When it comes to buying a diamond, the cut is one of the most significant factors affecting its price. Among the various diamond shapes available, some cuts are renowned for their hefty price tags, while others offer excellent value without compromising on beauty. If you’ve ever wondered why some diamond cuts cost more than others, or which one will set you back the most, this guide is here to answer your questions. Let’s explore the world of diamond cuts, their pricing, and what makes certain shapes more valuable.

What Factors Influence the Price of a Diamond Cut?

The cut of a diamond is more than just its shape; it directly influences how light interacts with the stone. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, showcasing a mesmerising sparkle. However, the process of cutting a diamond is intricate, involving skill and precision, which adds to the cost. Here’s what you need to know about how cut quality affects a diamond's price.

The Role of Cut Quality in Diamond Pricing

Cut quality determines how effectively a diamond’s facets interact with light. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, light will escape from the sides or bottom, reducing its brilliance. A superior cut enhances a diamond’s sparkle and fire, making it more desirable and, consequently, more expensive. Even within the same shape, diamonds with an excellent cut grade are pricier than those with a good or fair cut.

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Other Factors That Affect Diamond Prices

While cut quality plays a pivotal role, other elements also come into play. The well-known 4Cs—cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight—all influence a diamond's value. However, the cut has the most immediate visual impact. It’s important to remember that while larger carat diamonds may seem more impressive, a smaller diamond with a perfect cut can appear more brilliant than a bigger one with a lower cut quality.

The Most Expensive Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant

The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, and it’s also the most expensive. Why? Let’s break down the reasons.

Why the Round Brilliant Cut Commands the Highest Price

The round brilliant is crafted with 58 facets, designed specifically to maximise the diamond’s fire and brilliance. The precision required to achieve this exceptional sparkle demands a great deal of skill and results in a higher proportion of the rough diamond being cut away. In fact, up to 50% of the original rough stone may be lost during the cutting process. This significant material loss contributes to the higher price.

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Demand for Round Brilliant Diamonds

Round brilliant diamonds have long been the top choice for engagement rings and fine jewellery, thanks to their timeless elegance and unmatched sparkle. The consistent high demand ensures that round cuts remain more expensive than other shapes, regardless of market trends. The round brilliant is often considered the "gold standard" of diamond shapes, and that prestige carries a premium price.

Other Expensive Diamond Cuts: How Do They Compare?

While the round brilliant cut holds the top spot, other diamond shapes also come with a substantial price tag, though generally lower than round cuts. Here’s how some popular alternatives measure up.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is another well-loved diamond shape, characterised by its square or rectangular form with sharp corners. Though it offers plenty of brilliance, it’s usually less expensive than the round brilliant. This is largely because the cutting process results in less waste, making it a more economical choice for jewellers and buyers alike. If you’re considering this shape, take a look at our collection of princess lab-grown diamonds.

Cushion Cut

Cushion-cut diamonds have a classic, vintage appeal, featuring rounded corners and large facets that boost their brilliance. While they can be more affordable than round cuts, cushion diamonds still fetch a higher price compared to some other shapes, especially if they feature a “modified” cushion cut, which offers even greater sparkle. To find the perfect cushion cut diamond, explore our selection of cushion lab-grown diamonds.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut’s long, rectangular facets create a sophisticated "hall of mirrors" effect, showcasing the diamond’s clarity rather than its brilliance. This cut is less expensive than round and cushion shapes, mainly because it retains more of the original rough stone and requires less cutting precision. However, high-quality emerald cuts with minimal inclusions can still command high prices. Check out our collection of emerald lab-grown diamonds for a sustainable choice.

Diamond Cuts That Offer Value for Money

If you’re looking for a diamond that combines beauty and budget-friendliness, there are several cuts that provide good value while still delivering stunning visual appeal.

Oval Cut

The oval cut is a popular alternative to the round brilliant, as it offers similar sparkle but typically costs less. Oval diamonds have an elongated shape, making them appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. The cutting process for oval shapes results in less material waste, which helps keep prices lower. Browse our range of oval lab-grown diamonds to find a beautiful and cost-effective option.

Marquise Cut

With its distinctive pointed ends, the marquise cut maximises the diamond’s surface area, making it appear larger than its carat weight would suggest. This cut can provide excellent value for money, especially for those who want a diamond that looks substantial on the finger. Explore our marquise lab-grown diamonds for a unique and affordable choice.

Asscher and Radiant Cuts

Asscher and radiant cuts are known for their unique styles, with the Asscher cut featuring a square shape with step-cut facets, while the radiant cut combines brilliant-cut facets with a square or rectangular shape. Both cuts can offer a balance of sparkle and affordability, making them suitable choices for those seeking a distinctive yet reasonably priced diamond. You can discover more by visiting our collections of Asscher lab-grown diamonds and radiant lab-grown diamonds.

Why Round Brilliant Cuts Are Considered the Benchmark

The round brilliant cut’s status as the most expensive diamond shape is not just about demand; it’s also a matter of history and craftsmanship.

Historical Popularity and Prestige

The round brilliant cut was first developed in the early 20th century, and its popularity soared due to its unrivalled ability to reflect light. Over the years, it has become the classic choice for engagement rings, symbolising everlasting love. The round shape’s consistent demand and iconic status in the jewellery world ensure that it remains a benchmark for diamond quality.

Cutting Process and Labour Costs

Creating a round brilliant diamond requires not only precise calculations but also exceptional skill. The labour-intensive process involves careful planning to maximise the diamond's brilliance while minimising flaws. The high level of craftsmanship involved is one of the reasons why round brilliant diamonds come with a premium price.

The Relationship Between Carat Weight and Cut

While carat weight often catches the eye, the diamond’s cut can significantly impact how large or small it appears. This interplay is crucial in determining the diamond’s final price.

How Cut Influences the Perception of Size

Some diamond shapes, like oval and marquise, can appear larger than their actual carat weight due to their elongated forms. Conversely, round cuts may look smaller because they are deeper, which is essential for enhancing brilliance. Understanding this relationship can help you choose a diamond that offers the best balance of size and sparkle for your budget.

The Impact of Material Retention on Price

Different cuts retain varying amounts of the original rough diamond. Round cuts typically result in more waste, driving up the cost, whereas cuts like the princess or emerald retain more of the original material, making them more budget-friendly.

Tips for Choosing a Diamond Cut That Fits Your Budget

Choosing the right diamond cut is about balancing personal preferences with financial considerations. Here’s how you can make a smart choice.

Consider Shape Preferences and Budget

Your personal style and budget are key factors in deciding which diamond shape to choose. If you’re set on a round brilliant but have a tighter budget, consider opting for a smaller carat size with an excellent cut grade to maximise brilliance.

Balancing Cut Quality with Other 4Cs

To get the most out of your investment, look for diamonds that balance high cut quality with good grades in colour and clarity. This approach ensures you don’t sacrifice overall appearance for the sake of carat weight or price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the round brilliant cut more expensive than other shapes?

The round brilliant cut is more expensive due to its popularity, exceptional sparkle, and the significant material loss during the cutting process. These factors drive up demand and production costs, making it the most costly diamond shape.

Which diamond cut offers the best value for money?

Oval and marquise cuts are often considered the best value because they provide plenty of brilliance and appear larger than their carat weight suggests, without the higher price tag of a round brilliant.

Does diamond shape affect resale value?

Yes, diamond shape can influence resale value. Round brilliant diamonds tend to retain their value better due to their enduring popularity and market demand. However, less common shapes like Asscher or marquise may be harder to resell at a high price.