What Diamond Shape is the Most Expensive?

Choosing the perfect diamond is a significant part of creating a piece of jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime. One of the most exciting and sometimes challenging aspects of selecting a diamond is deciding on its shape. With so many beautiful options available, you might wonder which diamond shape is the most expensive and why. At Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, we’re here to help you understand the factors that influence the price of different diamond shapes. Let's explore what makes some diamond shapes more expensive than others and what to consider when choosing the right one for your jewelry.

The Most Expensive Diamond Shape: The Round Brilliant

Round Brilliant diamonds are the most popular and also the most expensive diamond shape. Here’s why:

  • Highest Demand: Round diamonds are the most sought-after shape, making up a significant percentage of all diamond sales. Their popularity drives up their price, as high demand often leads to higher costs.
  • Maximized Brilliance: The round brilliant cut is specifically designed to maximize a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. With 58 carefully arranged facets, the round shape reflects light more efficiently than any other shape, giving it unmatched fire and brilliance. This dazzling effect makes round diamonds highly desirable and, consequently, more expensive.
  • Cutting and Waste: Cutting a round diamond results in more waste of the rough diamond compared to other shapes. Because the process involves rounding off the edges of the rough stone, a significant portion of the diamond is lost, which increases the overall cost.

Factors That Affect the Price of Diamond Shapes

The price of a diamond is not solely determined by its size or carat weight; the shape of the diamond also plays a significant role in its cost. Understanding the factors that influence the price of different diamond shapes can help you make a well-informed choice when selecting the perfect diamond for your jewelry. Here’s a closer look at the key factors that affect the price of diamond shapes:

Yield from Rough Diamond

The term “yield” refers to how much of the rough diamond is used when cutting a finished diamond. Different diamond shapes use different amounts of the rough diamond, and this directly impacts the cost:

  • High Yield Shapes: Some diamond shapes, such as the emerald cut and the cushion cut, are designed to maximize the amount of diamond retained from the original rough stone. These shapes are often less expensive because they make efficient use of the rough diamond, resulting in less waste. By retaining more of the original stone, these shapes offer good value for their size.
  • Low Yield Shapes: Other shapes, such as the round brilliant, have a lower yield because a significant portion of the rough diamond is cut away to achieve the desired shape. The round brilliant cut requires precise angles and proportions to maximize its brilliance, which means more of the rough diamond is lost during the cutting process. This higher level of waste contributes to the higher cost of round diamonds compared to other shapes.
  • Impact on Price: The more rough diamond that is retained, the less expensive the shape tends to be. Conversely, shapes that require more of the rough diamond to be cut away, resulting in lower yield, are generally more costly. This is why round diamonds, which have the lowest yield, are often the most expensive shape.

Demand and Popularity

The popularity of a diamond shape can significantly influence its price. Demand plays a key role in the pricing of diamonds, as more popular shapes tend to command higher prices:

  • Popular Shapes: Shapes like the round brilliant, princess, and oval are highly sought after, making up a large percentage of diamond sales. Their popularity drives up their price because there is a higher demand for these shapes. Jewelers often have to pay more for these diamonds because of their desirability, which is then reflected in the retail price.
  • Niche Shapes: Less common shapes, such as the pear, marquise, or heart, may not be as widely demanded, which can sometimes lead to lower prices. However, unique shapes can also be seen as exclusive or rare, which might increase their value for certain buyers. The fluctuation in demand for these shapes can lead to varying price points.
  • Trends Influence Prices: Trends in the jewelry market can also impact the popularity of certain shapes. For example, the resurgence of vintage-inspired jewelry has increased the demand for shapes like the cushion cut and emerald cut, which can lead to higher prices for these shapes as they become more sought after.

