Diamonds never come cheap – but there are definitely gem cuts that wouldn’t hurt your wallet as much as some other types would.
We’re here to discuss what is the cheapest cut of diamond. Believe it or not, that’s one of the most common questions those shopping for precious stones have.
Like everything else related to diamonds, from the uncut and “raw” ones, diamond jewelry – and even construction machines such as diamond saws and drills – everything seems more pricey than it actually should be.
We get that – and we know that unreasonable prices can sometimes cause frustration. But that’s why we’re here!
The list of the cheapest cuts of diamonds you’ll find below will definitely come in handy down the road – whenever you decide to purchase one of these precious stones.
Without any further ado, let’s jump straight in and see what these budget solutions are!
The List Of Cheapest Ways To Cut Diamonds
From the start, we’ll focus on the two of the best budget options when it comes to diamond cuts – and these two options are:
- Asscher diamond cut
- Emerald diamond cut
Seriously, if you want to purchase a diamond – but don’t want to go broke in the process – these cuts are your best bet.We’ll look at both of these and see how they’re different and what you’ll be left with after buying diamonds cut in this fashion.
So, keep on scrolling!
Asscher Diamond Cut
This cut has a classic-looking, nostalgic shape and is a pretty old-fashioned way of cutting a diamond.
We’ve all seen the square-like shape of diamonds in rings and jewelry in movies referencing the 1920’s – which is when this cut was popularized.
Here’s the thing:Although Asscher cut was first introduced in 1902, it spiked in popularity somewhere between 1921 and 1922.
It was introduced by the Asscher Brothers of Holland’s Asscher Diamond Company, which is now known as the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. This diamond company is known for more than just the authentic cut they introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, though.
They were the ones responsible for cutting the 3,106-carat rough diamond, which is considered the biggest diamond ever found. Quite an impressive feat, huh?
After almost 80 years, this cut finally got its second wave in popularity in the early 2000s as a vintage cut that everyone wanted to wear. And given its timeless, vintage-looking shape, we’re not surprised.
There’s always be room for this cut in the jewelry market.Asscher cuts are similar to emerald cuts, with the primary difference being that they’re square – as opposed to the rectangular shape of an emerald cut.
This cut features prominent step facets and a high crown, producing brilliance unlike any other shape of diamonds out there.
In fact, diamond experts tend to refer to the sparkle of an Asscher cut diamond as an “endless hallway with reflective mirrors” – and it’s easy to see why if you look at a diamond that’s cut like this.
Although the Asscher cut is generally considered to have a square shape, the cut is somewhat octagonal since all four corners are cropped. However, these cropped corners aren’t nearly as noticeable once the diamond is mounted into a four-prong setting – unlike a true octagon.
Now, let’s discuss the most crucial thing here – the price. A diamond that weighs around 0.75 carats and is cut in the Asscher shape can cost anywhere from $2000 up to $3000.
Now, this price tag may look big – but it’s a fair price for what you’re getting.
Also, the color and clarity of the diamond you choose significantly impact the price you’re going to have to pay to get your hands on a diamond cut in this shape. That’s something to keep in mind here.
The square shape is recognizable and very attention-grabbing, and original. People tend to go with some less original cuts these days; you’re bound to stand out with this cut.
All in all, this is a perfect retro style of cutting diamonds, and it’s one of the best shapes to have your diamond cut in – because, well, it gets you a pretty good bang for your buck.
Related Read: Diamond Price List: How Much Is A 0.1 To 40 Carat Diamond Worth?
Emerald Diamond Cut
Another one of the most recognizable diamond cuts, the Emerald one, is probably the most seen and thought of – second only to the typical diamond shape.
If you thought that the Asscher diamond cut was old, considering that it was introduced in 1902, you’d be stunned when you learned about the Emerald diamond cut:
This diamond cut was one of the oldest cuts known to human society and was first introduced around the 1500s. Its origins are closely related to emerald gemstones, but when diamonds became popular, they also became the main gems cut in this fashion.
The “origin” that we mentioned above is actually rooted in chemistry and physics: For emerald gemstones – a softer and more brittle stone due to its numerous natural inclusions – a new cutting style like this reduced the pressure applied to the stone during the cutting process and prevented the chipping of gems.
