Which Lab-Grown Diamond Shape Gives the Best Value?
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Choosing a lab-grown diamond is exciting, but one question often comes up first:
Which diamond shape gives the best value?
With so many shapes — round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, pear, and more — it can
be confusing. The “best value” depends on a balance of size-per-cost, brilliance,
popularity, and personal preference.
In this guide, we’ll explain how different lab-grown diamond shapes compare and help you
choose the one that delivers the most sparkle and value for your budget.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Offer Better Value
Before we dive into shapes, let’s quickly cover why lab-grown diamonds generally give
better value:
✔ Same optical, physical & chemical properties as mined diamonds
✔ Can cost up to 40–70% less than natural diamonds
✔ Allow buyers to get bigger sizes or higher quality (4Cs) within budget
✔ Ethical and sustainable
This makes lab-grown diamonds a smart, modern choice — especially for engagement
rings, earrings, pendants, and bridal sets.
What Determines “Value” in Diamond Shapes?
A diamond’s value is influenced by:
🔹 Carat Efficiency
Some shapes retain more of the original rough diamond, costing less per carat.
🔹 Brilliance & Fire
How much light the diamond returns — making it look brighter and more lively.
🔹 Popularity & Demand
Certain shapes hold value better over time due to market demand.
🔹 Cut Quality
A well-cut diamond of any shape gives better brilliance and better perceived value.
Top Diamond Shapes Ranked by Value
1. Princess Cut — Best Value Overall
Why it’s great:
• Square shape with excellent sparkle
• Retains more rough diamond — higher carat yield
• Lower cost than round diamonds of the same carat
• Very popular for engagement rings
Best for:
Smart buyers who want size, brilliance, and affordability.
Value Summary:
✔ High brilliance
✔ More size per carat
✔ Lower price point than round
✔ Strong resale demand
2. Cushion Cut — Great Sparkle at a Lower Price
Why it’s great:
• Romantic, vintage look
• Offers excellent fire (color sparkle)
• Less expensive than round or oval shapes
• Works beautifully in halo and vintage settings
Best for:
Brides who love traditional or romantic designs.
Value Summary:
✔ Large face appearance
✔ Affordable pricing
✔ Great fire & elegance
3. Oval & Pear Shapes — Best for Larger Look
Why they’re great:
• Elongated shapes make the diamond appear larger
• Tend to look bigger than their actual carat weight
• Newer, fashionable shapes
• Often priced lower than round
Best for:
Those who want size and uniqueness.
Value Summary:
✔ Larger appearance per carat
✔ Good brilliance
✔ Trendy but timeless
4. Emerald & Asscher — Classic but Lower Brilliance
Why they’re valuable:
• Elegant step cuts
• Perfect for understated, sophisticated designs
Tradeoffs:
• Less sparkle compared to brilliant cuts
• May highlight clarity characteristics (so clarity grade matters more)
Best for:
Minimalist or vintage-style engagement rings.
Value Summary:
✔ Unique, elegant
✔ Lower light return (compared to princess/oval)
5. Round Brilliant — Best Sparkle, Timeless Look, Least Size-for-Price
Why it’s loved:
• Maximum brilliance and fire
• Most classic and timeless shape
Tradeoffs:
• Highest price per carat
• Less size per dollar than fancy shapes
Best for:
Those who want unmatched sparkle and timeless tradition — and are okay paying a
premium. This makes it a great buy if you want to stand out in a crowd and sparkle more
than anyone!
Value Summary:
✔ Best sparkle
❌Highest price
❌Lower face-size appearance per carat
Value Comparison at a Glance
|
Shape |
Sparkle |
Size Visibility |
Price per Carat |
Overall Value |
|
Princess |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Oval |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Cushion |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Pear |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Emerald/Asscher |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
|
Round |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐= Performance level
Which Shape Should You Choose Based on Value?
💡 Best Overall Value:
Princess Cut
• Balanced brilliance and size
• Less expensive than round
• Most popular for engagement rings
💡 Best for Bigger Look Without Bigger Price:
Oval or Pear
• Illusion of larger size
• Fashion-forward choices
💡 Best Mix of Classic & Affordable:
Cushion Cut
• Romantic sparkle
• Great choice under budget constraints
💡 Best for Classic Sparkle (Premium):
Round Brilliant
• Top brilliance, but higher cost
💡 Best for Unique, Sophisticated Style:
Emerald / Asscher
• Quiet elegance over high sparkle
Tips to Maximize Value When Choosing Shape
✔ Choose shapes that retain more rough diamond (princess, oval, pear)
✔ If budget is limited, prioritize cut quality over color or clarity
✔ Consider halo settings to enhance size appearance
✔ For minimalist bridal sets, focus on modern shapes like oval or cushion
Why Devi Diamonds Is the Best Choice for Your Lab-Grown Diamond
At Devi Diamonds, we help you make confident choices based on both beauty and value.
What We Offer:
✔ IGI / GIA certified lab-grown diamonds
✔ Expert guidance on shape, cut, and setting
✔ Value comparisons personalized for your budget
✔ Customization to fit your unique style
✔ Transparent pricing & no hidden costs
Whether you pick a princess, oval, cushion, or round lab-grown diamond, we ensure you
get maximum value for your investment.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best shape” for everyone — but for most buyers focusing on value, the
shapes that balance carat size, cost, and brilliance are:
Princess → Oval → Cushion
These shapes consistently deliver bigger size for the budget while offering excellent sparkle and style.
Round diamonds still dominate when unmatched brilliance is the top priority — but if value is your goal, lab-grown fancy shapes give you more shine for less.