Beyond the Round Brilliant: Cuts to Explore for Your Engagement Ring in 2026

Round brilliant diamonds will always have their moment. They sparkle like a disco ball under studio lights and feel timeless for a reason. However, 2026 is shaping up to be the year couples look past tradition and start asking a better question: what cut actually feels like us? Engagement rings are getting more personal, more expressive, and honestly, more interesting. If you’re shopping for a ring and feeling a little “meh, I’ve seen that already” about round stones, you’re in the right place. Read on below for a list of cuts that are worth exploring for your engagement ring this year:

Why Non-Round Diamond Cuts Are Trending in 2026

There’s a quiet shift happening in engagement ring culture. Couples nowadays are chasing what’s meaningful to them instead of what’s most popular.

Non-round cuts feel intentional. They signal taste, confidence, and a willingness to step off the beaten path. Social media has played and continues to play a role, sure, but so has a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and individuality. When everything in life is customizable, your engagement ring should be, too.

Emerald Cut Engagement Rings: Understated Luxury With Serious Character

Emerald cut engagement rings highlight clarity over sparkle, making it perfect for someone who appreciates and embodies quiet confidence. Instead of an explosion of glitter, you get clean lines, mirror-like flashes, and a vibe that’s tres chic and editorial.

Emerald cut diamonds are gaining traction among couples who want their ring to feel grown-up and sophisticated. They’re especially stunning in yellow or champagne gold settings, which add warmth and depth without overpowering the stone.

Oval Cut Engagement Rings: Soft, Elegant, and Surprisingly Modern

It’s no surprise the oval cut remains a top trend; its popularity is well-earned. It delivers the same brilliance that people love about round diamonds, but stretches it into a more graceful silhouette. That elongated shape creates the illusion of longer fingers, which is a nice bonus, but the real appeal is balance.

Oval-shaped diamonds feel romantic without being old-fashioned and modern without being cold. In 2026, expect to see more ovals paired with minimalist bands and subtle hidden halos that let the shape do the talking.

Pear-Shaped Engagement Rings: Romantic With a Twist

Pear-shaped engagement rings sit right at the intersection of classic and unexpected. Part teardrop, part oval, they offer versatility that’s hard to match. You can wear them with the point facing upwards for a dramatic, elongating look, or point facing down for something softer and more whimsical.

In 2026, pear cuts are being embraced by people who love symbolism, as the shape is often associated with new beginnings and emotional connection. It’s romantic without being predictable, which is a sweet spot that many couples today are aiming for.

Asscher Cut Engagement Rings: Vintage Energy, Modern Appeal

The Asscher cut engagement ring is making a quiet comeback, and for good reason. With its deep step cuts and square shape, it feels architectural and bold. This cut originated in the early 20th century, but make no mistake: it looks incredibly fresh when paired with modern settings.

Couples can pair their Asscher cut diamond with a sleek band, east-west orientation, or bezel settings that frame the stone like a piece of art. If you’re a fan of vintage aesthetics but don’t want your ring to feel like a costume piece, Asscher might just be the cut you’re looking for.

Marquise Cut Engagement Rings: Bold, Elongated, and Confident

If you and your partner are people who decidedly don’t want to blend in, then a marquise cut engagement ring might be for you. Its long, pointed shape maximizes carat appearance, making the stone look larger than it actually is.

That dramatic silhouette has been reimagined in 2026 with cleaner settings and thoughtful proportions. Gone are the overly ornate designs of the past; what’s in now is balance, symmetry, and a focus on letting the shape shine. The marquise cut is ideal for someone who wants something eye-catching but still oozes refinement.

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: Cozy Sparkle with Personality

Cushion cut engagement rings bring softness to the table. With their rounded corners and pillow-like shape, they feel warm and inviting. It’s a cut that blends old-world charm with modern brilliance, especially when cut with extra facets for added sparkle.

In 2026, cushion cuts are being paired with textured bands and mixed metals, creating rings that feel handcrafted and deeply personal. They’re a great choice if you want sparkle without sharp edges, both literally and stylistically.

Freedom is the name of the game in engagement rings in 2026. You’re not limited by tradition or trends unless you want to be. You can explore cuts beyond the round brilliant and open the door to creativity, story-telling, and genuine self-expression. View our assortment of finely crafted diamond engagement rings, or contact us at (402) 650-2323 if you have any questions!