Although diamonds are far harder than emeralds, this manner of shaping them seems to have worked just fine – and still does.
Back in the 1920s, this way of cutting diamonds was popularized by diamond cutters worldwide, especially in the United States. It seems like the 1920s are the “golden era” for cutting diamonds, doesn’t it?
Clean lines and symmetry were quite popular at that age, so it wasn’t long before this cut really spiked in popularity.
This era was known for the Art Deco movement, which admired bold geometry and clean lines – everything the Emerald diamond cut was known for at the time.
So, we can safely say that the Art Deco movement was largely responsible for the popularity and attention that this cut got back in the day.
Unlike the Asscher cut, diamonds that were cut in the Emerald fashion remained every bit as popular throughout the 20th century. This cut is still popular to this day. If you look around, you’ll notice that most engagement rings do bear diamonds that are cut to look like Emeralds.
Now, let’s see where the Emerald diamond-cut stands when it comes to the price.
This type of diamond cut doesn’t hurt your wallet nearly as much as the Asscher cut, standing at anywhere between $850 and $1300 when talking about a 0.50-carat stone.
Stones that are smaller are usually cut in this manner since the long shape gives it a bit of a visual advantage. And that means that diamonds that are Emerald-cut seem longer and bigger than they really are.
Related Read: Radiant Cut Vs. Emerald Cut
Other Cuts Of Diamonds
There are way more variations of diamond cuts than these two that we’ve mentioned above. So, you’re not out of options – even if you don’t like the previous two.
Now, we’ll look at some other common cuts of diamonds that may be more popular – but also more expensive than the Asscher and the Emerald diamond cuts.
That’s the catch; if you want one of the cuts listed below, be prepared to up your budget.
Learn More: Diamond Shapes: All Different Types of Diamond Shapes
Round Brilliant Cut
Now, this is undisputedly the most popular diamond cut out there. It’s estimated that about 75% of diamonds are cut this way.
So, the number one spot is reserved for this cut – and this fact probably won’t change for a very long time. A well-known shape of a round brilliant cut diamond is characteristic for too many reasons.
First of all, cartoons and movies popularized this cut since practically every diamond ever seen on TV was shown as a Round Brilliant cut. Plus, they’re perfectly optimized for brilliance and fire, making them sparkle like no other.
The first diamond that was cut like this dates back to the 1700s, so even this popular and trendy diamond cut is a few hundred years old.
We’re saying “a few of hundred years” because regardless of it being introduced in the 1700s, it wasn’t until the early 1800s when this way of cutting diamonds got the recognition that it most certainly deserves.
If we’re talking about the price, the popularity brought it up – and through the roof. A single carat Round brilliant cut diamond can cost up to $18,000!
On the one hand, it’s a bit too much. But on the other, you have to remember that the shape of this cut isn’t easy to achieve. That’s a big reason why this cut has a price tag as big as this one attached to it.
Princess Diamond Cut
Now, this is another immensely popular and trendy diamond cut at the moment. You’ve probably seen it around jewelry stores or diamond dealerships at one point or another.
The characteristic square shape is easily recognizable, and the sharp edges give it an authentic look that’s hard to forget. They are stunning – there’s no doubt about that.
One thing that tells this diamond cut from the rest of them is that it was introduced in the 1960s, which makes it the youngest diamond cut on this list.
The classic 60s vibe is what makes diamonds cut in this manner recognizable and memorable. It never goes out of fashion, thanks to its retro look.
Even though people don’t like the sharp edges of a Princess diamond cut, nobody can dispute these diamonds’ one-of-a-kind look.
Also, the diamonds that are shaped in the so-called Princess cut are mainly used for pieces of jewelry that contain only one central diamond – and no surrounding gems.
Earrings and rings are the most common pieces of jewelry that contain Princess cut diamonds. Why? Well, the diamonds cut in this manner generally aren’t as big as the gems cut with other methods, making them more suitable for more subtle jewelry pieces.
Price-wise, the Princess diamond cut is somewhere in the golden middle between the budget cut diamonds and the very expensive ones.
The price ranges anywhere between $3000 and $5000 – but the most common price seen for Princess cut diamonds is around $3500 for 0.75-carat diamonds.
Some people also consider this cut to be a budget option from time to time, but that generally depends on the situation and the characteristics of the diamond you choose.
