Cutting Corners: Which Diamond Shape is the Best Value?

8 March 2023 · ~5 min read

Diamonds are a timeless symbol of love and luxury, coveted for their rarity, beauty, and enduring quality. However, for those shopping for a diamond on a budget, the cost of these precious stones can be daunting. The diamond shape is an important factor to consider when looking for the best value, as it can have a significant impact on both the price and appearance of the diamond.

Round diamonds are the most popular shape and for good reason. They offer a classic beauty with no loss of brilliance or sparkle. In addition to their timeless look, they are also the most cost-effective diamond shape, since more carats can be cut from a single rough stone compared to other shapes.

The most common diamond shapes include round, princess, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, and radiant, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. The round shape is the most popular, with a classic, timeless look, while the princess cut is known for its square shape and sharp, modern lines.

Round Diamonds

Round diamonds are the most popular and classic diamond shape, known for their exceptional brilliance and fire. They are also the most expensive diamond shape, as they require more rough diamonds to be cut away during the manufacturing process. In terms of value, round diamonds offer a high resale value and are easy to sell due to their popularity.

However, for those looking to cut corners, other diamond shapes may offer better value for their money. When compared to other shapes, round diamonds generally have a higher cost per carat due to their popularity and demand.

Princess Diamonds

Princess diamonds are a popular diamond shape known for their square or rectangular shape and pointed corners. They are the second most popular diamond shape after round diamonds. Princess diamonds have a modern and trendy look that makes them a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.

They are also known for their brilliant and fiery appearance, similar to that of a round diamond. In terms of value, princess diamonds offer a great balance between price and appearance. They are generally less expensive than round diamonds but offer a similar brilliance and fire. However, due to their square shape, princess diamonds often appear smaller than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

Additionally, princess diamonds have pointed corners that can be more susceptible to damage or chipping than other shapes such as cushion or oval. When compared to other shapes, princess diamonds are generally less expensive than round diamonds but more expensive than cushion or oval diamonds.

Cushion Diamonds

Cushion diamonds are square or rectangular diamond shapes with rounded corners, similar to a pillow or cushion. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and vintage-style jewelry due to their antique and romantic look. Cushion diamonds are known for their soft and subtle brilliance, giving them a more understated appearance than some other diamond shapes.

In terms of value, cushion diamonds offer a great balance between price and appearance. They are generally less expensive than round and princess diamonds but offer a larger appearance for the same carat weight due to their shape. However, cushion diamonds are not as popular as round or princess diamonds, which may affect their resale value.

When compared to other shapes, cushion diamonds are generally less expensive than round and princess diamonds, but more expensive than emerald or pear-shaped diamonds. They offer a unique and romantic appearance that sets them apart from other diamond shapes.

Emerald Diamonds

Emerald diamonds are rectangular diamond shapes with cut corners and a step-cut faceting pattern. They are known for their elegant and sophisticated look and are often associated with vintage and art-deco-style jewelry. Emerald diamonds have a more subtle brilliance than other diamond shapes, but their long and elegant lines give them a unique and striking appearance.

In terms of value, emerald diamonds offer a good value for their price, as they are generally less expensive than round or princess diamonds, but offer a larger appearance for the same carat weight due to their elongated shape. However, emerald diamonds are more prone to inclusions and imperfections, which can affect their overall value.

When compared to other shapes, emerald diamonds are generally less expensive than round and princess diamonds, but more expensive than cushion or oval diamonds. They offer a unique and elegant appearance that sets them apart from other diamond shapes.

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are elongated diamond shapes with a rounder shape than emerald diamonds. They are known for their elegant and modern appearance and are a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Oval diamonds have a similar brilliance and fire to round diamonds, but their elongated shape gives them a larger appearance for the same carat weight.

In terms of value, oval diamonds offer a great balance between price and appearance. They are generally less expensive than round and princess diamonds but offer a larger appearance and similar brilliance. However, oval diamonds can be more prone to a bow-tie effect, where a dark area appears in the center of the diamond, which can affect their overall value.

When compared to other shapes, oval diamonds are generally less expensive than round and princess diamonds, but more expensive than cushion or pear-shaped diamonds.

In conclusion

The best value diamond shape depends on your budget and personal preference. Round diamonds are the most popular but also the most expensive, while princess, cushion, emerald, and oval diamonds offer a good balance between price and appearance. When looking for the best-value diamond, it is important to consider factors such as carat weight, cut, clarity, and color.

Additionally, you should prioritize what is most important to you, whether it be size, quality, or a specific diamond shape. When it comes to cutting corners, it is possible to find a beautiful and high-quality diamond without breaking the bank by considering diamond shapes that offer a larger appearance for the same carat weight or by looking for diamonds with slightly lower color or clarity grades.