A Deep Dive into Diamond Shapes – Which One Has the Best Sparkle, the Highest Price, and the Most Admirers?
Diamond cutting is the process of crafting a raw diamond into a beautifully faceted gemstone. A well-cut diamond will dazzle when it catches the light, reflecting brilliance and fire that captivates the eye. Before cutting begins, diamonds are graded and assessed to evaluate their quality. Then comes shaping and faceting, resulting in various forms and styles. But have you ever wondered: Which diamond shape sparkles the most? And which is the most expensive?
Which Diamond Shape Sparkles the Most?
The round brilliant cut diamond takes the crown for the most sparkle. It’s a timeless, classic shape and remains the most popular choice worldwide. In fact, round diamonds are used as the pricing benchmark, while all other shapes fall under the category of fancy cuts.
The brilliance of round diamonds comes from their 58 facets, carefully designed to reflect light perfectly. Scientifically, round brilliants offer the best light performance compared to other shapes.
Buying tip:
Choose a round diamond with D color (100 water) for maximum brilliance and fire. Also, don’t overlook the quality of the cut—not all round diamonds sparkle equally. Look for diamonds certified by reputable labs like GIA, and check the cut grade. The ideal is Triple Excellent (3EX), meaning the diamond received an "Excellent" rating in:
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Proportions: Ideal balance between depth, width, and face size
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Symmetry: Precision of facets and overall alignment
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Polish: Smoothness and shine of the diamond’s surface
Which Diamond Shape Is the Most Expensive?
Unsurprisingly, the round brilliant cut is also the most expensive. The combination of high demand, brilliant sparkle, and the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting makes it cost more per carat than other shapes.
If you want something unique but slightly more budget-friendly, consider the Princess Cut—a square shape that ranks second in brilliance after the round cut.
Princess Cut Buying Tip:
Because of its pointed corners, the Princess Cut is more prone to chipping. It’s best to have the diamond set in a four-prong (claw) setting to protect each corner. A bonus: Princess Cuts also hide inclusions well, making them great for slightly lower clarity grades.
Princess Cut: Affordable Elegance
Princess cut diamonds offer classic elegance with a modern twist, making them suitable for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The best part? They are more affordable than round cuts—an excellent option for buyers with limited budgets who still want brilliance and sophistication.