If you’re comparing the Princess cut diamonds to the Round brilliant cut, of course, it’s a budget option – but there are undoubtedly some more affordable options out there.
Learn More: Princess Cut Vs. Cushion Cut: A Comparison Guide
Summing Up
As you’ve seen, there are a few options to choose from if you’re looking to get a quality cut diamond without hurting your wallet too bad.
The two recommendations – and the answers to the question of what is the cheapest cut of diamond – are the Asscher diamond cut and the Emerald diamond cut.
Besides these two, there are countless options out there. Diamonds have been cut in specific ways for hundreds of years now – meaning there’s been lots of room for innovation.
For example, the Emerald diamond cut is a couple of hundred years old and went in and out of style several times throughout history.
There are also some much more expensive options like round brilliant diamond cut, which costs around $20,000, depending on the size of the diamond – and a few other factors.
Overall, there are many options to choose from depending on your budget and the shape of a diamond that you’re looking to get.
Some people love round-shaped diamonds. Other people prefer the sharper look of square or rectangular diamonds – such as Princess cut diamonds.
Well, regardless of what you pick and choose from these budget options, we hope that you – and your wallet – will feel happy with your choice.
Good luck!
See Also: Which Diamond Cut Holds Its Value?
FAQs
What is the cheapest diamond cut? ›
Radiant Cut
Radiant are square or rectangular brilliant-cut diamonds with cut corners. They are often the most affordable diamond shapes. They are similar to a princess cut but with eight sides rather than four.
Moissanite gemstones are one of the most affordable diamond alternatives. While characteristics like color, shape, and size can largely impact the price point of moissanites, a 1 ct. or 6.5mm equivalent can range from around $400 – $1,000.
What is the best cut diamond for money? ›An H color, VS2 clarity emerald-cut diamond will give you the most for your money. You can also look for shallower stones, since these will face-up larger. The angles in an emerald cut aren't as important to its beauty, so a shallow stone can still look great!
What is 1 10 carat diamond? ›What is a 1/10 Carat Diamond? A carat weighs about 200 mg and has 100 points or subdivisions. A hundred points make it easier to find the precise amount up to the hundredth decimal unit. So a 1/10 carat would mean 0.1 carat or 10 points.
How much is a small cut diamond? ›Tiny diamonds worth $300 to $400 per carat. Tiny diamonds or small loose diamonds are also known as melee diamonds.
Which diamond cut has the least sparkle? ›Which diamond cut has the least sparkle? Baguette is the worst diamond shape in terms of brilliance. This shape makes a diamond sparkle less, even if it has an ideal cut.
What is the cheapest color diamond? ›Brown diamonds are generally the least expensive of natural fancy colors. As with colored stones in general, color is paramount for fancy colored diamond pricing. Other quality factors like clarity and cut do not affect prices as much as with colorless diamonds.
What shape of diamond sparkles the most? ›Round Cut Diamonds Sparkle The Most
The standard round cut diamond comprises 57 facets (58 including one on the bezel). This cut heightens the diamond's sparkle and shine. Because round diamonds have the largest number of facets, they create the most sparkle.
The size or carat weight of a diamond is only one factor in calculating the value of the diamond. Known as the “Four C's,” carat, clarity, color and cut collectively inform the price of a diamond. No single characteristic outweighs another; they all contribute and influence the final retail value.
What cuts make a diamond look bigger? ›Round Diamonds Give the Illusion of a Larger Stone
Which diamond shape looks biggest? "In terms of shape, round diamonds look larger for their carat weight than many other cuts," Kwiat says. "The circular cut is not as deep, so much of the weight is reflected in its size appearance."
What is the most in demand 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.
What is a 10 diamond? ›Diamond carat actually refers to weight. A 10 carat diamond weighs 2.0 grams (each carat is equal to 0.2 grams). There is a correlation between diamond size and carat. Any diamond as high as 10ct or above is certainly going to be much larger than your average diamond. The exact size depends on the cut and the shape.
What does 10 mean on a diamond ring? ›A ten carats (or “tens”) weight in diamond jewelry means these rocks contain at least 100 individual bits, and they're not heavy. 10-carat diamond weight is equivalent to 2 grams.
