How Diamond Shapes Affect The Price?
Have you ever thought about how the shape of a diamond affects the price? And what makes the price of diamonds different? This is because of the cut of a diamond, which means the way it is shaped. Diamonds can differ in price by more than 30% depending on their cut.
Maybe you’ve heard that fancy cuts are less expensive than round ones. But why are they less expensive than round brilliant cuts? Princess-cut diamonds, for example, usually use about 80% of their rough weight, so only about 20% of the stone is lost during cutting. Contrary to this, a round diamond uses only about 40% of the original stone, so about 60% of the rough diamond is lost and cannot be used for other diamonds. That’s why they are more expensive.
We’ve explained this in more detail below, along with some additional information on the most expensive and least expensive diamond shapes.
How do Diamond Shapes Affect The Price Value?
Even more than a carat’s weight, diamond color, or clarity, G color shape plays the most significant role in determining the stone’s value. The diamond shape does not only affects the appearance but also affects the price value of a diamond. You can check our Diamond size and pricing page for details.
Rough Diamond Yield and Cutting Waste
The process of transforming a rough diamond into a polished gem is intricate and can result in significant loss of material. During the cutting process, anywhere from 20% to 60% of the rough diamond can be discarded, depending on the final specific shape. For instance, round brilliant diamonds typically yield only about 40% of the original rough stone, leading to higher prices per carat. In contrast, shapes like the princess cut utilize about 80% of the rough diamond, making them more economical alternatives. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for buyers, as the shape not only impacts the diamond’s price but also how much of the original rough stone is preserved during cutting.
Diamond Shapes’ Popularity in the Market
The popularity of a certain shape determines its demand and thus its price and value. For example, the round cut is very popular in the market. In addition, this shape is often preferred by brides who want an engagement ring with a high level of sparkle. So, they have more value in the market as compared with other fancy shapes.
Differences Between Diamond Shape And Diamond Cut
A diamond cut and diamond shape both play a key role in determining the value of a diamond, but there are differences between them. A cut describes the fire and brilliance of a diamond, while a shape describes the shape in which a diamond is cut.
| Diamond Aspect | Shape | Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Defines | Outline | Sparkle & light performance |
| Examples | Round, Pear, Marquise | Excellent Cut, Poor Cut |
| Role in Value | High (visual appeal & popularity) | Critical (brilliance & price) |
Diamond Shape
Any customer who decides to buy a diamond will first consider the diamond’s carat, shape, and weight. This is the most significant element when purchasing any jewelry, and the diamond’s shape is the most important element when purchasing an engagement ring.
The round diamond shape is one of the most popular shapes in the world, but the princess and oval diamond shapes are the most popular choices of customers for engagement rings, especially when considering options that include free prong services.
Diamond Cut
The cut is how a diamond’s facets are proportioned and polished to maximize light reflection. This surface gives the diamond a good quality of beauty, brilliance, and demand in the market. In a diamond cut, there is symmetry, proportion, and polish; these three determinations give an excellent cut diamond great enough. The diamond cut is recognized for how good it is and how brilliant it is by only a professional gem person. A good and accurate cut in a diamond reflects the white light and makes it sparkle.
There is a stark and obvious difference between Diamond Shape and Diamond Cut. Diamond Shape refers to a diamond’s appearance and outline, while Diamond Cut refers to the light performance of a diamond according to its facets.
Importance Of A Diamond’s Cut
The most important factor affecting the value of a diamond is its cut. It is the cut that determines if a diamond will look good when worn as an engagement ring. If the cut is poor, then the diamond may appear dull and lose its sparkle. A diamond cut, along with diamond clarity, determines how well the diamond will sparkle and how much brilliance it has.
The cut is determined by the proportions between the crown (the top part), pavilion (the bottom part), and girdle (the side).
Source: GIA
Understanding The Diamond’s Shapes
Different shapes of diamonds carry distinct characteristics that can influence their market value significantly. For instance, the round brilliant cut is often regarded as the most popular due to its incredible sparkle and versatility in settings like engagement rings. Conversely, different diamond shapes, such as the emerald cut or cushion cut, may offer a different appeal, often seen as a reflection of personal style. Understanding these nuances can help buyers make informed decisions while also aligning their preferences with their budget.
Which Diamond Shape Is Popular?
In diamond shapes, there are various types of shapes, but the most popular one is the round diamond shape. Other shapes are also have good in demand and are popular.
Round Brilliant Diamonds
Round Brilliant Diamonds are the most common diamond shape found in the market. It is one of the most popular shapes, and it gives a good sparkle and light to any jewelry. More raw materials and time are needed to polish and finish round brilliant diamonds than other shapes. That’s why they are the most expensive cut as compared with others. Round-shaped diamonds have 58 facets, reflecting light from every angle to create a sparkling effect.
