Buying a diamond is a big endeavor, especially if you’re looking for an engagement ring. Choosing the best diamond cut for your purposes is essential, not only aesthetically, but also for your budget.

Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular diamond cut of all time. It has retained its popularity for uncountable years despite the fact that it’s also the most expensive of all other diamond cuts. Besides its unmatched beauty, several other factors contribute to the popularity of round brilliant cut diamonds as well as its price tag.
A round brilliant cut diamond is so ‘brilliant’ because it has the highest number of facets. A total of 58, to be exact, which means that when the light enters such a diamond, it’s reflected through 58 facets before leaving the diamond. Therefore, it offers an unmatched shine, especially when compared to different diamond cuts.
Round brilliants have maintained their value phenomenally well over the past six centuries, and they’ll likely continue to do so for years to come. These facts alone are enough to keep demand high. No matter how fashion might change, you can rest assured that your round brilliant cut diamond will remain just as valuable as ever.

So, if you’re still wondering which diamond cut is the most expensive, know that round brilliant cuts are going to be the most expensive diamond cut. As we’ve discussed, round brilliant diamonds are one of the most in-demand shapes across all diamond cuts. Factors like “supply and demand” and their overall brilliance make this particular cut the most expensive option. Especially when compared to other cuts of the same carat weight. This is largely due to the fact that creating 58 facets for such a regal look demands a high degree of precision and skill.
Additionally, the round brilliant shaped diamond requires more removal of rough diamond material, which means more waste, and unfortunately, you still pay for that material whether you realize it or not.
Princess Cut
The princess cut diamond is another masterpiece when it comes to elegance in diamond cuts. A princess cut diamond can be either square or rectangular and presents a more modern look. Additionally, a princess cut diamond is significantly less costly than a round brilliant cut of the same carat weight.

Cushion Cut
Some might say that the princess cut and the cushion cut diamond are in a perpetual tussle for second place when it comes to popularity. Some days the princess cut diamond shape wins. Other days the cushion cut engagement ring wins.

The nice thing about cushion cuts is that the rounded corners mean a reduced need for a protective setting, unlike the princess cut. That’s because the chances of the corners chipping off have been dramatically reduced. Even better, cushion cuts also give off a gorgeous sparkle and can have many facets, which is one of the reasons they are neck-and-neck with princess cuts in popularity.
Emerald Cut
For those of you that are looking to combine elegance with affordability, an emerald cut diamond ring may just be your best diamond cut yet.
While being reasonably priced, an emerald cut diamond has a broader surface area, which gives it the illusion of being bigger than it actually is. Emerald cut diamonds have a wide table with many steps that go deeper down. This specific ‘stepped’ style of the cut is what gives it the stunning effect of a hall of mirrors.

Marquise Cut
What is the best diamond cut for those who love big looking stones? The marquise cut, of course! Just like an emerald cut, a marquise cut diamond is all about its significant surface area. A marquise diamond is, in fact, the longest of all diamond cuts. They also have rounded sides and pointed edges, giving them quite a royal appearance.

Oval Cut
The oval cut diamond is probably considered one of the most evergreen diamond cuts. Its elongated, oval shape has brilliant facets while still maximizing carat weight. The result is a diamond cut that’s quite lively and modern-looking, with plenty of fire.

When you combine the size, extraordinary shape, and perfect glare of an oval diamond, it adds up to a perfect package that never seems to go out of style.
Pear Cut
Pear cut diamonds are arguably among the oldest of diamond cuts that are available today and offer an unmatched vintage look that many brides, young and old, love.
A pear cut diamond or pear shaped diamond looks like a teardrop, which is why sometimes it’s referred to as a tear drop cut. It’s a unique cut that combines the best of both the oval and marquise shape rings.

If there’s a downside, it’s that the pointed end can be more vulnerable and prone to chipping. That’s the primary reason that many pear cut diamonds are often safeguarded with a bezel or a half V setting for maximum protection.
Asscher Cut
Finally, there’s the extremely unique and eye-catching Asscher cut diamond. These cuts are also sometimes referred to as a step cut, just like emerald cuts.
In fact, Asscher cut diamonds are a lot like emerald cut diamonds, except the former takes on a square shape rather than the rectangular one. However, the inner cutting is done in the same stepped manner. This is a great cut to help hide inclusions and lesser color grades.

We don’t blame you! It’s so hard choosing the best diamond cut grade, but at the end of the day, you have to choose a cut that works with your style and your budget and offers a good balance of value and brilliance. Also, always keep in mind that you may well be wearing this diamond for the rest of your life, so it might as well be one you’re madly in love with.
Sources
The Diamond Store
Brides.com
Hatton Garden
Diamond Nexus
Truval
Above Diamond