Why Heart-Cut Engagement Rings Are The Sweetest Style

In the world of engagement bling, there are so many amazing trends happening now, all of which speak to the desire for uniqueness when it comes to this most precious piece.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a global authority in the world of gemstones (they created the iconic 4Cs of Diamond Quality grading system), and they have just released their 2026 engagement jewelry hot list. According to Rebecca Boyajian-Pecnik, the GIA’s director of market development, this past year saw couples wanting engagement rings focused on individuality, a nostalgia for antique cuts, and the return of bold gold settings.

“As we head into the year ahead, there will be a continuation of these trends as brides—and grooms—place further importance on character, warmth, craftsmanship and storytelling associated with their gems and rings,” Boyajian-Pecnik says.

Other things Boyajian-Pecnik shares will be big in engagement jewellery include a continued love of vintage design and stone cuts like Taylor Swift’s old mine diamond. Quiet individuality and hidden details like secret halos and intricate filigree work. Warm-toned natural diamonds paired with warm metals like yellow and rose gold. There will also be a marked return to choosing natural diamonds over lab grown stones.

“Budget permitting, natural diamonds are a preferred choice because they are seen as a lasting asset and something to be treasured and passed down,” Boyajian-Pecnik reports. “Recycled or vintage diamonds are surging in popularity because they are valued not only for their authenticity and sustainability, but also as a way for consumers to own a natural diamond at a more affordable price.”

Fluid forms are another key trend which encompasses both setting and stones. One thing we’re very into is a continuing love for fancy stone shapes which can volumes about your personal style. We’ve seen the rise of elongated stones like marquise, pear and kite-shape, but there’s one very specific fancy stone cut that remains the most charming of all: the heart shape.

This is the perfect choice for your engagement ring if you love a bit of whimsy in your personal styling. A heart cut stone is specific shape that looks amazing on the hand and has dazzling shine—heart shape diamonds are cut for maximum brilliance much like a round cut brilliant diamond. Historically, these diamonds are thought to date back to the mid-1400s and were particularly beloved by royals. Mary, Queen of Scots gifted a heart-shaped diamond to Queen Elizabeth I and this token of affection is one of the earliest known records of the diamond shape being associated with love.

A heart shape engagement ring is an ultra-romantic choice, but also one that’s still not as common making it the perfect choice if you want something rare and totally bespoke. There are a few things to consider if you are thinking of one.

Shop for a high-quality cut to ensure not just brilliance but symmetry which is key with this shape. The length-to-width ration is also important when it comes to heart cut diamonds because you want the shape of the stone to appear balanced—not too wide and not too thin. Carat weight is another thing that comes into play with a heart cut stone. If the diamond errs on the smaller side, the shape will be hard to recognize. A juicy two-carat weight (or higher) heart cut stone will shine the brightest and is guaranteed to be the star attraction of a most incredible engagement ring. —Alison McGill

8 Heart Cut Engagement Rings We Love

• Heart-shaped diamond button back ring, Jessica McCormack, jessicamccormack.com
• Marrow X Sammi Sempre diamond ring by Marrow Fine Jewelry, marrowfine.com
• Heart shape engagement ring and pave band, Stephanie Gottlieb, stephaniegottlieb.com
• Myra heart engagement ring, Grown Brilliance, grownbrilliance.com
• Love-Knot diamond halo engagement ring, Ecksand, ecksand.com
• One-of-a-kind heart shape diamond engagement ring, Brilliant Earth, brilliantearth.com
• Soleste heart-shaped halo engagement ring, Tiffany & Co, tiffany.ca
• Signature heart engagement ring, VRAI, vrai.com