They are beautiful and elegant and can be used in all kinds of jewelry designs and giving a great shine and sparkle. They are an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Round diamonds are very popular in the market because of their beauty, elegance, and popularity.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion-cut diamonds are shaped like a square with rounded corners. The name is derived from the pillows. Their softness makes them suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. They can also be used in rings or pendants because of their unique shapes.
Generally, they are 10-20% less expensive than a round brilliant cut. If you want to make a statement with your diamond, cushion-cut diamonds are perfect for an engagement ring.
Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval-cut diamonds are shaped like an egg. Oval-cut diamonds are more affordable than round-cut diamonds because they require fewer facets to achieve the same level of brilliance. Oval-cut diamonds also make for great East-West pairings. The best part is that they are 10-30% cheaper than rounds, with an 8% larger face-up area!
They are simple yet elegant. They are perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. They are also ideal for making a statement on your finger.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess-cut diamonds are a combination of cushion and radiant-shaped diamonds with a sharp corner. They have more brilliance and sparkle than any other shape available in the market, so they are the most popular diamond shape for rings. They are gorgeous and perfect for accentuating any piece of jewelry design.
They have 70 facets that can make them sparkle. They are well known for their brilliant flashes of light and great sparkle, and are 15-20% less expensive as compared with round-cut diamonds.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Emerald-cut diamonds are shaped like rectangles. They have step facets on one side. The step facets make them appear to be slimmer and cleaner, thus making them a great choice for use in engagement rings or any other jewelry. They also come in a wide range of colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. Well, they are 20% less expensive than round-cut diamonds.
This makes them a classic and timeless choice. You can wear them on casual or formal occasions. They are also ideal if you want to add some color to your jewelry. Emerald-cut diamonds are great for wedding bands and earrings.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
Radiant cut diamonds are one of the most popular shapes in the market. The name is derived from the effect that these diamonds have on light. If you look at a radiant cut diamond from any direction, it will give off a bright glow. They are perfect for all types of jewelry designs because of their unique shape and beautiful appearance. Radiant cut diamonds will give off a nice sparkle and shine, which is why they are perfect for all types of jewelry designs.
They have 70 facets that can make them sparkle. They are well known for their brilliant flashes of light and great sparkle, and are 10-20% less expensive as compared with round-cut diamonds.
Pear Cut Diamonds
Pear-cut diamonds are shaped in a very unique way. You will see a single drop of water, and it looks like the shape of a pear with a pointed top. They have 57-58 facets, and they give off a very beautiful shine that is perfect for all types of jewelry designs.
The pear-shaped diamond is 10-20% cheaper than round-cut diamonds. They are gorgeous and perfect for accentuating any piece of jewelry design.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
The Asscher cut is named after Joseph Asscher, who was a famous jeweler during the 19th century. He invented this shape, which has step facets. This shape gives out a lot of sparkle and shine. It is ideal for wedding bands and is very similar to emerald-cut diamonds.
They are 10-15% more affordable than round cut diamonds because of their unique shape and quality, which makes them ideal for use in engagement rings.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
Marquise-cut diamonds are similar to round brilliant diamonds. These shapes are 10-25% less expensive than round-cut diamonds. The main difference is that marquise diamonds have sharper corners at the ends. They have 57 facets, which makes them dazzling from every angle.
They have a unique appearance and give a great shine. They are also very popular for engagement rings because of their long and rectangular shape, which is easy to set against other jewelry designs.
Heart Shape Diamonds
Heart-Cut Diamonds are generally used for pendant and earring designs. The shape naturally draws attention to the center of the heart, which creates a very elegant look. The hearts can take the shape of pointed or rounded corners. Just like all other shapes, they are available in different qualities depending on their cut and clarity.
Heart-cut diamonds are perfect for any jewelry design because of their unique shape and size. They also add a feminine touch to your jewelry. But they are 25% heavier and 10-30% less expensive than round cut diamonds.
Most to Least Expensive Diamond Shapes
The cost of a diamond is heavily influenced by its shape, with certain shapes commanding higher prices due to their popularity and familiarity. Round brilliant diamonds typically top the list as the most expensive shape, offering exceptional brilliance and fire. Following closely are fancy shapes like oval and pear cuts, while radiant and cushion cuts generally offer better value for money. In contrast, less traditional shapes such as marquise and asscher cuts tend to be less expensive, making them appealing options for budget-conscious buyers.
Diamond Shape Price Comparison Table (2025 Update)
| CUT | Approx Price* (1 Carat Diamond Price) |
| Asscher | $4,137 |
| Emerald | $4,176 |
| Cushion/Pillow | $4,229 |
| Radiant | $4,443 |
| Princess | $4,799 |
| Oval | $5,362 |
| Marquise | $5,596 |
| Pear-shaped | $5,802 |
| Round Brilliant | $7,291 |
Understanding the variations in price among different diamond shapes, including options available at Blue Nile, is essential for informed purchasing decisions. The Diamond Shape Price Comparison Table for 2025 highlights key information such as average costs per carat, shape popularity, and factors impacting pricing like cut quality and clarity grade. For instance, round brilliant diamonds typically command higher prices due to their widespread appeal and exceptional light performance. Meanwhile, unique shapes like the emerald cut might offer better value for budget-conscious buyers without compromising on elegance.