How much is a perfectly cut 10 carat diamond? ›A 10 carat diamond's price can vary substantially based on a variety of criteria such as its cut, color, clarity, and shape. A 10 carat diamond can cost between $50,000 and $500,000 or more on average, however the specific price will depend on the diamond's quality and special qualities.
How much is a .03 carat diamond worth? ›The average price of a 0.3 carat diamond is currently $630 (see price chart below). 0.3 carat diamonds can cost anywhere from $248 - $1,395 depending on the diamond's shape, color, clarity, and other factors.
Are single cut diamonds less expensive? ›They are not expensive as compared to the full cut diamonds because of their smaller size and lesser facets, thus they require less labor and time to create. They first appeared in the early 1600s with just little facets that can catch the light.
How much is a .75 carat diamond worth? ›| Diamond Carat Weight | Price Per Carat | Total Price |
|---|---|---|
| 0.50 Carat | $1,100 - $7,690 | $550 - $3,845 |
| 0.75 Carat | $1,810 - $8,800 | $1,360 - $6,600 |
| 1.00 Carat | $1,910 - $15,650 | $1,910 - $15,650 |
| 1.50 Carat | $2,985 - $22,330 | $4,480 - $33,500 |
Color also has a big impact on the sparkle produced by a diamond. Because diamonds reflect white light, colorless diamonds produce the best sparkle and fire. In fact, the more color a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light.
What is the lowest diamond clarity that looks good? ›I1, I2, and I3 Diamond Clarity
I1 clarity have the least amount of eye-visible inclusions, whereas I2 diamonds have very visible inclusions. I3 diamonds are the lowest clarity grade possible prior to industrial drill bit use.
The best diamond color grade is D color. This means the diamond is completely clear with no shade of yellow (or anything else) in it. The best color for a diamond that you will put in your engagement ring is not D. You can put a G, H or I color diamond in a ring and it will look the same while costing a lot less.
What is the most expensive diamond shade? ›
Red Diamonds
Still, their rarity and their intense, crimson color make them the most expensive per carat of all the colored diamonds, and on average will cost over $1 million per carat. The largest red diamond ever sold, weighing 5.11 carats, was bought for $8 million, at $1.6 million per carat.
Prices will dip to start the year, then stabilize.
Last year ended with diamond prices in a slump, and the first quarter of 2023 will continue downward.
The most brilliant, or sparkliest, diamond cut is the round brilliant cut. Round brilliant diamonds are cut to have 58 facets (including the culet), allowing light to enter the diamond and reflect off of every facet to create a beautiful sparkle.
What sparkles better than a diamond? ›Moissanite has unparalleled sparkle! It has a higher refractive index than diamond, resulting in greater brilliance than diamond. Moissanite also has greater dispersion (fire) than a diamond, so you will notice more rainbow flashes of light.
What causes a diamond to sparkle more? ›The way each of a diamond's tiny facets are cut and polished determines how much sparkle the diamond will have, which means the style and quality of cutting and polishing are equally important. More facets create more sparkle, and to achieve maximum sparkle, each facet must be cut and polished properly.
What time of year are diamonds cheaper? ›The best time of the year to make a diamond purchase includes Black Friday sales. This is around the Thanksgiving holiday when many stores and websites offer big discounts. This Black Friday is an excellent time to buy the best diamond at a great price.
How much can I sell 1 carat diamond for? ›On average, the retail price for one carat diamonds can be anywhere between $2,000 to $16,000, and between $8,000 to $72,000 for two carat diamonds .
Why are old diamonds cheaper? ›Most Old European cut diamonds are valued less than round brilliant cut diamonds of similar carat weight. Although they are rare, there is less demand for old cut diamonds than round brilliant cuts. Their cut also makes them less brilliant than modern diamonds, reducing the overall value of the gems.
How many carats is considered big? ›With the average-sized engagement ring being a 1-carat stone, it's safe to say anything larger can be considered big. Most people think diamonds are big when they start to reach 2-carats or bigger. However, rings of this size are less common. This is one of the reasons that most people feel 2-carats is a big diamond.
What size diamond is big enough? ›If your hands are smaller than a 6.5 ring size you might want to consider a 1.0 carat or a stone that is under 1.50 carats. However, if your hands are larger than a 6.5 ring size you can go with something larger, like a 1.50-2.0 carat. Keep in mind that the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear.
How much should you spend on an engagement ring? ›
General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.
