When choosing a diamond, shape isn’t just about beauty—it significantly impacts the price. While the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are well-known, shape determines how much of the rough diamond is used, the labor involved in cutting, and how much sparkle the stone delivers.
So, what shape diamond is the most expensive? Let’s dive into the details to understand why some shapes carry premium pricing—and how you can choose the one that fits your style and budget.
Why Diamond Shape Matters
Before we explore pricing, it’s essential to understand the difference between shape and cut.
- Shape refers to the diamond’s outline (e.g., round, oval, emerald).
- Cut refers to how well the diamond’s facets are crafted to reflect light.
Certain shapes require more labor, waste more raw material, or simply have higher demand—which directly affects the final price.
The Most Expensive Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond shape, and for good reason:
- High Demand: It’s the most popular choice for engagement rings, commanding a higher market price.
- Maximum Sparkle: Engineered with 57 or 58 facets, this cut delivers unmatched brilliance and fire.
- Wasted Rough: Cutting a round diamond removes up to 60% of the rough diamond, increasing cost.
- Grading Standards: Round diamonds often receive ideal cut grades, adding to their value.
At KRK Jewels, our round brilliant diamonds are precisely cut to enhance fire, brilliance, and value—making them a timeless investment in love.
Our Signature Round Cut Collection
Other High-Value Diamond Shapes
While round is at the top, several other shapes also command higher prices due to uniqueness or cutting complexity:
1. Oval Cut
Offers brilliance close to round with a softer, elongated look. Appears larger per carat, but slightly less expensive than round.
2. Pear Shape
A hybrid of round and marquise with a teardrop silhouette. Prized for its romantic, vintage appeal and used in modern “Toi et Moi” designs.
3. Marquise Cut
Long and narrow, maximizing perceived size. Requires expert cutting to avoid bow-tie effect, leading to premium pricing.
4. Heart Shape
Complex to cut symmetrically and emotionally significant. Rare in high carats, making quality heart shapes more valuable.
Affordable Yet Elegant Diamond Shapes
Looking for style and sparkle at a better price? These shapes offer excellent value per carat:
1. Emerald Cut
Sleek step-cut style with broad facets. Less brilliance but exudes vintage sophistication and is more affordable.
2. Cushion Cut
Rounded square shape with soft edges and rich sparkle. Lower price point and loved for its antique charm.
3. Asscher Cut
A square version of the emerald cut with art-deco vibes. Elegant but usually priced below high-brilliance shapes.
4. Princess Cut
Square with sharp corners, great brilliance. More affordable due to efficient use of rough stone.
How Shape Affects Price
Diamond pricing isn’t just about beauty. Shape affects cost in the following ways:
- Cutting Waste: Round diamonds lose more rough, driving up cost. Shapes like emerald and princess retain more of the original stone.
- Demand: Popular shapes like round, oval, and pear are more expensive simply due to market demand.
- Light Performance: Shapes with more brilliance (round, oval) are more desirable, raising price.
- Perceived Size: Some shapes look larger than others of the same carat weight (oval, marquise), offering better visual value.
At KRK Jewels, we help you balance cut, carat, and shape to get maximum sparkle within your budget.
Choosing the Right Shape for You
While round may be the most expensive, it may not always be the best fit for your taste or hand shape. Consider:
- Your personal style: classic, modern, vintage?
- Finger size: do you want something elongating (oval, pear)?
- Budget: are you optimizing size or brilliance?
Our expert team at KRK Jewels is here to guide you through all options—from lab-grown brilliance to moissanite magic—ensuring you find the diamond that tells your love story.
Conclusion
To answer the question, the round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond shape due to its popularity, brilliance, and cutting process. But beauty isn’t only defined by cost.
Every shape has its unique charm, meaning, and presence. Whether you’re drawn to the classic round, the elegant emerald, or the romantic pear, KRK Jewels offers diamonds crafted to make your moment unforgettable.
Explore Shapes. Sparkle Always. Only at KRK Jewels.
