When shopping for a diamond, one of the most common questions buyers ask is: which diamond shape is most expensive? The answer is simple in most cases: round brilliant diamonds are typically the most expensive diamond shape, including lab grown diamonds.
Round diamonds command higher prices because they require more rough material during the cutting process and remain the most popular shape in the market. However, shape alone does not determine a diamond's overall cost. Carat weight, cut quality, color, clarity, and certification all play important roles.
In this guide, we explain why some diamond shapes cost more than others, compare the most expensive and most affordable options, and help you choose the best lab diamond shape for your budget.
(Related: Which Diamond Shape Is Best Value?)
Why Diamond Shape Affects Price
Many buyers assume all diamonds of the same carat weight cost roughly the same. In reality, shape can have a significant impact on price.
The primary reason is how efficiently a diamond cutter can use the original rough crystal. Some shapes preserve more of the rough stone, while others require removing a larger percentage of material.
Shapes that create more waste during cutting tend to cost more because manufacturers must recover the value of the lost rough.
Other factors influencing shape pricing include:
- Market demand
- Cutting complexity
- Rough diamond yield
- Consumer preferences
- Availability of certain shapes
For both natural and lab grown diamonds, these principles remain largely the same.
(Related: Which Diamond Shape Sparkles Most?)
Round Brilliant: The Most Expensive Diamond Shape
The round brilliant is generally the most expensive diamond shape on the market.
Why Round Diamonds Cost More
Round diamonds require significant material loss during cutting. In many cases, more than 40% of the original rough diamond may be removed to achieve the ideal proportions and symmetry required for maximum brilliance.
Additional factors include:
- Highest consumer demand
- Strict cutting standards
- Superior light performance
- Greater manufacturing costs
Because round diamonds dominate engagement ring sales worldwide, demand consistently supports premium pricing.
What Makes Round Diamonds Popular?
Round brilliant diamonds are designed to maximize sparkle.
Their 57 or 58 facets are carefully arranged to reflect light efficiently, creating exceptional:
- Brilliance
- Fire
- Scintillation
For buyers who prioritize sparkle above everything else, round diamonds remain the benchmark against which all other shapes are compared.
(Related: Which Diamond Shape Looks Biggest?)
Diamond Shape Price Ranking
Although pricing varies between individual diamonds, shapes generally follow a predictable pattern.
Most Expensive to Least Expensive
- Round Brilliant
- Oval
- Cushion
- Pear
- Princess
- Marquise
- Radiant
- Emerald
- Asscher
- Heart
This ranking can shift depending on market conditions and availability, but round diamonds consistently remain at the top.
(Related: What Is the Best Lab Diamond Shape?)
Why Oval Diamonds Can Also Be Expensive
Oval diamonds have become increasingly popular over the last decade.
Although they usually cost less than round diamonds, premium oval diamonds can still command high prices because of strong demand.
Benefits of Oval Diamonds
- Elegant elongated appearance
- Excellent brilliance
- Larger face up size than round diamonds of the same carat weight
- Finger-lengthening effect
For buyers seeking a luxurious look while spending slightly less than a round diamond, oval shapes are often a smart compromise.
(Related: Should I Buy Slightly Under One Carat to Save Money?)
Which Diamond Shapes Offer Better Value?
If maximizing value is your goal, several shapes provide a larger appearance and lower price per carat than round diamonds.
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamonds often look larger than round diamonds of identical weight.
Pear Diamonds
Pear shaped diamonds combine brilliance with an elongated silhouette that creates impressive visual size.
Marquise Diamonds
Marquise diamonds typically appear larger than almost any other shape at the same carat weight.
Emerald Diamonds
Emerald cuts often cost less per carat while delivering a sophisticated and timeless appearance.
If value matters more than owning the most popular shape, these alternatives deserve serious consideration.
(Related: What Is Face-Up Size?)
Does Shape Affect Sparkle?
Yes, shape has a major influence on sparkle.
Brilliant-cut shapes generally produce the most light return.
Highest Sparkle Shapes
- Round Brilliant
- Oval
- Radiant
- Pear
- Cushion
Lower Sparkle Shapes
- Emerald
- Asscher
This difference exists because emerald and Asscher cuts use step-cut facets, which emphasize clarity and flashes of light rather than intense sparkle.
When choosing between price and brilliance, understanding these differences helps buyers make a more informed decision.
(Related: What Is Diamond Spread?)
Are Lab Grown Diamond Shapes Priced Differently?
The pricing relationship between shapes remains similar for lab grown diamonds.
Round lab diamonds generally cost more than fancy shapes because:
- Cutting requirements remain the same
- Market demand remains strongest for round diamonds
- Production costs are influenced by cutting yield
However, lab grown diamonds offer substantial savings compared with mined diamonds across every shape category.
Buyers often discover they can purchase a larger or higher-quality lab diamond while staying within the same budget.
For more shape-specific comparisons, explore our Shape Collection and browse available Loose Diamonds to see how pricing varies between different cuts.
(Related: Why do millimetre measurements matter?)
Should You Buy the Most Expensive Diamond Shape?
Not necessarily.
The most expensive shape is not automatically the best choice for every buyer.
A round diamond may offer unmatched sparkle, but another shape could provide:
- Better value
- Larger appearance
- Unique style
- Lower cost per carat
The best shape depends on your priorities.
Choose Round Brilliant If:
- Sparkle is your top priority
- You want a classic look
- Budget is flexible
- You prefer maximum resale appeal
Choose Oval, Pear, or Marquise If:
- You want a larger appearance
- You want strong brilliance
- You want better value per carat
Choose Emerald or Asscher If:
- You prefer elegance over sparkle
- You appreciate clean geometric lines
- You want a distinctive appearance
(Related: What are diamond measurements?)
How to Compare Diamond Shapes Without Overspending
When comparing certified lab diamonds, focus on total value rather than shape alone.
Compare Face Up Size
Some shapes appear significantly larger than others at the same carat weight.
Prioritize Cut Quality
A well-cut diamond often looks more beautiful than a larger diamond with poor proportions.
Review Certification
Always choose diamonds graded by respected laboratories.
Balance the Four Cs
Instead of maximizing one characteristic, aim for a balanced combination of:
- Carat
- Cut
- Color
- Clarity
Compare Multiple Shapes
Many buyers discover a shape they had not originally considered offers better beauty and value than their first choice.
You can also Compare Prices across different shapes before making a final decision or Ask an Expert if you need guidance on finding the best balance between budget and appearance.
(Related: Why Do Some One Carat Diamonds Look Bigger Than Others?)
Final Thoughts
So, which diamond shape is most expensive? In nearly every case, the answer is the round brilliant diamond. Its exceptional sparkle, high demand, and lower cutting yield make it the premium-priced option among both natural and lab grown diamonds.
However, the most expensive shape is not always the smartest purchase. Oval, pear, marquise, emerald, and other fancy shapes can offer outstanding beauty, larger visual size, and better overall value. By comparing certified lab diamonds carefully and focusing on your personal priorities, you can choose a shape that delivers the look you love without spending more than necessary.