San Diego Engagement Rings · 2 min read

The Symbolism of Diamond Shapes

How a diamond shape added to an engagement ring can affect meaning.

BL
Bert Levi
Third-generation jeweler
January 2025
2 min read
The Symbolism of Diamond Shapes

Engagement rings have a very long history that dates back thousands of years. Rings were given in ancient times as not only a token of commitment but also as a way to prove a potential match had the resources to take care of the bride. Over the centuries, many aspects of rings have gained symbolic importance. Although times have changed, the symbolism can still help you to decide on a ring’s designs and components.I'm putting togeter a more detailed series of posts on engagement ring symbolism I think you might enjoy. Until then, I hope this is helpful to you.

You’ve probably already heard that the symbolism of a diamond is all about an unbreakable commitment. This is because a diamond is the most durable naturally occurring substance on Earth. If you wear a diamond on your ring, that diamond will probably look exactly the same in two hundred years as it looks now. That’s why diamonds symbolize forever. So, if you have a diamond on your engagement ring, you symbolize love that lasts forever.

But did you know that diamond shapes add symbolism? The shape of a diamond can symbolize values,  style, personality traits, and more. So, lets take a look at ten diamond shapes.  

  1. Round Diamond: The round brilliant diamond is the classic. It’s the most popular shape, and symbolizes, perfection, elegance, and timelessness. 
  2. Princess Diamond: The princess cut is the second most popular shape and symbolizes elegance, sophistication, and modernity.
  3. Oval Diamond: Similar to the round, the oval cut has a more feminine edge to the timelessness and the elegance.
  4. Pear Diamond: Also known as the teardrop, the pear cut symbolizes individuality, longevity, and love. 
  5. Emerald Diamond: An old-fashioned shape, the emerald cut symbolized timeless elegance with echoes of emeralds symbolism of spring and new beginnings.
  6. Radiant Diamond: A rare, unusual shape. The radiant diamond symbolizes clarity, strength, luxury, and prosperity.
  7. Marquise Diamond: This cut is an old-style cut that calls to mind the old school aristocracy and grandeur. It symbolizes opulence. 
  8. Asscher Diamond: The Asscher cut is a shape originating at the height of the Art Deco Movement, and it symbolizes sophistication.
  9. Cushion Diamond: The cushion cut shape symbolizes warmth, comfort, and nostalgia.
  10. Heart Diamond: Let’s face it, you already know what this one symbolizes!

If you’re in the market for an engagement ring in San Diego, why not give a third-generation family jeweler a chance to help you? Give me a call or drop by my La Jolla showroom. I can promise you that you’ll be glad you did.

You might enjoy this read next:

Three Ways to Make an Engagement Ring Fit Your Budget 

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