What’s The Most Expensive Diamond shape?
Normally, the price of a diamond depends on its quality. But the most expensive diamond cut or shape is a round brilliant cut, as it has the highest number of brilliance, fire, and sparkle. A round brilliant cut diamond consists of 58 facets, which uses only 40% of the rough diamond and leaves 60% of the waste. Therefore, the price of a round brilliant-cut diamond is always higher than that of a fancy-cut diamond.
Why Are Round Diamonds More Expensive?
The premium price of round diamonds can be attributed to their unparalleled brilliance and popularity in the market. This classic shape, characterized by its exceptional light performance, maximizes visual appeal, making it a preferred choice for engagement rings. The cutting process involved in crafting round brilliant diamonds is intricate and requires expert skill, resulting in a higher cost. Additionally, the market demand for this specific shape consistently drives prices upward, reflecting its status as the most sought-after diamond shape.
What’s The Most Affordable Diamond Shape?
Diamond shapes that require more rough stones are usually the cheapest. This means a diamond shape that does not waste too much rough diamond while cutting and polishing. Well, the cheapest diamond shapes include Asscher, radiant, emerald, princess, and cushion cuts. Asscher cut diamonds are the cheapest among these shapes because they do not waste any rough diamonds.
Why Some Diamond Shapes Are More Expensive Than Others?
Well, this is quite obvious! Diamonds with a particular shape can be found in a limited supply, and therefore, the prices are higher. The cost of a diamond depends on various factors like its carat weight, size, color, and quality. But as mentioned above, some shapes are more expensive compared with others because the price of a diamond is based on how much rough diamond is used to cut the diamond into the final shape.
Price by Carat and Shape: Is Bigger Always Pricier?
Assessing the relationship between carat weight and diamond shape reveals intriguing insights. Larger diamonds do command higher prices, but this isn’t solely attributable to size—the specific diamond shape plays a critical role. For instance, round brilliant diamonds often carry a premium due to their popularity and rarity. In contrast, certain fancy shapes, like the marquise cut, may appear larger in size yet be priced lower than their round counterparts, offering better value without compromising on elegance.
Face-Up Size: Which Diamond Shape Looks Biggest for the Money?
Different diamond shapes can create varying visual impacts, influencing perceived size despite their carat weight. For instance, oval and marquise cut diamonds often appear larger than their round brilliant counterparts because of their elongated shapes. The face-up size is a crucial factor in assessing value. Shapes like the cushion cut also offer a generous surface area, making them a popular choice for buyers seeking a significant look without stretching their budgets. Ultimately, understanding these nuances leads to better value choices.
Which Diamond Shapes Offer the Best Value?
Finding exceptional value in diamonds often hinges on their shape. For those seeking a diamond that combines beauty and affordability, shapes like the cushion cut or oval cut often present cost-effective alternatives. Whereas round brilliant diamonds are renowned for their sparkle, their price tag can be steep due to demand. Conversely, princess cut diamonds offer a contemporary flair at a more accessible price. Examining the interplay of carat weight, clarity, and shape can guide buyers to options that strike a harmonious balance between quality and cost.
Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: Does Shape Impact Price Similarly?
The impact of diamond shape on price remains significant, whether considering natural or lab-grown options. Natural diamonds, particularly popular shapes like round brilliant or emerald cut, typically command higher market values due to their rarity and geological origin. Conversely, lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable alternative for similar shapes. As buyers seek optimal value, understanding the relationship between the diamond’s shape and its price becomes crucial, influencing decisions on purchases for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shape for Your Budget
Selecting the ideal diamond shape that aligns with your budget requires considering multiple factors. Prioritize understanding the carat weight and clarity, as the right diamond balance can enhance the visual appeal without overspending. Focus on popular shapes like round brilliant or princess cuts, which often yield better value due to their widespread desirability. Additionally, explore elongated shapes such as the marquise or oval cut, providing the appearance of a larger size at a comparatively lower price point.
Best Diamond Shape for Every Budget (Expert Picks)
Popularity significantly influences the market dynamics of diamond shapes. Round brilliant diamonds consistently reign supreme, known for their exceptional sparkle and brilliance, making them the most sought-after shape for engagement rings. Conversely, fancy shapes, such as the pear cut and radiant cut, have gained traction due to their unique aesthetics, offering buyers an alternative to traditional choices. Each shape reflects distinct preferences and trends, ultimately impacting both demand and pricing, with industry veterans recognizing the current inclination toward more unique and elongated shapes.