionally used as engagement rings—nor are they limited to Valentine's Day nuptials—but perhaps that's what makes them so special. For the hopeless romantic, this contemporary cut boasts a feminine shape that looks great as a solitaire on a simple band or in a more elaborate setting. Since it's a somewhat complicated cut, you may end up paying more for the labor that goes into creating the symmetry and brilliance that makes a heart-shaped stone shine. It's also regarded by some as a bit too trendy, so if you're looking for something undeniably timeless, this may not be the ring for you.

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Baguette Cut

A diamond engagement ring and baguette diamond wedding band with two gold bands on ring holder — Photo by Robin Harper

Another 1920s Art Deco-style cut, baguette diamonds feature a long, rectangular shape and 14 facets. Pictured above between the two gold bands, baguette diamond bands are great for those who have no interest in a flashy center stone. They are, however, most commonly used as accent diamonds on many engagement rings, namely three-stone designs. You can combine a large center stone with a baguette diamond on either side for a modern look. With these stones, clarity is important due to its few facets, as is the precision of the cuts.

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Trillion Cut

Trillion-cut diamonds, originating in the Netherlands, are a popular choice for alternative sets who want a ring unlike any other. They have a triangular shape with either rounded or pointed edges and a shallow cut that makes them appear larger than they are. Trillion-cut stones are great as accents or as the main stone on a three-stone ring, but they also look great as solitaires. Because of the sharp edges on most trillion-cut diamonds, they usually require a bezel or three-prong setting to avoid chipping. Though they aren't as brilliant as other cuts, they do have an elegant shine, making them a great choice for anyone seeking a middle-ground sparkler.

FAQ

How much do diamond engagement rings cost?

According to the Brides American Wedding Study, the average couple spent $3,756 on an engagement ring in 2020. However, costs vary greatly depending on the weight, cut, and quality of the diamond.
What are the most expensive diamond cuts?

The round brilliant diamond cut is the most expensive, with princess cuts following on the price scale. Oval, pear, emerald, and Asscher cuts are less expensive.
What is the average diamond size for an engagement ring?

In the U.S., the average carat size for a diamond engagement ring is around one carat.
Where can I buy a diamond engagement ring?

You can buy a diamond engagement ring at a national jeweler, such as Jared; at trunk shows; from a private jeweler; through online retailers like Grown Brilliance; or from small businesses throughout diamond districts.

Diamond Engagement Rings: How and Where to Buy