Most Popular Diamond Shapes in 2025-2026
Choosing a diamond shape sets the tone for your ring or jewelry piece. In the US and Canada, couples still lean toward classic brilliance, yet modern shapes are gaining ground. Below is a quick guide to today’s most popular shapes, how they look on the hand, and smart buying tips if you are considering a Lab Diamond engagement ring.
Quick Takeaways
- Round brilliant remains the most chosen center stone for engagement rings, backed by consumer surveys like The Knot’s annual engagement study.
- Oval has surged because it looks slightly larger for the same carat weight and flatters many hand shapes.
- Princess and emerald cuts are steady favorites for clean geometry and bold presence.
- For education on cut quality and performance, see GIA’s 4Cs and IGI’s diamond resources.
The Popular Shapes, Explained
1) Round Brilliant
Round is the classic. It offers strong light return and versatile styling from solitaires to halos. If you value maximum sparkle and timeless appeal, start here. Learn how cut influences brightness with GIA’s cut guide. Explore round styles in our engagement collection.
2) Oval
Oval gives finger-lengthening elegance and often faces up a touch larger than round at the same carat. It is popular with minimal solitaires and micro-pavé halos. See current ring preferences in The Knot study, then compare oval settings in our oval curation.
3) Princess
Princess is the modern square look with crisp corners and lively sparkle. It pairs well with channel-set bands and sleek solitaires. For price and performance tips, review GIA’s diamond hub.
4) Emerald
Emerald’s step facets emphasize clarity and symmetry. Expect a hall-of-mirrors glow rather than a glittery burst. If you love clean lines, consider emerald with a thin pavé band or tapered baguette sides. Read about facet styles at GIA diamond anatomy.
5) Cushion
Cushion softens the square outline with rounded corners. It delivers romantic sparkle and works beautifully in vintage and halo designs. See certification guidance from IGI verify.
6) Pear
Pear offers a distinctive teardrop silhouette. It looks elegant pointed up the finger and can appear slightly elongated for the carat. For setting security and symmetry checks, reference GIA grading info.
7) Marquise
Marquise maximizes length for a bold, vintage-leaning presence. Proper setting and prong coverage at the tips are important. Browse elongated styles in our marquise edit.
8) Radiant, Asscher, Heart, and More
Radiant blends a rectangular outline with brilliant faceting. Asscher is a vintage square step-cut with a deep, architectural feel. Heart is playful and symbolic. Explore specialty shapes in diamond rings or learn how faceting differs via GIA shape overview.
Lab Diamond Notes for US and Canada
Lab Diamonds provide strong value and make it easier to size up without compromising quality. Shape preferences generally mirror natural diamonds, so round and oval lead, followed by princess and emerald. For shoppers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and across the US, start with our regional pages:
Buying Checklist
- Start with cut quality. It drives sparkle. See GIA cut.
- Balance color and clarity for the shape and setting. Reference IGI’s diamond basics.
- Confirm independent certification for every diamond.
- Compare face-up dimensions not just carat weight, especially in ovals and emeralds.
- Match metal color to your style. Browse yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
Helpful External References
- The Knot Engagement Study for recent ring trends
- JCK for jewelry trade news and analysis
- GIA 4Cs Education for fundamentals of cut, color, clarity, carat
- IGI Diamond Education for lab and natural diamond certification
If you're shopping for an engagement ring or curious about current jewelry trends, understanding diamond shape popularity can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for a timeless round cut or a trendy oval, knowing what shapes are most popular and why is key.
Engagement Rings: The Top Diamond Shapes in 2025-2026
According to The Knot and other industry sources, round brilliant diamonds are still the most popular choice for engagement rings in the US and Canada. However, their dominance is waning as fancy shapes surge in popularity. Here's the breakdown:
| Rank | Shape | Approx. Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round Brilliant | 28–37% |
| 2 | Oval | 21–25% |
| 3 | Princess | ~9–10% |
| 4 | Emerald | ~9–10% |
| 5 | Cushion | ~7–9% |
| 6 | Pear | ~5–8% |
| 7 | Marquise | ~3–5% |
| 8 | Radiant | ~2–4% |
| 9 | Asscher | ~1–2% |
| 10 | Heart | <1% |
Oval cuts have gained massive traction in recent years, especially for buyers who want a larger appearance and a modern aesthetic. Princess and emerald cuts remain popular for their clean lines and bold geometry.
Lab Grown Diamonds in Canada and the US
With the rise of sustainability concerns and affordability, lab grown diamonds are now chosen by over half of U.S. couples buying engagement rings. Popular shapes among lab grown diamond buyers mirror those in natural diamonds, with round, oval, and emerald cuts leading the way.
Looking for lab grown diamonds in Canada? Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have seen a rise in retailers offering these stones. Consumers searching for lab grown diamonds price per carat or trying to understand the cost of lab grown diamonds will find that fancy shapes like oval or emerald often offer more visual impact per dollar.
All Diamond Jewelry: Round Still Rules
When it comes to all diamond jewelry (earrings, pendants, bracelets, etc.), the round brilliant remains king, accounting for over 55% of all diamond pieces sold. This is due to its optimal light performance and versatility across different types of jewelry.
Summary: Know What You’re Buying
Whether you're shopping in Canada or the United States, for engagement rings or other diamond jewelry, round and oval shapes dominate. However, more buyers are embracing unique shapes like emerald and pear, especially in the lab-grown category. If you're looking for the best lab grown diamonds or want to compare lab grown diamond costs, shape should be one of your first considerations.