Cut Complexity

The complexity of cutting a diamond into a specific shape also affects its price. Some shapes require more skill, time, and precision to achieve the ideal cut, which can increase the cost:

  • Simple Cuts: Shapes like the cushion cut or emerald cut, which have fewer facets and simpler geometric forms, may be easier to cut and require less labor-intensive work. These cuts can be more affordable because they are less complex and less time-consuming to produce.

  • Complex Cuts: The round brilliant cut, with its 58 facets designed to maximize light reflection, is one of the most complex and labor-intensive shapes to cut. Achieving the perfect round shape with ideal proportions and symmetry requires expert craftsmanship, which drives up the price. Similarly, fancy shapes like the marquise or pear, with their pointed ends and need for precision, also require skilled cutting to ensure they don’t show flaws or a “bow-tie” effect, adding to their cost.
  • Quality of Cut: Beyond the shape itself, the quality of the cut is critical in determining the price. Diamonds that are cut to ideal proportions and angles will display more brilliance and fire, making them more valuable. The skill level required to achieve these ideal cuts can increase the price, especially for complex shapes.

Other Expensive Diamond Shapes

While the round brilliant is the most expensive diamond shape, other shapes can also command high prices, depending on certain factors:

  • Princess Cut: The princess cut is another popular choice and can be more affordable than round diamonds. However, because it is square and retains more of the rough diamond, it can still be relatively expensive, especially in higher quality grades.
  • Oval Cut: Oval diamonds offer a unique, elongated shape that can create the illusion of a larger size. They also tend to have excellent brilliance, making them a popular choice. The cost of oval diamonds can be high due to their popularity and the complexity of cutting to achieve ideal proportions.
  • Marquise Cut: The marquise cut has a distinctive elongated shape with pointed ends. It is often chosen for its ability to maximize carat weight, making the diamond appear larger. The marquise shape requires precision in cutting to avoid a "bow-tie" effect, which can increase its cost.

More Affordable Diamond Shapes

For those looking for stunning diamonds that may be more budget-friendly, there are several shapes that tend to be less expensive:

  • Cushion Cut: The cushion cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow. This shape typically costs less than round diamonds because it retains more of the rough diamond during cutting.
  • Emerald Cut: The emerald cut features a rectangular shape with step-cut facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. While elegant and sophisticated, emerald cuts generally cost less than round diamonds, as the shape utilizes more of the rough stone.
  • Pear and Heart Shapes: Pear-shaped and heart-shaped diamonds offer unique and romantic designs. They are generally less expensive than round diamonds, although their price can vary based on the quality of the cut and the skill required to achieve the perfect shape.

Choosing the Right Diamond Shape for You

When selecting a diamond shape, consider both personal style and budget. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect diamond shape:

  • Personal Preference: Choose a shape that resonates with your personal style and complements the overall design of the jewelry. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a round diamond, the contemporary flair of a princess cut, or the vintage charm of a cushion cut, your choice should reflect your unique taste.
  • Ring Setting: The setting can enhance the beauty of the diamond shape. For example, round diamonds look stunning in solitaire settings, while emerald and cushion cuts can be highlighted with halo settings or side stones.
  • Budget Considerations: While round diamonds are the most expensive, other shapes can offer stunning beauty at a more affordable price. Consider the various shapes and how they fit within your budget, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

The Plateau Jewelers Experience

At Plateau Jewelers, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of exquisite diamonds in various shapes to suit every style and preference. Located in Sammamish, WA, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect diamond that fits your vision and budget. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the selection process, providing expert advice and personalized service to ensure you find the diamond that’s right for you.

Conclusion

While round brilliant diamonds are the most expensive due to their unparalleled brilliance and high demand, there are many beautiful diamond shapes to choose from, each offering its own unique charm and style. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of a round diamond or the distinctive look of an emerald or cushion cut, Plateau Jewelers is here to help you find the perfect diamond for your special piece of jewelry.

Ready to explore the world of diamond shapes? Visit Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, or contact us to schedule an appointment. Let us help you find the perfect diamond that shines as brightly as your love.

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