Different Diamond Shapes by Price

Diamond Shapes By Price - What Does It Mean?

When you start shopping for a diamond, the first thing that might catch your eye is its shape. It’s not just about how the diamond looks, though. The shape you choose will directly affect its price, as well as how it interacts with light.

Each diamond begins as a rough stone, and through a precise cutting process, it’s transformed into the shape we see in jewelry. However, not all diamond shapes are created equal - some lose more material during cutting, while others retain more of their original weight, influencing the final cost.

The carat weight of a diamond plays a big role in its pricing, but the shape of the diamond is often just as important. For example, some shapes require more skill from diamond cutters, while others may have a higher demand in the market, driving their price up.

In general, the more common and efficient the shape, the less expensive it will be.

But how does this play out in practice? Let’s break down the diamond shapes by price so you can see how different shapes affect your budget and what to expect when shopping for your perfect diamond!

Affordable Diamond Shapes

For those working with a tighter budget, there are plenty of diamond shapes that offer beauty without the high price tag! These shapes are great options if you want a stunning stone without overspending:

• Cushion cut diamonds

  One of the most affordable options on the market, the cushion cut combines a vintage look with a modern appeal. The rounded corners soften the edges, and the pillow-like shape maximizes brilliance. It’s less expensive due to its efficiency in the cutting process, which retains much of the diamond’s original weight. This makes the cushion diamond a great option if you want a balance between size and price.

• Oval diamonds

  The oval shape has become more popular over the years, and for good reason. With its elongated shape, an oval diamond can appear larger than it is, which means you get more visual impact for a lower cost. This shape reflects light beautifully and is an excellent choice if you want something elegant without spending too much. The brilliant cut of the oval enhances its shine, while the soft curves make it a timeless and versatile option.

  It’s a really popular choice for engagement rings, so check out our collection of diamonds here. Once you lay your eyes on them, it becomes clear why it’s been a “go-to” shape for years!

• Emerald cut diamonds

  Known for their distinctive step cuts, emerald cuts have a refined, sophisticated look. While they don’t sparkle as much as other cuts, their long, sleek lines create a mirror-like effect that’s incredibly unique. Because emerald-cut diamonds retain more of the original diamond during the cutting process, they’re generally less expensive. Plus, their rectangular shape makes them look larger than their actual carat weight, giving you more value for your money.

• Pear diamonds

  The pear-cut diamond offers a blend of the oval diamond and the marquise shape, with one rounded end and a sharp point. Its unique look is perfect for someone seeking something different, and it’s often priced lower than more traditional shapes like the round brilliant.

  For example, see this Brilliance’s pear-shaped diamond necklace here - we’re sure you’ll be as much in love as we are!

Choosing any of these most affordable diamond cuts allows you to stay within budget while still enjoying a beautiful stone. Their designs offer plenty of sparkle, making them popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

Speaking of jewelry, find out all the top jewelry trends from this year here so that you can be well-prepared for the next one!

Mid-Range Diamond Shapes

If you’re ready to step up your budget a little, there are some fantastic options in the mid-range price category. These diamonds tend to be more popular, and their cuts require a bit more skill, which raises the price slightly - but the result is worth it.

• Brilliant cut diamonds:

  The most classic of all, the brilliant cut diamond is known for its unmatched sparkle. The round shape, combined with its numerous facets, allows it to reflect the most light, giving it the highest level of brilliance. While it’s more expensive than some of the more budget-friendly options, the brilliant-cut is still accessible in smaller carat weights, and its sparkle makes it appear larger than it actually is. If you’re looking for maximum shine, the brilliant-cut is an excellent choice.

• Princess cuts:

  The princess cut diamond is another favorite for those seeking both brilliance and a touch of modern flair. With its sharp, square shape and multiple facets, the princess cut offers a great balance of sparkle and symmetry. It’s slightly more expensive due to the higher demand for this style, but it still sits comfortably in the mid-range of diamond prices. The sharp corners of the princess are cut to add a geometric elegance, making it a standout in modern engagement rings.

  Ready to be amazed? Look at this princess-cut diamond ring with a halo of shiny diamonds!

• Radiant cut diamonds

  The radiant cut combines the sparkle of a brilliant cut diamond with the structure of a rectangular shape, resulting in a striking blend of both. Radiant cuts are known for their excellent brilliance, as their facets maximize light reflection. Although slightly more expensive than a cushion or oval cut, radiant diamonds are a great middle-ground option for those who want both sparkle and a unique shape.

  Why would girls get all the fun? Radiant diamonds are simply perfect for male jewelry, too! Just take a look at this Men’s 14k Gold ring! It radiates power and sophistication.

These mid-range diamond shapes are perfect for someone who wants a combination of affordability, beauty, and uniqueness. With the right choice, you can find a perfect diamond that stands out without stretching your budget too far.

Expensive Diamond Shapes

When you move into the higher price range, certain diamond shapes become much more costly due to the precision required in cutting and the amount of material lost in the process. These diamonds often involve more complex cuts, making them stand out not just in sparkle but also in their price tag.

