Diamond prices are shaped by more than beauty alone. They reflect the way a stone interacts with light, how much rough material must be sacrificed, how long it takes to cut, and how many people in the world want that specific look.
At Creekside Jewelers, Colorado’s oldest continuously run jewelry and watch location since 1902, we’ve guided generations through understanding these factors—because an informed buyer always finds the diamond that feels meant for them.
And when it comes to price, one cut consistently rises above the rest.
Why Cut Is the Most Influential Factor in Diamond Pricing
Many buyers focus first on carat weight or clarity, but cut quality has the strongest effect on value because it determines the diamond’s performance.
A diamond can have excellent color and clarity, but if it is poorly cut, it will look flat and lifeless.
Conversely, an ideal cut diamond can appear brighter, larger, and more captivating even with average grades.
Cut affects price because it affects:
- Light return (how bright the diamond appears)
- Patterning (evenness of sparkle)
- Face-up size (some cuts look larger per carat)
- Market appeal (how many buyers prefer that shape)
This is why two diamonds of the same carat weight can differ in price by thousands of dollars—cut is doing the heavy lifting.
The Round Brilliant: The Most Expensive Diamond Cut
The round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond cut on the market.
Its cost is driven by three interconnected forces: demand, precision, and material loss.
1. Highest Demand Worldwide
The round brilliant has been the preferred engagement ring style for over 100 years.
Because so many buyers want it—and because it feels timeless in a way few shapes do—its market value remains elevated.
2. Most Precision-Intensive Cutting Process
A round brilliant’s 57–58 facets must be placed in exact geometric relationships.
Tiny deviations affect:
- Brilliance (white light return)
- Fire (flashes of spectral color)
- Scintillation (sparkle during movement)
This level of refinement requires the most training, time, and labor of any cut.
3. Greatest Rough-Diamond Waste
Cutters must remove more of the original rough crystal to create a perfect round outline.
Higher material loss = higher finished price per carat.
A rough diamond that could yield a 1.00 ct emerald cut might only produce a 0.70 ct round — the lost weight directly increases cost.
Why Some Cuts Cost Less Than Others
Every cut has a relationship with the rough diamond crystal.
Some shapes preserve more material, are simpler to polish, or appeal to smaller audiences. As a result, they cost less—even when beautiful.
Cuts That Preserve More Rough (More Affordable)
- Emerald cut
- Asscher cut
- Radiant cut
These shapes follow the natural octahedral structure of rough crystals, meaning less waste.
Cuts That Require Less Facet Precision
- Emerald (step-cut)
- Cushion (antique style)
- Princess cut
Fewer facet variations reduce labor and cutting complexity.
Cuts With Lower Demand
- Heart-shaped
- Marquise
- Trillion
Price follows appetite. Unique shapes often have loyal fans but lower global demand.
Where Do Fancy Shapes Fit Into the Pricing Conversation?
Fancy shapes (anything not round) typically cost 10–40% less than a round brilliant of equivalent quality.
But price is only part of the story:
Ovals, Pears, and Marquise Cuts
More spread = they look larger than their carat weight.
This gives buyers exceptional visual value.
Emerald and Asscher Cuts
Clarity becomes more important because step cuts show inclusions more easily.
Higher-clarity stones cost more, but the cut itself remains less expensive than a round.
Cushion Cuts
Highly versatile pricing depending on whether the cushion is modern brilliant-style (more sparkle) or antique-style (bigger facets, softer glow).
Related Questions Answered Clearly
Is the Most Expensive Cut Always the Best One?
Not necessarily.
The “best” cut is the one that reflects your style—sparkling, architectural, vintage, modern, soft, or bold.
What Cut Gives the Biggest Look for the Money?
Ovals, pears, and marquise.
They stretch the outline and make even a modest carat weight look impressive.
Which Cut Hides Inclusions Best?
Brilliant-style cuts: round, oval, cushion, radiant.
Their facet patterns disguise tiny imperfections more easily.
Are Fancy Shapes Less Expensive Because They Are Lower Quality?
No.
They’re less expensive because they preserve more rough and require less cutting time—not because they’re inferior.
Choosing a Diamond Cut at Creekside Jewelers
For more than 120 years, Creekside Jewelers has helped customers discover diamond cuts that match their stories, their style, and their moment.
Whether you are drawn to the classic fire of a round brilliant or the refined clarity of an emerald cut, our team offers:
- Honest, expert comparison
- Custom design options
- A warm, family-owned experience
- A curated collection of fine jewelry and engagement rings
Visit us: 1206 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
Call: 303-279-4246
Email: hello@creeksidejewelers.com
Explore fine jewelry, engagement rings, and custom creations at Creekside Jewelers:
https://www.creeksidejewelers.com/
