If you are anywhere between “this might be the year” and “I need to propose before someone asks why I haven’t yet”, you are not alone. Studies consistently show that December, January and February are peak proposal months, with Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day driving a clear seasonal spike. Love, it seems, prefers winter lighting.
But before you get to the knee-bending part, there is the ring. And that is where confusion usually begins.
Here is a clear, no-pressure guide to engagement ring shapes, matched with personal style, so you choose with confidence rather than desperation.
Round cut
Vibe: Classic, timeless
Best for: Elegant, minimalist, “this will never go out of style” personalities
How it got its name: Pure geometry
The round cut is the most dominant shape globally, accounting for around 75% of all diamonds sold. It is engineered to maximise brilliance and fire through perfect symmetry, which is why it reflects light better than any other cut.
It is the choice of people who value longevity over trends. Celebrities who have opted for round cuts include Miranda Kerr, whose 2.5-carat ring featured tapered baguettes, Emily Blunt, proposed to with a three-carat round diamond, and Mila Kunis, who paired a five-carat stone with famously low-key wedding bands.
If your partner prefers clean silhouettes, neutral colours and jewellery that will never feel dated, this is the safest choice.
Oval cut
How it got its name: Its elongated oval silhouette
Vibe: Modern-romantic
Best for: Fashion-aware, understated, quietly confident personalities
Introduced in the early 20th century, the oval cut was designed to offer the brilliance of a round diamond with a softer, more contemporary outline. It symbolises continuity and longevity and has the added benefit of making fingers appear longer and slimmer.
High-profile oval rings include Hailey Bieber’s six to ten-carat diamond, Blake Lively’s iconic 12-carat stone, and Simone Biles’s three-carat halo ring. Ariana Grande chose a more unconventional oval-and-pearl toi et moi design.
This is a strong option for someone stylish but not flashy.
Emerald cut
How it got its name: Originally developed for emerald gemstones
Vibe: Understated luxury
Best for: Sophisticated, confident, “less is more” personalities
Emerald cuts prioritise clarity and proportion over sparkle. Their long, clean lines create a hall-of-mirrors effect that feels elegant rather than showy.
This shape has been chosen by Amal Clooney, Beyonce, Serena Williams, and Grace Kelly. It signals confidence and taste without excess.
Emerald cuts prioritise clarity and proportion over sparkle. Their long, clean lines create a hall-of-mirrors effect that feels elegant rather than showy.
Pear cut
How it got its name: Its resemblance to a teardrop or pear
Vibe: Boho, expressive
Best for: Creative, individualistic personalities
First created in the 1400s, the pear cut combines the rounded softness of an oval with the drama of a pointed marquise. It is distinctive and flattering, but not conservative.
The shape has been worn by Sophie Turner, Victoria Beckham, Margot Robbie, and Zoe Saldana. It is also inseparable from Elizabeth Taylor, whose legendary 69-carat pear-shaped diamond was eventually turned into a necklace due to its weight.
Choose pear if your partner enjoys jewellery that feels personal and slightly unconventional.
Cushion cut
How it got its name: Its pillow-like shape
Vibe: Vintage-romantic
Best for: Nostalgic, detail-loving personalities
Dating back to the 1800s, the cushion cut was one of the earliest diamond shapes. Its rounded corners and soft edges give it an old-world charm while still offering strong sparkle.
Cushion cuts have been chosen by Sofia Vergara, Leighton Meester, Gabrielle Union, Chrissy Teigen, Priyanka Chopra, and Meghan Markle, whose ring included diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection.
This shape suits someone drawn to romance, heritage and timeless aesthetics.
Asscher cut
How it got its name: Named after the Asscher brothers
Vibe: Art Deco, architectural
Best for: Confident, design-focused personalities
Developed in 1902 by the Asscher family in Amsterdam, this cut became synonymous with early 20th-century glamour. Its stepped facets and high crown create dramatic depth rather than sparkle.
Seen on Pippa Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, and Nicky Hilton, the Asscher cut is ideal for someone who appreciates structure and confidence.
Radiant cut
How it got its name: Its intense radiance
Vibe: Modern sparkle
Best for: Glamorous, high-energy personalities
Introduced in 1977, the radiant cut combines the shape of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round diamond.
It has been worn by Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore, and suits someone who enjoys sparkle but wants a contemporary edge.
Baguette
How it got its name: From the French word for “stick”
Vibe: Minimalist, fashion-forward
Best for: Design lovers, rule-breakers
Long and narrow, baguette diamonds are usually accent stones but are increasingly chosen as centrepieces by couples rejecting tradition.
Marilyn Monroe famously skipped a conventional engagement ring altogether, opting instead for a baguette eternity band.
Marquise
How it got its name: Named for the Marquise de Pompadour
Vibe: Dramatic, unconventional
Best for: Bold, expressive personalities
Commissioned to resemble the smile of King Louis XV’s mistress, the marquise cut elongates the finger and commands attention.
It has been worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jackie Onassis, and Portia de Rossi.
How to secretly find the right ring size
This part matters more than people admit.
- Borrow a ring they already wear (ideally on the ring finger) and have it measured discreetly
- Trace the inside of a ring onto paper while they are asleep
- Ask a friend or sibling who might already know
- If in doubt, size up slightly. Rings can be resized more easily when they are larger than smaller