The Shape That Costs the Most: Round Brilliant
If we’re talking pure numbers, the round brilliant wins the “most expensive” title. And not by a small margin. Why rounds cost more:- They’re the most popular choice for engagement rings, which drives up demand (and price).
- Cutting a round wastes more of the rough diamond than almost any other shape — sometimes up to half of the original stone is lost.
- With 58 perfectly placed facets, they’re engineered for maximum sparkle, which also means more cutting skill and time.
How the Other Shapes Stack Up in Price
Here’s a general idea of how common diamond shapes usually rank from most to least expensive (keeping in mind that color, clarity, and carat weight still matter a lot):- Round Brilliant – Always the priciest overall.
- Princess Cut – Modern square shape, less waste than rounds but still in high demand.
- Cushion Cut – Soft, romantic shape, slightly lower in price than princess.
- Oval Cut – Looks bigger than rounds of the same carat, and usually costs less.
- Emerald Cut – Elegant, open facets; often more affordable per carat.
- Pear Shape – Unique and graceful, priced mid-range.
- Marquise Cut – Long, pointed shape that maximizes visual size for the price.
- Asscher Cut – Vintage flair, priced like emerald cuts.
- Heart Shape – Sweet and symbolic, but pricing is similar to pear shapes.
- Radiant Cut – Brilliance meets rectangular or square shape, often at a good value.
Why Shape Makes Such a Difference
Shape pricing boils down to a mix of how much rough diamond is used, how hard it is to cut, and how popular it is with buyers.- Yield from the rough: Shapes that keep more of the original diamond cost less to produce.
- Demand: The more people want it, the more it costs.
- Cutting complexity: Some shapes need more time, skill, and precision.
- Sparkle factor: Shapes with the best light performance — like the round brilliant — often get a higher price tag.
Quick clarification
Shape refers to the outline of the diamond — round, oval, cushion, pear, etc. Cut, on the other hand, is about how well the stone’s proportions and facets are executed (Excellent, Very Good, Good, and so on). You can have a round shape with an Excellent cut, or an oval shape with a Very Good cut — they’re two different things.Getting More Diamond for Your Money
If your heart is set on a round brilliant but you’d like to stretch your budget, you’ve got options. Try shapes like oval, cushion, or radiant. They often look larger than rounds of the same carat weight and cost less. Pair that with the right setting — think halo or thin band — and you can get big sparkle without the biggest price. Quick tips for value:- Pick a slightly lower color grade that still looks white in your setting.
- Go just under major carat markers (0.90 ct instead of 1.00 ct).
- Use your setting style to enhance the diamond’s size and sparkle.
Quick Answers to Common Diamond Shape Questions
Is the most expensive diamond shape the best?
Not always. Rounds are priciest for their brilliance and popularity, but the best shape is the one that fits your style and budget.Which diamond shape looks the biggest?
Oval, marquise, and pear cuts appear larger than rounds of the same carat weight because of their elongated outline.What’s the least expensive diamond shape?
Emerald and Asscher cuts often cost less per carat since they waste less rough diamond during cutting.Does diamond shape affect resale value?
Yes, but quality matters more. Rounds tend to hold value best thanks to their steady demand.Are fancy shapes harder to set in a ring?
Some are. Shapes with points—like princess, pear, and marquise—need protective settings to prevent damage.Choosing the Shape That Feels Right
At the end of the day, price is just one part of the decision. The shape should fit your style, your lifestyle, and the way you want the ring to feel every day.- Classic & Timeless: Round brilliant.
- Modern & Bold: Princess cut.
- Romantic & Soft: Cushion cut.
- Elegant & Sophisticated: Emerald cut.
- Unique & Eye-Catching: Pear, marquise, or heart shapes.
Let’s Find the Shape That Fits You Best
Here at Gold Connection Jewelers, we’ve been helping customers in Richmond, TX choose the right diamond shape for decades. Whether you want the ultimate sparkle of a round brilliant or something a little different, we’ll walk you through side-by-side comparisons, explain exactly what affects price, and help you get the most for your budget. Plus, we offer:- Custom design to make your diamond truly one-of-a-kind.
- In-house repairs so your piece stays beautiful for years to come.
- Personal, honest advice every step of the way.