In your search for the perfect diamond ring, shape is a great starting point. Why? Because most women have some preference about the shape of the diamond they want in their engagement ring. The shape of the diamond is the very first thing people notice when looking at diamonds. There are several diamond shapes, each with their own unique characteristics.

Round: The round diamond is far and away the most popular choice for engagement rings. Diamond cutters have been cutting to the specific proportioning of a round diamond for nearly 100 years. And for good reason: the round shape maximizes a diamonds natural brilliance and fire. For our premiere round diamond choose Jensen Jeweler's exclusive Athenian Diamond.

Princess: The princess diamond is a square shape that is second in popularity only to the round. It features a exquisite brilliance and a very. The princess diamond looks outstanding in a solitaire or complemented by other diamonds in one of our Love Story engagement ring masterpieces.

Marquise: The marquise diamonds unique double-pointed shape displays beautiful fire. Additionally, when compared to other shapes, a marquise of the same carat weight will appear larger. The shape of the marquise diamond tends to make elongate the finger and make it appear more slender.

Emerald: The emerald shape gets its name because gem cutters would frequently cut emeralds to this shape. The corners were trimmed due to emeralds brittle nature. This rectangular-shaped diamond displays its clarity more than its brilliance.

Asscher: The asscher cut is nearly identical to the emerald except for the square shape.

Oval: The oval is similar in faceting and brilliance to the round diamond, but with an elongated shape.

Pear: Pear is a truly unique brilliant cut diamond. The pear's single point gives it a beautiful teardrop appearance.

Heart: Combining the time honored symbolism of a diamond with the classic heart shape and you have a brilliant symbol of love that is unmistakable.

This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 points. So a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carat. Carat weight is the easiest of the 4Cs to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their other characteristics. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a fine quality diamond is a little extra weight she’d be pleased to put on.

The best color for a diamond is no color. A totally colorless diamond best allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color. Yes, there are very rare pink, blue and green diamonds. These are known as fancies.

Many people confuse cut with shape. A diamond’s cut is what gives it its fire and sparkle. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more sparkle and scintillation.

Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. Most jewelers have a rating system that will help you understand the clarity of your stone.