The Most Popular Diamond Shapes, and Why People Pay for Them

The most popular diamond shapes have evolved dramatically across the jewelry industry through the centuries. Before the twentieth century, global consumer demand favored unique antique diamond cuts engineered to maximize stunning color flashes and “fire.”

By the turn of the century, architectural, staircase-like step cut diamonds emerged as the dominant fashion trend. Since its game-changing 1919 debut, the round brilliant cut diamond has consistently reigned as the world’s most beloved shape.

While the elongated marquise cut captured the spotlight during the 1990s, classic round stones have since enjoyed a massive market resurgence. This comprehensive guide counts down the eight top-selling diamond shapes, exploring their market value, brilliance, and enduring buyer appeal.

The Most Popular Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Diamonds

Using a scientific formula created by master diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky, round brilliant diamonds yield the most remarkable sparkle. Though jewelers categorize two primary types, the modern round brilliant heavily outperforms the antique Old European cut.

Consequently, the high-brilliance modern round shape remains the most popular choice for modern luxury engagement rings. Engineered with exactly 57 or 58 strategic facets, this masterfully engineered shape forces light to travel efficiently. This precise alignment creates maximum light reflection, delivering unmatched fire, brilliance, and everyday diamond sparkle factor.

Aside from being the most popular shape, round brilliant cut diamonds are also the most expensive option. Of all available choices, this iconic shape requires the most challenging, intricate cutting process for master jewelers.

Furthermore, the rigorous cutting process causes the rough stone to lose roughly 60% of its original natural weight. In contrast, cutting a princess cut diamond is highly efficient, losing only 20% of its raw crystal weight. This high raw material waste significantly drives up the ultimate retail price per carat for round diamonds.

Princess Cut Diamonds

The princess cut diamond ranks securely as the second most popular diamond shape in the global jewelry market. Introduced in 1980, this innovative option combines structural step cut geometry with highly brilliant faceting techniques. Its market popularity continues to skyrocket because it offers buyers a comparatively affordable price point.

Due to its broad diagonal corners, a princess cut diamond often appears visually larger than alternative shapes. While yielding slightly less fire than a round stone, it costs up to 25% less. This supreme value exists because cutting a square princess diamond wastes only 20% of the raw mineral. Conversely, traditional round brilliant manufacturing forces diamond cutters to sacrifice roughly 60% of the original rough weight.

The Classic Appeal of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Historically known as the “Old Mine” cut, the cushion cut diamond delivers a stunning, romantic aesthetic. It represents the closest historic artisans could get to a round brilliant stone without modern cutting technology.

The descriptive name “cushion” directly stems from its unique square silhouette built with soft, rounded edges. This iconic antique style dominated the 18th century to maximize fire and brilliance using primitive tools. While later supplanted by modern round brilliants, cushion cut diamonds enjoy a massive modern market resurgence.

Contemporary buyers aggressively seek this shape for its exceptional durability, vintage charm, and budget-friendly price point. It provides a highly affordable alternative that beautifully mirrors the upscale profile of a traditional round stone.

Oval Cut Diamonds

Invented by master diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan, oval cut diamonds are trending as a top alternative to round brilliants. While offering slightly less fire, the elongated shape delivers nearly identical visual appeal to its more expensive counterpart.

Crucially, oval diamonds look larger per carat than traditional round stones due to their stretched surface area. When set in an engagement ring, the unique silhouette beautifully elongates the wearer’s fingers for a slender appearance.

Additionally, this efficient cutting process preserves significantly more raw diamond material than a traditional round brilliant cut. Consequently, an oval diamond costs up to 40% less than a round stone of identical weight and clarity.

The Sparkling Elegance of Emerald Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut diamond is one of the oldest, most historic diamond cuts in existence today. It exhibits significantly less fire and traditional sparkle than modern brilliant cut options. Lower consumer demand for this style makes it one of the most affordable diamond shapes available online.

However, its architectural step-cut faceting provides a highly distinct flair and exceptional vintage uniqueness. If you want a cut highlighting internal clarity, the clean lines and large table area beautifully showcase quality. Moreover, the elongated emerald cut silhouette often appears visually larger and more prominent than competing shapes.

Radiant Cut Diamonds

Blending the intense brilliance of a round stone with the elegant silhouette of an emerald cut, the radiant cut diamond is a spectacular choice. Master artisan Henry Grossbard introduced this innovative, modern hybrid diamond cut to the jewelry market in the 1970s.

Because many consumers remain unaware of its existence, it experiences a lower demand and a more affordable price. The radiant cut features 70 facets, delivering a fire that closely rivals a traditional round brilliant stone.

These numerous, intricate facets strategically mask natural internal flaws and color inclusions within the stone’s crystal body. Furthermore, the cropped-corner, elongated structure ensures these stones look visually larger than traditional round diamonds per carat.

The Visual Opulence of Asscher Cut Diamonds

If you desire clean lines but enhanced brilliance, the Asscher cut diamond is a perfect choice. A higher crown creates a mesmerizing, brilliant “hall of mirrors” effect within the deep step cuts. Because its square shape preserves raw diamond weight, it offers a highly affordable price per carat.

Its 58 strategic facets deliver significantly more fire and brilliance than a traditional emerald cut diamond. This iconic shape provides a striking, vintage Art Deco style that enhances your jewelry’s luxury and charm. The historic silhouette harks back to the glamorous 1920s when this specific style first dominated global fashion.

The Unique Distinction of Pear Cut Diamonds

The pear cut diamond has always maintained steady market popularity as a beautiful choice for jewelry accent stones. However, the elegant teardrop diamond is rapidly surging in popularity as a primary engagement ring center stone.

If you desire a shape that visually elongates your fingers, the pear silhouette is an excellent option. Several of the world’s most famous diamonds feature this historic, high-brilliance cut. Legendary examples include the massive 531-carat Great Star of Africa diamond. Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor also famously owned a legendary 69-carat pear-shaped diamond necklace.

Final Thoughts:

The desirability of a diamond stems from far more than the standard 4Cs of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. While choices like the round brilliant cut maximize raw fire, a diamond truly serves as a personal style statement.

Every single gemstone remains completely exquisite, structurally strong, and uniquely personal to the consumer. Finding your signature diamond shape unlocks a sense of personal power and timeless beauty everyone will notice.

Diamond Source NYC carries one of the largest loose diamond inventories in New York City. We offer a broad array of premium diamond jewelry sets in the widest variety of cuts available. Our expansive luxury jewelry selection ensures you find a timeless piece you will cherish forever.

To explore our collections or book a private viewing, call our expert jewelers at (212) 730-5959. You can also easily schedule a remote virtual appointment online directly through our secure booking page.

Diamond Source NYC is also one of the most renowned jewelry and luxury watch buyers in New York. If you want to sell your jewelry, you may call us or visit our store. We guarantee the most competitive price for your jewelry.