Diamond Shape & Price
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, each with its own unique characteristics and price range. The most popular diamond shape is the round brilliant, known for its exceptional sparkle and versatility. Other popular shapes include princess, cushion, and emerald, each offering a distinct look and appeal. When it comes to price, round diamonds tend to be more expensive due to their high demand and superior cut quality. However, there are beautiful diamonds available in every shape and price range, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
While round diamonds may be pricier, they are also considered a safe investment due to their timeless appeal and ability to hold their value over time. Princess cut diamonds, on the other hand, offer a modern and edgy look at a more affordable price point. Cushion cut diamonds are known for their vintage charm and romantic feel, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. Emerald cut diamonds, with their elegant step-cut facets, exude sophistication and are often favored by those seeking a unique and distinctive diamond.
When shopping for a diamond, it’s important to consider not only the shape but also the other factors that contribute to its price, such as carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. These factors can greatly impact the overall appearance and value of the diamond. It’s also worth noting that there are various diamond grading systems in place, such as the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity, and cut), which can help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re getting the best diamond for your budget.
The Different Diamond Shapes
Round
Round brilliant cut diamonds are the epitome of sparkle and brilliance. With their perfectly symmetrical shape and precise faceting, these diamonds are designed to maximize their light performance and create a dazzling display of fire and brilliance. The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, and for good reason. Its timeless appeal and ability to showcase the diamond’s natural beauty make it a favorite choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Oval
Oval cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. With their elongated shape and brilliant sparkle, they offer a unique and elegant look. The oval cut is a modified brilliant cut, which means it has similar facets and light reflection as a round cut diamond. This results in exceptional brilliance and fire. Additionally, the elongated shape of oval cut diamonds can create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers when worn as a ring. Overall, oval cut diamonds are a versatile and stunning option for those looking for a timeless and sophisticated piece of jewelry.
Princess
Princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings. With their square shape and brilliant sparkle, they offer a modern and elegant look. The princess cut is known for its versatility, as it can be set in a variety of styles, from solitaire to halo settings. Whether you prefer a classic or contemporary design, a princess cut diamond is sure to make a statement.
Cushion
Cushion cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings. With their rounded corners and large facets, they offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern sparkle. The cushion cut is known for its ability to showcase a diamond’s brilliance and fire, making it a stunning choice for those who want a ring that truly stands out. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire setting or a more intricate design, a cushion cut diamond is sure to make a statement.
Pear
Pear cut diamonds are a stunning choice for those looking for a unique and elegant engagement ring. With their distinctive teardrop shape, pear cut diamonds offer a touch of sophistication and glamour. The elongated shape of the diamond creates the illusion of longer, more slender fingers, making it a flattering choice for any hand. Whether set in a classic solitaire or surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, pear cut diamonds are sure to make a statement.
Emerald
When it comes to diamonds, the emerald cut is a true standout. With its rectangular shape and step-cut facets, this cut exudes elegance and sophistication. Not only does it showcase the diamond’s clarity, but it also creates a unique optical effect known as the hall of mirrors. In my opinion, emerald cut diamonds are a perfect choice for those who appreciate a classic yet modern look.
Radiant
Radiant cut diamonds are a popular choice for those seeking a brilliant and eye-catching gemstone. With their unique faceting pattern, these diamonds are known for their exceptional sparkle and fire. The radiant cut combines the elegance of a traditional emerald cut with the brilliance of a round brilliant cut, resulting in a stunning and versatile diamond shape.
Asscher
Asscher cut diamonds are a timeless choice for those seeking a unique and elegant engagement ring. With their distinctive square shape and cropped corners, these diamonds exude a vintage charm that is hard to resist. The step-cut facets of an Asscher cut diamond create a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, giving it a captivating sparkle. Whether set in a solitaire or surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, an Asscher cut diamond is sure to make a statement on any finger.
Marquise
When it comes to diamond cuts, the marquise cut is a true standout. Its elongated shape and pointed ends create a unique and eye-catching look. This cut is perfect for those who want a diamond that stands out from the crowd. The marquise cut also has the added benefit of making the wearer’s finger appear longer and more slender.
Diamond Shape & Price
Beneath is a chart showing the most recent prices for a 1 carat stone with VS1 clarity and G color. Other characteristics such as polish, symmetry, and fluorescence are all equal as well.
Diamond Shape & Price – Why Do Some Diamond Shapes Cost More Than Others?
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, and it may surprise you to learn that some shapes actually cost more than others. Diamond Shape & Price. So, why is that the case? Well, it all comes down to supply and demand. Certain diamond shapes, like the round brilliant cut, are more popular and therefore in higher demand. This increased demand drives up the price. On the other hand, less common shapes, such as the marquise or pear cut, may be more affordable due to lower demand. It’s all about finding the right balance between your personal preference and your budget.
Another factor that affects the price of diamond shapes is the amount of rough diamond that is lost during the cutting and shaping process. Some shapes, like the emerald cut, require more rough diamond to be removed in order to achieve the desired shape. This means that more of the precious stone is wasted, resulting in a higher cost per carat. So, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, you might want to consider a shape that requires less cutting and shaping.
Lastly, the complexity of the cutting process can also impact Diamond Shape & Price. Shapes with more facets, like the princess cut, require more time and skill to cut and shape properly. This additional labor and expertise can drive up the price. On the other hand, simpler shapes, like the cushion cut, may be more affordable due to a less intricate cutting process.
