Diamond Shape vs Diamond Cut: The Ultimate Guide
When picking out the perfect diamond, focusing on the diamond shape is as important as concentrating on the 4Cs. In this article, we will concentrate on quantitative measures like cost, carat, and face-up size. While also taking into account the practical considerations like color and clarity grades.
The shape of your diamond is a matter of personal preference and taste. Irrespective of a diamond checking all the boxes when it comes to the 4Cs, if the shape does not suit your style, you might want to consider a different shape.
From classic shapes, like round brilliant to fancy shapes, like a pear or heart-shaped diamond, every diamond shape comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. We intend to get you acquainted with different diamond shapes and make sure you have a better understanding of them.
Understanding The Difference Between Diamond Shape and Diamond Cut
Diamond shapes and cuts are looked upon to be interrelated and even synonymous. However, the truth of the situation is that they are distinct terms that are not interchangeable.
The shape of a diamond refers to its outline or external figure. For example, a pear-shaped diamond, a round brilliant diamond, a heart-shaped diamond, etc, all refer to the actual shape of the diamond.
The cut of a diamond refers to its facets, symmetry, dimensions, and reflective qualities. For example, a diamond’s cut affects its brilliance, however, the shape of a diamond remains unaffected in all situations.
It is always a good idea to select a shape and then find the best cut quality for that particular shape. Our expert guide will give you an idea about how diamond shapes affect the price.
How Does Diamond Shape Affect Price?
The table below shows the approximate price range for different diamond shapes. A few details need to be considered while assessing the table. All diamonds are G color and VS2 clarity. Only ‘Excellent Cut’ diamonds are considered for Round Brilliant Diamonds. 1.20 carat Marquise Cut Diamonds are based on G color with VS1 clarity while 1.50 carat Marquise Cuts are based on H color with VS1 clarity.
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Approximate Price Range For Diamond Shapes |
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| Shape | 0.5 carat | 0.7 carat | 1.0 carat | 1.20 carat | 1.50 carat | 2.00 carat |
| Round | $ 1,752 | $2,926 | $ 7,288 | $ 9, 244 | $ 13,559 | $26,680 |
| Princess | $ 1,290 | $ 2,190 | $ 4,800 | $ 6,796 | $ 10, 565 | $ 20,447 |
| Oval | $ 1,200 | $ 2,370 | $ 5,358 | $ 7,430 | $ 11,877 | $ 23,858 |
| Cushion | $ 1,217 | $ 2,055 | $ 4,230 | $ 5,780 | $ 9,097 | $ 19,744 |
| Pear | $ 1,275 | $ 2.595 | $ 5,800 | $ 7,207 | $ 11,398 | $ 19,012 |
| Radiant | $ 1,130 | $ 2,095 | $ 4,440 | $ 6,610 | $ 10,080 | $ 21,705 |
| Emerald | $ 1,020 | $ 2,105 | $ 4,470 | $ 6,220 | $ 9,570 | $ 23,511 |
| Asscher | $ 1,154 | $ 2,484 | $ 4,135 | $ 5,502 | $ 10,082 | $ 21,513 |
| Marquise | $ 1,305 | $ 2,445 | $ 5,594 | $ 8,052 | $ 10,481 | $ 24,130 |
| Heart | $ 1,323 | $ 2,544 | $ 5,532 | $ 8,034 | $ 11, 313 | $ 19,610 |
Round diamonds fit into the premium-priced bracket regardless of the size. This is the main reason why we only considered excellent cuts for all carat weights. If you observe there is a staggering difference in price between rounds and fancy cuts. Almost a difference of 20%-40%.
What Are The Most Popular Diamond Shapes?
Round Brilliant Diamonds
Round diamonds are the most popular diamonds in the world. They account for two-thirds of all diamonds sold worldwide.
Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919 published, “ A Study of Reflection and Refraction of Light in Diamond. The article explained the ideal angles for a diamond to produce the highest level of brilliance and fire.
This article made the popularity of Round diamonds soar above all. Round Diamonds have incredible brilliance and fire.
Round diamonds generally have 58 facets and it’s best to choose a length to width ratio between 1 to 1.03 for the most aesthetic diamonds.
The cut quality is what affects the beauty of round diamonds the most and is the most important thing to be kept in mind when buying them. Round diamonds are the most popular choice when it comes to engagement rings.
Princess-Cut Diamonds
Princess cut diamonds are square-shaped and the second most popular diamonds in the world. Princess cut diamonds achieve fire and brilliance that is unparalleled to any other similar-shaped diamond.
A length-to-width ratio of 1-1.05 accounts for a square-shaped Princess diamond. On the other hand, if you want a rectangular shape, choosing a length-to-width ratio of 1.5-2.0 is a preferred range.
