Today we’re looking at the best-selling diamond and gemstone shapes and cuts that are trending, plus the celebrities who are wearing them. The big story for summer 2022? Customers are opting for big stones — the more bling, the better! No matter the shape or the cut, bigger diamonds and gemstones are taking over.
Shape vs. Cut
First, we’ll explain the difference between a gemstone’s shape versus its cut. Shape refers to the outline of a gemstone when it’s viewed face up. Round, pear, oval, and emerald are all gemstone shapes.
Secondly, the overall proportions of a gemstone plus the size and position of its facets, make up the cut. Step-cut, radiant-cut, rose-cut and cabochon-cut are all gemstone cuts.
What’s confusing to some is that each gemstone shape can be cut in several different ways. Different cuts can bring out different aspects of a gemstone whether that be color, sparkle, or even carat weight in diamonds.
Trend #1: Ovals
Oval has been a high-performing shape for the past two to three years, and today they are still a very popular shape — one that we can’t keep on the shelf for center stones. The elongated contour of an oval-shaped diamond or gemstone is known to make the wearer’s hand look slimmer. This shape has no sharp corners which helps to lessen the risk of chipping and it has 58 facets.
Simone Biles got engaged on Valentine’s Day to her boyfriend Jonathan Owens, who popped the question with a stunning 3-carat oval diamond engagement ring.
Kourtney Kardashian’s oval diamond engagement ring looks nearly identical to Hailey Bieber’s ring, who took strong inspiration from Blake Lively’s pink oval diamond, so even after a number of years this shape is still very popular.
Trend #2: Pears
A pear-shape is rounded on one end and tapered to a point on the other end, resembling a shiny teardrop. Pear-shaped gemstones are said to be symbolic of tears of joy or raindrops.
Megan Fox received a unique engagement ring in January from Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly. It has not one but two pear-shaped stones including a diamond and an emerald of equal size. The ring, a Toi et Moi style ring designed by her fiancé, is made of two interlocking magnetic bands, and when worn together, they form the shape of a heart.
Other celebs that have rocked the pear shape include Sophie Turner Jonas, Cardi B, Ariana Grande to Pete Davidson, Victoria Beckham (one of her 13 different engagement rings), and Margot Robbie. Available in both diamonds and gemstones, pear shapes can either be long and lean or short and chunky.
Trend #3: Emerald
A step-cut emerald shape features stepped facets that run along the length of the gem in parallel lines. The popular step-cut dates back to the 1500s and will show off a stone’s color and clarity with a subtle shine. It’s a clean, elegant look.
A radiant-cut emerald shape is a modern and more sparkly version of a step-cut emerald shape. Created in 1977, radiant-cut emerald shapes have smaller facets (70 total) that maximize a gemstone’s scintillation.
Paris Hilton’s latest engagement ring from her now-husband Carter Reum features a flawless 25-carat emerald-shaped diamond flanked by two trapezoid diamonds. Her previous engagement rings include another emerald shape and two pear shapes, so she’s actually been on trend since 2002. Other recent celebrity engagement rings featuring an emerald shape include Sofia Richie and Nicola Peltz Beckham.
Trend #4: Rounds with a Twist (Rose-cut)
The round shape is forever a favorite and remains the dominate shape that is always trending. What we’re seeing is this true classic shape paired with a twist — the rose-cut. Rose-cut stones are perfect for those looking for a unique cut with a low profile. Rose-cuts are available in diamonds and Moissanite and they have 24 triangular facets.
And with the reboot of “And Just Like That…”, the iconic five-carat black diamond ring Carrie Bradshaw received in the second SATC movie started circulating again, and black diamonds are trending for 2022. Make it extra special with a rose-cut black diamond.
Personalization and Customization
Non-traditional engagement rings are definitely making their rounds on Pinterest and Instagram. We’re seeing unique shapes hitting the market such as hexagon, kite, shield, cadillac side stones, to name a few.
Actress Joey King’s engagement ring has a non-traditional setting with a super-elongated oval diamond set East to West. This is a modern and distinctive way to create a unique and unusual ring that’s personalized and customized.
We offer tons of unique diamonds and gemstones, all ready for next-day delivery. Check out the unique cut tab in the diamond shopping experience to view our in-stock inventory of rose-cuts, single-cuts, and more. Visit Stuller.com/UniqueCutDiamonds.
Center your custom designs around our one-of-a-kind Notable Gems®, which are hand-selected and include beautiful makes, unique cuts, large sizes, and unusual stone types. Shop our newest assortment of Notable Gems here.
We make it easy to shop all of our gemstones by shape and by cut including calibrated cabochon, calibrated faceted, and Notable Gems. To find exactly what you need visit Stuller.com/ShopByShape.
Morgan Boudreaux
Project Specialist, Merchandising
Morgan holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana. Along with multiple certifications from AGS and GIA, her love and passion for all things sparkly give her the drive to help every customer find the perfect loose stone for every piece.