Hey there, bespoke ring enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the dazzling world of sparkling shapes? As you embark on your journey to design your very own custom ring, it's essential to get acquainted with the myriad of shapes that await you. Fear not, for we've got your back! In this post, we'll walk you through 12 mesmerizing shapes, starting with the most popular and ending with some hidden gems (pun intended). Get ready to be amazed and inspired, and maybe even chuckle a bit. Let's get started!
Round
Ah, the classic! Round shapes are the epitome of timeless elegance. Boasting incredible brilliance and scintillation, these sparkling circles are a true crowd-pleaser. Thanks to their versatile nature, they can be set in almost any style. Solitaires, halos, or side stones? The choice is yours! Just remember: the key to a perfect round shape is symmetry.
Princess
A close contender in the popularity race, the princess shape is a square with pointed corners and exquisite sparkle. Perfect for modern, minimalist designs or vintage settings, this shape is a true royal gem. To maximize its brilliance, make sure to consider the depth and table size. And don't forget to protect those precious corners with a supportive setting like a prong or bezel!
Cushion
Picture a fluffy pillow, but with a thousand times more sparkle. That's the cushion shape! With its rounded corners and soft, squarish form, it's a true marriage between the round and princess shapes. Ideal for vintage and romantic settings, this shape is best set with a halo or surrounded by side stones. Just beware: a cushion can sometimes be a bit shy when it comes to sparkle, so pay close attention to the cut quality.
Oval
Oval shapes are like round shapes that went on a stretching adventure! These elongated beauties can create the illusion of a larger gem while also slimming the finger (hello, optical illusions!). They look great in solitaires, halos, or with side stones, and are a perfect choice for anyone seeking something both classic and unique. Pro tip: watch out for the dreaded "bow-tie" effect, and choose a well-cut oval to avoid it.
Pear
Part oval, part marquise, and a dash of teardrop - voilà, you've got yourself a pear shape! This teardrop-shaped sparkler is a fantastic choice for those who like to stand out from the crowd. Set it with a simple solitaire, or add a halo for extra pizzazz. Just make sure to get a well-proportioned pear, and protect the delicate tip with a V-shaped prong.
Emerald
Step aside, rectangles, for the emerald shape is here to steal the spotlight! This stunning shape features a rectangular form with cut corners and step-like facets. A touch of vintage, a hint of sophistication, and a whole lot of elegance - that's what emerald shapes are all about. They look fantastic in solitaires or with side stones, but be warned: inclusions and color can be more visible in this shape, so choose wisely!
Marquise
If you're looking for a shape that screams "unique," look no further than the marquise. With its pointed ends and elongated, boat-like form, this gem is anything but ordinary. It can create the illusion of a larger stone, and when set with a simple solitaire or side stones, it can truly shine. Just like with the pear shape, make sure to protect those delicate tips with V-shaped prongs, and choose a well-proportioned marquise to maximize its beauty.
Radiant
Are you a fan of the emerald shape but crave more sparkle? Then the radiant is the gem for you! Combining the rectangular form of an emerald with the brilliant facets of a round or princess shape, this stunner is perfect for those seeking a dazzling, modern look. Set it in a solitaire, halo, or with side stones, but remember: a well-cut radiant is key to maximizing its brilliance.
Asscher
Meet the emerald shape's sophisticated cousin - the Asscher! With its distinctive square form, cut corners, and mesmerizing step-like facets, the Asscher shape exudes vintage charm and elegance. It's ideal for those who appreciate Art Deco designs and looks fantastic in solitaire or halo settings. Just like the emerald shape, pay close attention to color and clarity, as inclusions can be more noticeable.
Heart
Nothing says "I love you" quite like a heart-shaped gem! This sentimental choice is perfect for those who wear their hearts on their sleeves (or fingers). To bring out the best in this unique shape, consider a simple solitaire setting or a delicate halo. Make sure to choose a well-proportioned heart with even lobes and a sharp cleft for the perfect romantic statement.
Trilliant
Are you ready for a shape that's truly out of this world? The trilliant, also known as the trillion or trillian, is a triangular gem with a mesmerizing sparkle. This shape is a fantastic option for those who want something eye-catching and avant-garde. It's often used as a side stone, but don't be afraid to let it take center stage as the main attraction! Just be sure to protect those pointed corners with a secure setting.
Baguette
Last but not least, we have the baguette shape. No, we're not talking about the delicious French bread! This elongated, rectangular gem is often used as a side stone or accent, adding a touch of understated elegance to any ring design. While it might not be the star of the show, the baguette shape still deserves some attention, so be sure to choose a high-quality stone with minimal inclusions.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour through the magical world of sparkling shapes. From classic and timeless to unique and daring, there's a shape out there for every bespoke ring enthusiast. So go forth, armed with your newfound knowledge, and create the ring of your dreams. Happy designing!