A Princess cut diamond offers nearly the same amount of brilliance and fire as Round Diamonds. Owing to a larger yield from the diamond rough, the cost per carat is much lesser than Round Cuts.
The sharp edges of Princess cut diamonds are prone to chipping and damage. It is advisable to reinforce the edges of a Princess diamond with a four-prong setting.
Emerald-Cut Diamonds
This particular diamond has a large table and offers abundant reflections through its ‘steps.’ Emerald cuts come in both square and rectangular shapes.
The ideal length to width ratio for Emerald cut diamonds is 1.50. Owing to its large table surface, inclusions are very easily noticeable. For this very reason, it is recommended to choose a clarity grade of VS1 or VS2.
Emerald cuts showcase size and is perfect for those who are seeking a big stone.
Cushion-Cut Diamonds
Owing to their square shape with rounded edges give Cushion cut diamonds their name. This particular diamond shape has excellent fire.
Cushion cuts may be square or rectangular shaped. The ideal length to width ratio for square shapes is between 1.0 – 1.09. Whereas rectangular shapes usually range from 1.15 – 1.25. It is best to stick to Cushion Cuts with a depth under 70%.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Made by the Asscher brother in 1902, the Asscher cut diamond eventually fell out of fashion until its popularity was resurrected in 2002.
The layered facets of an Asscher cut are its USP.
The ideal length to width ratio for square-shaped Asscher diamonds should be between 1.0 – 1.05.
Asscher cuts don’t hide inclusions or color very well. It is recommended
To buy H color diamonds for this reason. The deep pavilion of an Asscher diamond creates a unique appeal. Due to their high crown and 58 facets, Asscher diamonds offer more brilliance than Emerald cut diamonds.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds
The name itself explains the shape of the diamond. Symmetry is everything when it comes to this particular shape. The length-to-width ratio for this classic shape ranges between 1.45 to 1.75.
When buying a Pear shaped diamond, you must be careful of the bowtie effect. The bowtie effect refers to a dark area running across the diamond. It is recommended to assess your diamond carefully to ensure minimal impact of the bowtie effect on your diamond.
A Pear Shaped Diamond is an exquisite alternative to traditional diamond shapes.
Oval Diamonds
The unique shape of this diamond makes it a favorite among couples. Offering a similar brilliance as a round diamond, the elongated silhouette of an oval diamond makes it appear larger.
The most appealing length-to-width ratio of oval diamonds is between 1.30 and 1.50. Ovals are a fine alternative to round diamonds at a much more affordable price. It is necessary to be careful of the bowtie effect with oval diamonds as well.
Marquise Diamond
The shape of this diamond resembles an elongated eye. This particular shape was created at the request of Louis XIV to resemble his mistresses’ lips. Regardless of its inception, this particular diamond shape has remained a popular and delightful choice for years.
The Marquise diamond offers a length-to-width ratio of 1.8 to 2.1. Symmetry is key when choosing a Marquise diamond. The two edges must align perfectly to create the signature exquisite shape. Due to the elongated shape of this diamond, it appears larger.
Radiant Cut Diamond
The numerous facets on the pavilion and the crown of Radiant cut diamonds account for their signature brilliance. This particular diamond gained popularity in the 1980s.
The ideal length to width ratio for square shapes is between, 1.0 – 1.05, whereas rectangular shapes have a length to width ratio of up to 2.
Radiant cut diamonds are excellent at hiding inclusions and color. An H color is perfect for Radiant cuts. The slanted corners of this cut account for more stability making them more durable and ideal for those with an active lifestyle.
Which Diamond Shape Looks The Biggest?
Diamonds with an elongated shape generally look larger. However, it is important to be careful of the bowtie effect concerning elongated-shaped diamonds as well. The total area visible when a diamond is in a particular setting refers to its ‘face-up size’. Diamond cuts that appear larger than their carat weight are listed below.
- Pear-Cut Diamond
- Oval-Cut Diamond
- Emerald-Cut Diamond
- Marquise-Cut Diamond
With regard to face-up size, the Marquise cut diamond generally looks the largest. The diamonds that look the smallest are Princess cut diamonds, Asscher cut diamonds and Cushion cut diamonds.
Picking The Right Diamond Shape
More than anything else, diamond shapes are representative of someone’s personality and how they want to carry themselves. Different diamond shapes radiate different and unique personas and having an idea about different diamond shapes can come in handy when you are buying them for yourself or a loved one.
Jewel Hero makes the process of buying diamonds very easy. All you need to do is log in to our website, answer a few questions related to your diamond choices, and Voila! We will connect you with local jewelers with who you can connect virtually and get a step closer to find the diamond of your dreams.