Diamond Shape & Price – Why The Round Brilliant Cut Is The Most Sought After Diamond Shape
The round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond shape due to its exceptional brilliance and popularity. Its precise proportions and 58 facets maximize the diamond’s ability to reflect light, creating a stunning sparkle that is highly sought after. Additionally, the round shape is timeless and versatile, making it a classic choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. While personal preference plays a role in diamond shape selection, the round brilliant cut’s enduring beauty and unmatched brilliance contribute to its higher price tag. Here are the other reasons going into the round cut being the most sought after:
Diamond Shape & Price – Fire
The round brilliant cut is renowned for its exceptional fire. Its unique design and precise proportions maximize the reflection and refraction of light, resulting in a dazzling display of brilliance. The round shape allows for optimal light performance, as it evenly distributes light throughout the stone. This cut also features 58 facets, each strategically placed to enhance the stone’s sparkle. In my opinion, the round brilliant cut is the ultimate choice for those seeking a diamond with unmatched fire and brilliance.
Furthermore, the round brilliant cut is highly versatile and complements a wide range of jewelry styles. Whether set in a classic solitaire ring or a more intricate halo design, the round cut diamond never fails to captivate. Its timeless appeal and ability to showcase the stone’s fire from every angle make it a popular choice among diamond enthusiasts.
In addition to its visual appeal, the round brilliant cut also offers practical advantages. Its symmetrical shape minimizes the risk of chipping or breaking, making it a durable option for everyday wear. The round cut’s popularity also means that it is readily available in a variety of sizes and qualities, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Diamond Shape & Price – Brilliance
The round brilliant cut is renowned for its exceptional brilliance. Its symmetrical shape and precise faceting maximize the reflection and refraction of light, resulting in a dazzling display of sparkle. The 58 facets of the round brilliant cut are strategically positioned to optimize light performance. This allows for maximum brightness, fire, and scintillation. This cut’s popularity is well-deserved, as it consistently outshines other diamond cuts in terms of brilliance and overall beauty. In our opinion, if you’re looking for a diamond that truly shines and captures attention. The round brilliant cut is the way to go.
Diamond Shape & Price – Style
The round brilliant cut is undeniably the most versatile diamond shape. Its timeless appeal and exceptional brilliance make it a top choice for jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. With its symmetrical design and precise faceting, the round brilliant cut works well with almost any type of setting. Shapes such as the marquise, pear, or emerald cut can be limited to certain styles of settings.
Diamond Shape & Price – Cut
The round brilliant cut is widely regarded as having the best cut quality. Diamond cutters spent hundreds of years perfecting the round brilliant cut for maximum sparkle. Its symmetrical shape and precise faceting also maximize the stone’s brilliance and fire. The facets of the round brilliant are strategically placed to reflect light back to the viewer, creating a dazzling display. This cut also offers excellent versatility, as it can be used for a wide range of gemstones. Additionally, there is a grading system for round brilliants. There are certain angles and percentage ranges for the pavilion, table, girdle, etc of a round cut that have been universally deemed as superior. This does not exist for any other diamond shape. In our opinion, the round brilliant cut is the ultimate choice for those seeking a stunning and timeless diamond.
Diamond Shape & Price – Clarity
The round brilliant cut is renowned for its exceptional clarity. Unlike other diamond shapes, it has the ability to minimize the visibility of inclusions. This is due to its unique faceting pattern, which maximizes the amount of light that enters and reflects within the diamond. As a result, any inclusions that may be present are effectively camouflaged, allowing the diamond to appear virtually flawless to the naked eye.
One of the key factors that contributes to the round brilliant cut’s superior clarity is its symmetrical shape. The round shape allows for a more uniform distribution of light. This helps to minimize the appearance of any imperfections within the diamond. Additionally, the round brilliant cut has a larger number of facets compared to other diamond shapes. This serves to further enhances its ability to hide inclusions. These numerous facets work together to create a dazzling display of brilliance, diverting attention away from any potential flaws.
Diamond Shape & Price – The Least Expensive Diamond Shapes
Pears and marquise cuts are the cheapest diamond shapes because they are less popular and have lower demand. Their unique shapes may not appeal to everyone, resulting in a smaller market. Additionally, the cutting process for these shapes often results in more diamond wastage, increasing the cost of production. While they may not be as popular as round or princess cuts. Pears and marquise cuts can still be stunning and offer a unique look for those seeking a more affordable option. So, if you’re looking for a diamond shape that stands out and fits your budget, pears and marquise cuts are worth considering.
For someone who loves these shapes, this is good! On top of getting a better price per carat, buyers of these shapes have more unique rings!
The Bottom Line
When it comes to diamond shape and price, the bottom line is this: it’s all about personal preference and budget. There are various diamond shapes to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. From the classic round brilliant to the elegant princess cut, there’s something for everyone. As for price, it’s important to understand that factors like carat weight, cut quality, color, and clarity all play a role in determining the cost of a diamond. So, our advice is to do your research, consider what shape speaks to you, and find a diamond that fits both your style and wallet.
We create custom jewelry to order. That is basically all we do too. That means that every stone we put in a custom jewelry creation was specifically picked for that piece. It also means that when you have something made, you have access to every stone for sale at that moment. That is unlike the chain jewelry stores. There, you only have access to what they have on hand. We can also have diamond rough cut into a custom shape, which most jewelers do not offer.
You can view our portfolio of custom engagement rings or custom pendants to look for ideas. Or you can contact us with your own idea.
