What is the Cheapest Diamond Shape?
When shopping for a diamond, many factors affect its price, including carat weight, color, clarity, and the quality of the cut. However, one often overlooked factor is the shape of the diamond. Different diamond shapes can have a significant impact on the price, with some shapes being more affordable than others. If you’re looking for a stunning diamond that fits your budget, understanding how shape influences cost can help you make an informed decision. In this blog, we’ll explore the most affordable diamond shapes and explain why they cost less.
Why Shape Affects Price
Before we dive into specific shapes, it’s important to understand why shape affects the price of a diamond. Diamond shapes that allow for greater yield from the rough diamond are generally more affordable. This means that the cutter can use more of the original stone, which reduces waste and ultimately lowers the cost. On the other hand, shapes that require more intricate cutting or result in more material being lost tend to be more expensive.
The Most Affordable Diamond Shapes
Here are the diamond shapes that are typically more affordable, and why they tend to cost less compared to other shapes:
1. Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion-cut diamonds are known for their soft, rounded corners and pillow-like shape. This cut has been popular for centuries and remains a classic choice for those seeking both elegance and affordability. The cushion cut is generally less expensive because it retains more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, making it a cost-effective option.
Why Choose a Cushion Cut
- Soft, vintage appeal.
- Retains more of the rough stone, resulting in a lower price.
- Brilliant and versatile, fitting well in both modern and traditional settings.
2. Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are square-shaped and are the second most popular choice for engagement rings. One of the reasons the princess cut is more affordable is that its shape allows the cutter to maximize the yield from the rough diamond. This efficiency results in a lower price per carat compared to round diamonds.
Why Choose a Princess Cut
- Offers a modern, angular look with plenty of brilliance.
- Excellent at hiding inclusions due to its brilliance.
- Typically 20-30% less expensive than round diamonds.
3. Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval diamonds are elongated, which gives the illusion of a larger size compared to other shapes of the same carat weight. Oval cuts can be more affordable because, like the cushion cut, they allow for more of the rough diamond to be retained. This results in lower overall costs while still offering a brilliant and eye-catching design.
Why Choose an Oval Cut
- Elongated shape gives the appearance of a larger diamond.
- Retains more of the rough diamond, reducing costs.
- Offers a unique and elegant look that stands out.
4. Emerald Cut Diamonds
The emerald cut is a step-cut diamond with rectangular facets, giving it a more understated brilliance compared to other cuts. This shape is more affordable due to its ability to maximize the rough diamond’s size during the cutting process. Emerald cuts also tend to hide inclusions well, which allows you to choose a diamond with a slightly lower clarity grade without compromising its beauty.
Why Choose an Emerald Cut
- Timeless and sophisticated appearance.
- Step-cut facets emphasize clarity over brilliance.
- Generally more affordable due to efficient cutting.
5. Asscher Cut Diamonds
Similar to the emerald cut, the Asscher cut is a step-cut diamond, but with a square shape. It offers an art-deco aesthetic and emphasizes clarity and symmetry. Because of its shape, the Asscher cut maximizes the rough diamond, resulting in a lower price compared to more intricate cuts like the round or pear.
Why Choose an Asscher Cut
- Distinctive vintage style.
- Less expensive due to efficient use of rough diamond.
- Offers a striking and elegant alternative to more traditional shapes.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
When shopping for a diamond, especially if you’re working within a budget, there are several strategies to maximize value without sacrificing beauty or quality. Here’s a deeper look at how you can ensure you’re making a smart purchase:
1. Consider Lower Carat Weights
One of the most significant factors influencing a diamond’s price is its carat weight. However, choosing a diamond just below key carat weight thresholds—like 0.90 carats instead of 1.00 carat—can lead to significant savings. The visual difference between these sizes is minimal, but the price difference can be substantial.
This is because diamond prices tend to jump at whole carat marks, such as 1.00 carat or 2.00 carats, due to demand. A diamond that’s slightly below these marks offers a very similar visual impact at a more affordable price. Pairing this strategy with a quality cut will ensure that your diamond looks just as brilliant as a slightly larger stone.
- Pro Tip: Consider going just under popular carat weights (e.g., 0.90 instead of 1.00) for a nearly identical look at a lower cost.
2. Prioritize Cut Quality
While carat weight is important, the cut of the diamond is the most crucial factor when it comes to brilliance and sparkle. Even a smaller diamond with a superior cut can outshine a larger diamond with a poorer cut. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in such a way that maximizes its brilliance, making it appear more dazzling than it actually is.
By prioritizing the cut grade—Excellent or Ideal—you can ensure that your diamond delivers the sparkle and visual appeal you want, even if it means opting for a slightly smaller size. Additionally, better-cut diamonds tend to hide imperfections, meaning you may not need to invest as much in higher clarity grades.
- Pro Tip: Always prioritize cut over carat weight for maximum brilliance. A smaller, well-cut diamond will look more radiant than a larger, poorly cut one.
3. Choose the Right Setting
The setting of a diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry can dramatically enhance the visual impact of the stone. A halo setting, for example, surrounds the center diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds, creating the illusion of a larger stone while adding extra sparkle. Side stones and three-stone settings can also make the main diamond appear more substantial and dazzling.
The key is to select a setting that complements the shape and size of the diamond while enhancing its visual presence. For example, an emerald-cut diamond might benefit from side stones to draw attention to its sleek lines, while a round diamond may look stunning in a halo setting that boosts its brilliance.
- Pro Tip: If you’re working with a smaller diamond, choose a halo or side-stone setting to amplify its visual impact.
4. Balance the 4 Cs
When choosing a diamond, it’s essential to balance the 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—to get the best value. Since cut has the most impact on a diamond’s brilliance, you may consider compromising slightly on color or clarity to stay within your budget.
For example, a diamond with a slightly lower color grade (such as G or H) can still appear colorless to the naked eye, especially if set in white gold or platinum. Similarly, diamonds with slightly lower clarity grades, like SI1 or SI2, often have inclusions that are difficult to see without magnification, meaning you can save money without compromising on the stone's overall beauty.
- Pro Tip: Prioritize cut and consider slightly lower grades in color and clarity to stay within budget while still getting a stunning diamond.
Conclusion
When choosing a diamond, the shape you select can have a major impact on both its price and appearance. For budget-conscious buyers, shapes like cushion, princess, oval, and emerald cuts offer excellent value without compromising on beauty. At Plateau Jewelers, we offer a wide selection of diamond shapes and settings to suit every style and budget. Visit us today to explore our collection and find the perfect diamond for your special occasion.