Diamonds have long been revered for their beauty, brilliance, and rarity. They come in various shapes, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. While the value of a diamond is determined by several factors, including the “Four Cs” (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), the shape of the diamond also plays a role in its price. In this article, we will explore the different diamond shapes and unveil the most expensive shape diamond.
Understanding Diamond Shapes
Diamonds are cut into various shapes to maximize their brilliance and beauty. The shape refers to the outline or external form of the diamond, such as round, princess, emerald, or marquise. Each shape has its distinctive attributes, which contribute to its desirability and, in turn, its price. Let’s delve into some of the most popular diamond shapes and their characteristics.
1. Round Brilliant
The round brilliant shape is the most popular and sought-after diamond shape. Known for its exceptional sparkle and fire, the round brilliant diamond has 58 facets that are strategically placed to maximize light reflection and refraction. This shape is meticulously engineered to achieve the most brilliance and is favored for its classic and timeless elegance. Due to its popularity and high demand, round brilliant diamonds tend to be more affordable compared to some other shapes.
2. Princess Cut
The princess cut is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with sharp corners and a brilliant-cut style. This shape combines the classic elegance of a square shape with the exceptional brilliance of a round brilliant cut. The princess cut has gained immense popularity for its modern and sophisticated look. Its unique faceting enhances the diamond’s sparkle and offers a contemporary alternative to traditional round brilliant diamonds. Princess cut diamonds are generally priced lower than round brilliant diamonds, making them an attractive option for those seeking a larger and more affordable stone.
3. Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a rectangular or square shape with truncated corners and a step-cut style. It features long, parallel facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect, showcasing the diamond’s clarity and transparency. The emerald cut is renowned for its elegant and sophisticated appeal, exuding a timeless beauty reminiscent of vintage glamour. While emerald cut diamonds may not exhibit the same level of brilliance as round or princess cut diamonds, their unique charm and classic allure make them highly desirable. The pricing of emerald cut diamonds can vary, depending on the quality of the stone and its characteristics.
4. Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut is a square-shaped diamond with deeply trimmed corners and a step-cut style. It shares similarities with the emerald cut but has a higher crown and smaller table, giving it a more pronounced “X” pattern when viewed from the top. The Asscher cut rose to popularity during the Art Deco period and is admired for its vintage elegance and geometric precision. Its symmetrical facets and distinctive shape make it a favorite among those seeking a unique and glamorous diamond. The pricing of Asscher cut diamonds can be influenced by factors such as the quality of the stone and its rarity in the market.
5. Radiant Cut
The radiant cut is a rectangular or square shape that combines the brilliance of a round brilliant cut with the elegant lines of an emerald cut. It features trimmed corners and a modified brilliant-cut style, with a total of 70 facets that enhance its brilliance and fire. Radiant cut diamonds offer versatility, as they can be square or rectangular, and are suitable for various settings and styles. This shape is favored for its impressive sparkle and its ability to showcase the color of fancy colored diamonds. The price of radiant cut diamonds can vary depending on their quality and size.
The Most Expensive Shape Diamond
While round brilliant diamonds dominate the market and are the most popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry, they are not the most expensive shape. In fact, fancy-shaped diamonds, which include all non-round shapes, can often command higher prices due to their rarity and unique appeal.
Among fancy-shaped diamonds, certain shapes are particularly sought after, making them the most expensive options. These shapes include:
1. Heart Shape
The heart shape is a symbol of love and romance, making it a popular choice for diamond jewelry. However, heart-shaped diamonds are relatively rare due to the complexities involved in cutting and shaping the stone while maintaining its symmetry and proportions. The scarcity and sentimental value associated with heart-shaped diamonds contribute to their higher price compared to other fancy shapes.
2. Pear Shape
The pear shape, also known as the teardrop shape, is a hybrid of the round brilliant and marquise shapes. It features a rounded end and a pointed end, creating a unique silhouette that exudes timeless elegance. Pear-shaped diamonds require precise cutting to achieve balance and symmetry. The elongated shape of the pear shape creates an elongating effect on the finger and offers versatility in various jewelry designs. The rarity and elegance of pear-shaped diamonds contribute to their higher price in the market.
3. Marquise Shape
The marquise shape, also referred to as the football-shaped or boat-shaped diamond, is distinctive with its pointed ends and elongated form. The shape was named after the Marquise de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France, who was said to have commissioned a diamond in this unique shape. Marquise-shaped diamonds require precise cutting to maintain symmetry and eliminate the “bowtie effect” that can occur in the center of the stone. The rarity and boldness of the marquise shape contribute to its higher price in the diamond market.
Conclusion
While round brilliant diamonds remain the most popular choice, fancy-shaped diamonds often command higher prices due to their uniqueness and rarity. Among fancy shapes, heart-shaped, pear-shaped, and marquise-shaped diamonds are known to be the most expensive due to their scarcity and distinctive appeal. When considering diamond earrings or any other diamond jewelry, it’s important to remember that the price is influenced by a combination of factors, including the shape, cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Ultimately, the choice of diamond shape should reflect personal preference and style, ensuring that the diamond jewelry becomes a cherished and valuable piece for years to come.