Of course, especially when you’re ready to invest a lot of money, make sure that the diamond is certified! This is a big investment, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always request to see a certificate, like the one from GIA, to be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Now, let’s explore the most expensive diamond shapes and what makes them so highly sought after.

• Round brilliant diamonds

  The round brilliant-cut diamond is by far the most popular and expensive diamond shape on the market. Its high price is due to several factors, including the skill required to cut it and the high demand for this shape in the world of engagement rings. Round diamonds lose a significant amount of weight during the cutting process, which means that a lot of the original material is discarded to create the iconic round shape. This loss of material drives up the price, especially for diamonds with high color grades and clarity. The round brilliant cut is known for its exceptional brilliance, making it the go-to choice for those who want maximum sparkle.

  No wonder it’s the number-one choice for engagement rings, too! Check out our round diamond engagement ring collection here, and we’re sure it will become your favorite, as well.

• Marquise diamonds

  Another expensive diamond shape is the marquise shape, which has a long, narrow design with pointed ends. This shape not only creates an illusion of a larger diamond, but it also reflects light beautifully due to its elongated silhouette. However, the precise cutting process and the higher demand for this unique shape contribute to its higher cost. The marquise diamond is often chosen by those who want something different yet timeless.

  Want to feel like royalty yourself? Then our Cathedral Marquise ring is just what you need!

• Emerald cuts

  Yes, we’ve covered this one as the affordable option - but there’s a catch.

  While the emerald cut diamond can be more affordable in smaller sizes, it quickly becomes one of the most expensive cuts when you move up in carat weight. The step cuts of an emerald diamond give it a mirror-like effect, and while it may not have the same sparkle as a round brilliant, its elegance and sophistication make it a favorite among those seeking luxury. Larger emerald diamonds require precise cutting and often retain higher color and clarity grades, adding to their price.

• Heart-shaped diamonds

  The heart-shaped diamond is another example of a fancy diamond shape that comes with a high price tag. Its distinctive design requires more precision from diamond cutters, as the symmetry must be perfect to create the desired look. Additionally, this shape tends to waste more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, driving up its cost. If you’re looking for a romantic and one-of-a-kind stone, the heart-shaped diamond is definitely worth considering, but it comes at a premium.

  For all of you romantics out there, Brilliance’s heart-shaped diamond engagement ring with topaz may be just what you need for her to say “yes!”.

These most expensive diamond shapes are typically chosen by those who are looking for something truly special and are willing to invest in a unique, high-quality stone. Their rarity and the skill required to cut them make them some of the most coveted diamonds on the market.

Of course, keep in mind that any shape varies in price depending on the weight and size. So, while you can get a premium, heavy oval cut at a hefty price, you can also get that same shape cheaper as a smaller, lighter stone.

Find the Perfect Diamond Shape

Finding the right diamond shape isn’t just about the price, that’s for sure. It’s about your style and how the diamond fits into the overall design of your jewelry. Different shapes reflect light in different ways, and some shapes may look larger than others, even at the same carat weight.

When deciding on a diamond, it’s important to consider not just the diamond prices but also how the shape will look when set in your ring or piece of jewelry.

• Light performance: Shapes like the brilliant cut diamond and radiant cut diamonds are known for their high levels of light reflection, giving them an eye-catching sparkle. If you want a diamond that shines bright from every angle, these shapes are the best choices for excellent brilliance.

• Shape preferences: Some people prefer softer lines like those found in cushion-cut diamonds or oval-cut diamonds. In contrast, others are drawn to more geometric designs like princess cuts or emerald cuts. It’s all about finding the shape that suits your taste and the design of your engagement ring.

  Getting ready to pop the question? Explore our guide on how to buy an engagement ring first so you’re confident in your choice before the big question!

• Most popular diamond shapes: While round diamonds remain the top choice for many, other shapes like pear-cut diamonds, marquise diamonds, and heart-shaped diamonds have been growing in popularity due to their unique appearance. These shapes stand out and make a statement, perfect for those who want something different.

Also, if you’re interested in the symbolism of every diamond shape, you can read our guide here.

Remember, finding the perfect diamond is not just about the price or popularity. It’s about choosing a shape that resonates with you.

At Brilliance, we offer a wide variety of shaped diamonds, from traditional to modern designs, so you can find the one that’s just right for your style! Check out our collection here - we’re sure that you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Find Your Perfect Diamond at Brilliance!

When it comes to finding the right diamond shape by price, there’s a lot to consider. Each shape brings its own charm, and whether you're going for elegance, sparkle, or something unique, the right diamond shape can elevate your entire piece of jewelry. With so many to choose from, finding the one that fits you perfectly is all about balancing your personal taste with your budget.

But we’ve got you covered!

At Brilliance, our expert team is here to help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect diamond for your needs. Whether you’re searching for an engagement ring or a special piece of jewelry, we have a wide range of options to suit your style and budget.

Feel free to explore our collection of loose diamonds, custom engagement rings, and other jewelry, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or advice!