Which Diamond Shape to Buy

Over the years over 20,000 brides and grooms have asked me that question.

Often they were told, by presumably well intentioned sales people, that they should buy a round or a brilliant cut diamond because it holds its value better or that it is a superior investment.

I must respectfully disagree with this point of view. It is true that the round cut diamond reflects light more brilliantly than most other shapes – the princess cut being the exception.

Is The Purpose of This Diamond An Investment

For me even bringing up that concept takes all the romance, all the loving symbolism that an engagement ring represents right out of the moment.

In speaking with brides and grooms who start with requesting a round stone, I often find out that what the bride really wants is another shape altogether.

The groom-to-be has not been interested or exposed to engagement rings the way his bride-to-be has. She has been looking at everyone’s ring since probably childhood. She often knows very definitely what she likes and what she doesn’t. It is important and appropriate for a couple who have been dating a long time and have discussed the possibility of getting engaged to discuss what kind of ring setting and stone she likes.

She Knows What She Wants

If your boyfriend hasn’t asked – tell him – what you like. Eventually, it is going to be on your finger some day. This should not be a business decision or a decision made by what he likes. It is important for the woman to make her wants known – a good exercise for any future issues that require discussion and possible compromise.

What we call fancy shapes becomes even more important. Stones that are too shallow or too deep, not symetric, etc. will not reflect the light properly

In Terms of Pricing:

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pricing. The stone may have flaws, blemishes, grading has to be taken into consideration - as well as the size of the diamond - but, as a general guide:

1. rounds are the most expensive


2. princess cuts second


3. pears and marquises third


4. emerald cut forth


5. oval fifth


6. trillions sixth

There are some specialty cut stones that maybe copyrighted – most of this is for marketing purposes – with a heavy dollar premium – usually sold at upscale jewelers.