When it comes to choosing a diamond, one of the most important considerations is the shape.

With so many options available, each with its own unique appeal, picking the right diamond shape can feel like a daunting task.

But if you're shopping with a budget in mind, you’ll want to know which diamond shape gives you the most sparkle for your spend.

Some shapes allow you to get a larger or more brilliant diamond for your budget, offering better value for money without compromising on beauty.

Let’s dive into the different diamond shapes and find out which ones provide the best bang for your buck.

Understanding Diamond Shapes

Before getting into specifics, it’s important to understand that diamond shapes and diamond cuts aren’t quite the same.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects.

The shape refers to the physical form of the diamond – round, oval, square, etc. – while the cut is about the quality of how well the diamond's facets reflect light.

Common diamond shapes include round, princess, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, radiant, heart, and Asscher.

Each shape brings its own style and characteristics, but they also vary significantly in terms of price.

Several factors, such as the demand for a particular shape, the cutting process, and the amount of the rough diamond used, all play a role in the cost.

Factors Influencing the Value of a Diamond Shape

Several elements contribute to a diamond shape’s value.

Understanding these factors can help you make a more informed decision when selecting the best value-for-money diamond.

Yield from the Rough Diamond

Some diamond shapes are more efficient to cut from the rough stone, resulting in less waste.

This can make them more affordable because less of the original material is lost during the cutting process.

For instance, a princess cut tends to have a high yield, while a round brilliant cut wastes more material.

Demand and Popularity

Diamond shapes that are in high demand, like round diamonds, often command a premium price due to their popularity.

On the other hand, less popular shapes, such as marquise or Asscher cuts, may offer more affordable options.

For those considering a unique option, explore the range of fancy coloured diamonds for a distinctive look that stands out.

Perceived Size and Face-Up Appearance

Some shapes appear larger than others of the same carat weight, making them seem like a better deal.

For example, elongated shapes such as oval and marquise can look bigger than round diamonds of the same carat weight because of their larger surface area.

Overview of Diamond Shapes and Their Cost Efficiency

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular diamond shapes and how they compare in terms of value for money.

Round Brilliant Diamonds

Round diamonds are by far the most popular shape, known for their classic look and exceptional brilliance.

However, they tend to be the most expensive because a significant portion of the rough diamond is wasted during the cutting process.

While they offer the most sparkle, they aren’t necessarily the best choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

If you prefer lab-grown options, check out the round lab-grown diamond collection for high-quality choices.

Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cuts are a modern favourite and come in a square shape with sharp corners.

They are generally more affordable than round diamonds because they use more of the rough diamond, resulting in less waste.

Their unique style and versatility make them a popular choice, especially for those who want a striking yet budget-friendly option.

You can browse a variety of options in the princess lab-grown diamond section.

Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cuts feature rounded corners and larger facets, giving them a vintage appearance.

They can offer good value for money, as they are typically less expensive than round diamonds.

The larger facets can make inclusions more noticeable, so it’s worth considering a higher clarity grade.

For stunning options, check out the cushion lab-grown diamonds.

Oval Diamonds

Oval-shaped diamonds are an excellent choice for those seeking a larger-looking stone for their budget.

The elongated shape gives the impression of a bigger diamond, and they are generally more affordable than round diamonds.

Their distinctive look and versatility in various settings have made them increasingly popular.

Explore the oval lab-grown diamond collection for affordable, elegant choices.

Pear and Marquise Diamonds

Both pear and marquise shapes offer an elegant look and tend to appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their elongated forms.

They can be more cost-effective options, though the "bow-tie effect" – a dark area that appears in the centre of some diamonds – can impact their appearance.

Proper cut quality can help minimise this effect.

If you’re interested, have a look at the pear lab-grown diamonds or marquise lab-grown diamonds.

Emerald and Asscher Cut Diamonds

Emerald and Asscher cuts have step-cut facets that emphasise clarity rather than brilliance.

Their geometric appearance and vintage charm make them a sophisticated choice.

Because they don’t reflect as much light as other shapes, they can be a more affordable option, especially for those who appreciate understated elegance.

For options in these cuts, explore the emerald lab-grown diamonds or Asscher lab-grown diamonds.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant diamonds combine the brilliance of round cuts with the shape of emerald cuts.

Their mixed-cut style offers plenty of sparkle while maintaining a unique rectangular or square appearance.

They can be a good value choice for those who want a balance between brilliance and shape.

Check out the radiant lab-grown diamond collection for more options.

Heart-Shaped Diamonds

Heart-shaped diamonds are a romantic choice, though not as commonly seen as other shapes.

While they can be unique and meaningful, they are not typically the most cost-effective option.

The complexity of cutting a heart shape can add to the price.

For a special touch, explore heart lab-grown diamonds.

Which Diamond Shape Offers the Best Value for Money?

When considering which diamond shape gives the most value for your budget, some stand out more than others.

Top Choice: Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are often considered the best value for money due to their lower cost compared to round diamonds and their larger appearance.

The elongated shape gives them a bigger face-up look, making them an excellent choice for those who want a larger-looking stone without the higher price tag.

Ovals are versatile, suiting a range of settings, and their growing popularity makes them a stylish choice.

Alternative Options: Cushion and Princess Cuts

Cushion cuts can offer excellent value for those who prefer a vintage look, while princess cuts remain popular for their affordability and striking geometric style.

Both shapes use more of the rough diamond, resulting in lower prices compared to rounds.

Tips for Maximising Value When Choosing a Diamond Shape

Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your budget when choosing a diamond shape:

Consider the Setting

The right setting can make a diamond look larger or smaller.

Halo settings, for instance, add a border of smaller diamonds around the centre stone, creating the illusion of a bigger diamond.

This can be a clever way to make a smaller diamond appear larger.

Focus on the Length-to-Width Ratio

The shape’s proportions can affect its visual appeal.

For elongated shapes like oval, pear, and marquise, the length-to-width ratio can make the stone look slimmer or wider.

Choose proportions that enhance the diamond’s size and shape for the best effect.

Pay Attention to the Cut Quality

Regardless of shape, a well-cut diamond will maximise its brilliance.

A diamond with excellent cut quality will reflect more light and appear more vibrant, even if it’s smaller or of a lower carat weight.

Look for Lower Carat Weights with Higher Spread

Some diamond shapes appear larger for their carat weight, offering better value.

For instance, marquise and oval diamonds have a larger surface area, making them look bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cheapest diamond shape?

Princess cuts and cushion cuts are often the most affordable diamond shapes due to their efficient cutting process and lower demand compared to round diamonds.

Do diamond shapes affect sparkle?

Yes, different shapes reflect light differently, affecting their sparkle.

Round diamonds offer the most brilliance due to their facet arrangement, while shapes like emerald and Asscher focus more on clarity than sparkle.

Which diamond shape looks the biggest?

Marquise and oval diamonds tend to look the largest for their carat weight because of their elongated shape, which gives a larger face-up appearance.

Are some diamond shapes more durable than others?

Yes, diamond shapes with fewer corners, such as round and oval, are generally more durable than those with pointed edges like marquise or princess cuts, which can be more prone to chipping.

How can I choose the best diamond shape for my engagement ring?

Consider factors such as your budget, the wearer’s style, and how important size and sparkle are to you.

Oval and cushion cuts often offer the best balance between price, appearance, and brilliance.