In this blog, we’ll teach you how to choose the best diamond shape for your hand size. We’ll help you figure out what shape works in harmony with your hand and finger proportions to emphasize your favorite features.
How Does Diamond Shape Impact Appearance?
Before we talk about diamond shape, it’s important to define our terms. Many diamond buyers mix up the terms diamond shape and diamond cut, though they’re technically two completely different things.Diamond shape refers to the shape of the diamond when looking down at it. If you see a circle, for instance, it’s a round diamond; if you see a pear shape, it’s a pear diamond, and so on.
Diamond cut refers to the proportions and facets of the diamond. The proportions include the depth and width of the diamond, among other important measurements. The facets are the tiny planes cut into the surface of the diamond, off of which light bounces to cast sparkle.
Different shapes can elongate, widen, or balance the appearance of your hand. That might sound strange, but it all seems less crazy when you consider the impact that clothing cuts can have on the body. High waisted pants can make us look taller, bell sleeves can make arms look slimmer, and so on. It’s all about creating visuals that accentuate, de-emphasize, or balance out our proportions to flatter us.
Of course, personal preference also has a huge role to play in choosing your diamond shape. You don’t have to choose a diamond based on your hand shape–you can pick whatever diamond you’re most drawn to! But if you’d like to flatter your natural proportions as much as possible, here’s how to do it.
Diamond Shape Recommendations by Finger and Hand Type
- Long Fingers
Best shapes: Round, Princess, Cushion
Many people with long fingers don’t mind them and aren’t too concerned about changing their look. But if you want to balance your proportions a bit, opt for a less elongated shape, such as a round, princess, or cushion diamond. These shapes will add some width, de-emphasizing the length of your fingers. If you want a little extra help, a wider ring band can also balance out a long finger. - Short Fingers
Best Shapes: Oval, Pear, Emerald, Marquise
These elongated shapes create the illusion of length, visually stretching a short finger. You can alter the proportions of an elongated diamond shape even further. Each of these shapes has its own length-to-width ratio, with certain ratios considered “ideal.” As an example, the “ideal” ratio for oval diamonds is around 1.50. But you can always opt for a slightly different ratio if you want a thinner shape, which may have an even more dramatic lengthening effect on your finger. Just be sure you don’t go too far in either direction. A diamond that’s too slender can get lost against the backdrop of your fingers, while a diamond that’s too wide will make them appear shorter.
- Slender Fingers
Best Shapes: Round, Princess, Oval
Delicate fingers pair perfectly with daintier shapes like round, princess, and oval diamonds. Slender fingers also make it easier for smaller carat sizes to stand out, so there’s no need to overdo it! We also recommend a thinner band to avoid overwhelming the finger. - Wide Fingers
Best Shapes: Oval, Marquise, Emerald, Cushion
Elongated and/or rectangular cuts help to balance out the width of a thicker finger by drawing the eye upward. To further enhance those flattering proportions, consider adding side stones to increase the amount of space that the diamonds occupy on your finger. - Small Hands
Best Shapes: Round, Princess, Cushion, Oval
To match the scale of smaller hands, opt for classic shapes like the round, princess, emerald, or cushion shaped diamond. Larger shapes like emerald or marquise may appear too dramatic and overpower the natural look of a smaller hand. - Large Hands
Best Shapes: Emerald, Cushion, Oval
Bigger diamond shapes suit the scale of a larger hand, still managing to stand out and sparkle brilliantly. Pack some more punch by placing that center stone in a bold setting such as a three-stone, cluster, or halo setting.
How These Popular Diamond Shapes Will Look On Your Hand
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It’s not just about aesthetics, though. Your diamond shape should speak to your unique personality. Each popular diamond shape offers a different vibe:
- Oval: Elegant and trendy, the oval diamond has all the sparkle of a classic round diamond, but with a bit of a modern twist that sets it apart. This shape is perfect for the sophisticated bride-to-be–the woman who knows what she wants in life and won’t shy away from working hard to get it.
- Round: The most popular and traditional diamond shape on the market, round diamonds tend to attract the romantics. While these brides-to-be are typically very practical, they’re idealists when it comes to their relationships. They want a truly devoted love from their partners, and they’ll give the same return.
- Emerald: Effortlessly elegant, the emerald shape attracts future brides who are self-assured and cosmopolitan. They don’t follow trends–they set them. This chic diamond shape
- Cushion: With its soft glow and rounded edges, the cushion gives off a warm vibe that speaks to the compassionate and welcoming among us–the kind of genuine, easygoing women that everyone loves to be around.
- Pear: Those who have a flair for the dramatic and the creative will fall in love with pear cut diamonds. Fun and unique yet undeniably stylish, pear diamonds are as likable as the brides who choose them.
- Princess: Bold princess diamonds meet their match in social butterflies. Fun, fearless brides are perfectly suited to these gorgeous and eye-catching diamonds.
How to Buy the Right Ring for Her Hand Type
If you’re shopping for a ring for your future bride, this may feel like information overload. After all, you already have enough to consider–ring budget, ring size, and plenty more! But finding a flattering diamond shape is simpler than you might think. Here are our tips for how to buy the right diamond for her hand shape:- Shop Together: Yes, it may spoil the surprise, but many couples find that ring shopping together is a fun, romantic adventure. Your future bride will be honored that you’re taking her tastes into such serious consideration, and you’ll get to see which rings make her eyes light up. Trying before you buy is a great idea, especially when it comes to finding a flattering ring. Diamonds often look very different in the case versus on her finger, so we recommend testing out a few favorites before making a decision.
- Bring a Photo: If you can’t (or don’t want to) bring your partner along, come prepared with a photo of her. Choose something that shows her hands, but not so close-up that they lose a sense of scale. That way, your jeweler can get a better idea of her hand shape before determining which rings will suit her best.
- Do Your Research: Exploring Pinterest, engagement ring designer catalogs, and jewelry stores can give you plenty of inspiration. Encourage your partner to do the same so that you both have an idea of what she loves.
FAQ
Are oval diamonds or round diamonds better for smaller hands?
Oval diamonds are better if you would like to elongate shorter fingers, but round diamonds are better if you want a ring that won’t overwhelm a small hand.What diamond shapes make fingers look longer?
Elongated diamond shapes like oval, emerald, marquise, and pear diamonds make fingers look longer by balancing out the wearer’s natural proportions.
What diamond shapes make fingers look slimmer?
Elongated diamond shapes like oval, emerald, marquise, and pear diamonds make fingers look slimmer by drawing the onlooker’s eye upward along the finger rather than sideways across the finger.Are oval diamonds more expensive than round diamonds?
Oval diamonds are usually less expensive than round diamonds. Round diamonds are the most popular shape on the market. They also require extensive cutting, shaping, and faceting to achieve their brilliant sparkle. Because of high demand and higher labor costs, round diamonds are typically the most expensive diamond shape.The Perfect Diamond for Your Hand is at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, Georgia!
When you’re ready to start trying on rings, come visit us at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, GA for an engagement ring consultation. This is your chance to get some one-on-one advice from an expert, and to ask any further questions you may have. Consultations are free, with no pressure and absolutely no obligation to make a purchase. It’s a dedicated time to explore the store, try on rings, narrow down what your partner likes, and voice any concerns you may have about buying a ring.Ready to get started? First, we recommend checking out our engagement ring buying guide for Savannah brides. Then, you can visit the store for an in-depth engagement ring consultation with us. Or, start by exploring our catalog of engagement rings online!