Is 10 carats a lot? ›While some people are fine wearing a 10 carat diamond, other customers less used to wearing jewelry may need some time to adjust to higher-weight rings. But the actual weight of a 10-carat diamond is only 2 grams since diamond is carbon, a relatively light element.
Which carat diamond is best? ›A 1/2 carat engagement ring and above is a good size in general. At 0.5 carat, the diamond will be noticeable but not overpowering. At 1.0 carat, the diamond is more eye-catching.
What is the best setting for a 10 carat diamond? ›10 carat solitaire settings
Solitaire settings are a great match for 10 carat diamonds because they allow the stone to display its maximum brilliance.
| Inside Diameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Inches | MM | USA |
| 0.762 | 19.35 | 9.50 |
| 0.77 | 19.56 | 9.75 |
| 0.778 | 19.76 | 10 |
The average ring size for women is between 5 and 7 and between 10 and 11 for men, but it's always best to get an exact ring measurement before spending a lot of money—an engagement ring isn't cheap.
How much is 10 in ring size? ›Size 10 = 19.8 mm.
What is the actual size of a 10 cent diamond? ›This diamond pack has 2 pieces, 0.20 carat E-F VVS diamonds, Round Brilliant cut, of 10 cents/ 0.10 carats each (approx diameter: 3.00 mm), sealed in a secured box, along with a card certificate.
How big is a tenth carat diamond? ›...
Smaller Round Diamonds.
| Carat Wgt | mm size |
|---|---|
| 0.08 | 2.80 |
| 0.10 | 3.00 |
| 0.14 | 3.30 |
| 0.18 | 3.60 |
This includes the marquise, oval, pear, heart, princess, emerald, radiant, cushion, and asscher shapes. Buying one of these shapes usually saves you from 25% of the price compared to the price of a round diamond.
Is oval diamond cheaper than round? ›
Due to their high demand, round cut diamonds are generally 10% to as much as 30% more expensive than oval diamonds in a side-by-side exact quality comparison. This cost difference is mostly due to the much higher demand of round diamonds. However, how the two shapes are cut also plays a part.
Why are old cut diamonds cheaper? ›Most Old European cut diamonds are valued less than round brilliant cut diamonds of similar carat weight. Although they are rare, there is less demand for old cut diamonds than round brilliant cuts. Their cut also makes them less brilliant than modern diamonds, reducing the overall value of the gems.
What is 1.00 CT diamond? ›The carat is the standard unit of measurement for diamonds. Although most people think of a carat as a size, it's actually a weight. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. A 1 carat diamond is about 6.5mm in diameter on average.
Is a 2 carat diamond considered to be big? ›Is a 2 carat diamond considered to be big? The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 0.9 carat, meaning a 2 carat diamond is definitely considered big.
What is cheaper than diamond but looks like diamond? ›What Is Moissanite? Moissanite is an interesting gemstone, because it is both synthetic, and a diamond simulant. It is not, however, a synthetic diamond. It is a diamond simulant because it is made to look like a diamond.
Are diamonds cheap right now? ›In the wholesale market, diamonds are priced per unit of weight, referred to as "per carat." Updated Wednesday, March 1, 2023, diamond prices moved LOWER by an average of 4.5% in February 2023. The average price per carat of all diamonds in our database was $10,515.06, down from $11,009.72 a month ago.
Are old cut diamonds more expensive? ›In the contemporary international diamond market, old cut diamonds carry less value per carat than modern brilliant cut diamonds. This is partly due to supply and demand (the modern brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular cut at present) and partly aesthetics.
Do better cut diamonds look bigger? ›The better the cut, the more light the diamond will reflect, and the larger it will look. "Make sure that your diamond is very well cut," Kwiat says. "A well-cut diamond with proper angles and facets will not only be beautiful and brilliant but look larger.
What is the most sought after color of diamond? ›Red diamonds are the most valuable because they are the rarest. They only come at a Fancy intensity, with purplish (purplish red diamonds) and brownish color modifiers. Pure red diamonds are nearly impossible to find.
What color diamond is most purchased? ›Diamond color is important: Most diamonds used in engagement rings are near-colorless with hints of yellow or brown. All things being equal, the more colorless a diamond is, the rarer it is, and this rarity will be reflected in its price.