Some people see diamonds and see money signs, you know, like they do in cartoons. Although most diamonds are quite valuable, their prices vary greatly and their shapes can have a lot to do with it. Some shapes simply cost more than others for a myriad of reasons. Here is a look at some of the different diamond shapes, including those that are the most affordable. You might just find yourself a little surprised.
Fancy Shaped Diamonds
Ironically, when it comes to diamond shapes, the term fancy does not imply an increase in price. Anyone who knows a little about fancy color diamonds knows that they are for the most part more expansive than the more common colorless diamond. Fancy diamond shapes refer to any of the main diamond shapes aside from the very popular round brilliant. This includes the marquise, oval, pear, heart, princess, emerald, radiant, cushion, and asscher shapes. Buying one of these shapes usually saves you from 25% of the price compared to the price of a round diamond.
Marquise and Oval
These two shapes may be the closest in price to the round diamond, but they are still approximately $1,000 cheaper than a round diamond of the same size and quality. Those interested in elongating their fingers, and who want something a bit different, often prefer marquise and oval diamonds.
Pear
Pear-shaped diamonds are the fourth most expensive diamond shape, but even so, compared to a round diamond, we are already talking about savings of close to $1,500! This shape is especially endearing, as it resembles a teardrop and has much character.
Heart-Shape
Heart-shaped diamonds are essentially pears with a crevice on the rounded side. Therefore, the prices are rather similar. One might think that this shape would cost more due to its unique shape, but it can cost almost $2,000 less than a round diamond.
Radiant
The radiant shape uses the mixed cut, like the princess shape, but has a total of 70 facets. It is a beautiful shape, and also one of the least expensive. You can save over $2,000 by buying this shape rather than the typical round diamond.
Princess
Though it is the second most popular diamond shape after the round brilliant, the princess-cut diamond is far more affordable. This is due to the fact that this shape can retain 80% of the rough diamond whereas a round diamond only retains 50%. This means more cutting and work for the diamond cutters. For the same reason, diamond cutters prefer the princess diamond. Princess diamonds are square-shaped diamonds with four defined edges.
Emerald
The emerald-cut diamond is another exceptionally beautiful shape that costs less but is very impressive looking. It has step-cut facets and is truly mesmerizing. The only shapes that are cheaper than emerald diamonds are the cushion and asscher shapes, respectively.
Unless you know a thing or two about diamond shapes, it is truly hard to know which are the more affordable shapes. Therefore, if you don’t have a preference, you should give the other shapes a chance. Similarly, if you are not getting a certain shape because you assume it’s more expensive, double-check, because chances are that you are mistaken. Top ring designers from Tacori to Verragio carry a wide range of settings for many different diamond shapes.
