How a Diamond’s Shape Influences Its Overall Value

 

When considering the worth of a diamond, most people focus on clarity, color, carat weight, and cut quality. However, one often-overlooked aspect that can significantly impact both market demand and resale price is the diamond’s shape. While shape may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, it actually plays a critical role in determining how easily and profitably a diamond can be sold down the line. 

(BTW, visit our sell diamond ring page or our sell loose diamonds page to get a free estimate if you are looking to sell.)

 

Why Shape Matters

 

Different shapes carry varying levels of appeal to buyers, both initially and in the resale market. Some shapes enjoy widespread, enduring popularity. Others appeal to more specialized tastes. How many potential buyers are interested in a particular shape directly affects how quickly and at what price you can resell it.

 

The Dominance of Round Diamonds

 

Round brilliant diamonds have long been the gold standard when it comes to resale value. Thanks to their timeless look, exceptional sparkle, and longstanding popularity, they continue to be the easiest shape to resell at favorable prices. Their universal appeal ensures a broad audience of potential buyers, allowing round diamonds to often command a higher percentage of their original retail cost compared to other shapes.

 

Fancy Shapes: Distinctive but More Challenging

 

While fancy-shaped diamonds—such as princess, cushion, emerald, oval, pear, marquise, radiant, and Asscher cuts—can offer unique aesthetics, they generally have a more limited market of interested buyers. This means that, although these shapes may be perfect for someone seeking a distinctive, personal style, they often command less favorable resale percentages than round brilliants. Fewer interested buyers translate into lower secondary market prices and a potentially longer time to complete a sale.

 

Breakdown by Diamond Shape

•Round Brilliant: The most sought-after shape, round diamonds typically achieve the highest resale values. Their enduring popularity and strong buyer demand help maintain robust secondary market prices.

•Princess Cut: Among the fancy shapes, princess cuts are relatively common and often considered the “runner-up” in popularity after rounds. However, they still yield lower resale returns when compared to round diamonds of similar quality.

•Cushion Cut: Known for their soft, pillow-like appearance, cushion cuts can be attractive to buyers who want a vintage or romantic look. Despite their appeal, they generally do not retain as much resale value as round brilliants.

•Oval, Pear & Marquise: These elongated shapes can appear larger and carry a distinctive elegance. Yet, their buyer pool is narrower, resulting in lower resale prices and a more selective secondary market.

•Emerald & Asscher: Celebrated for their step-cut faceting and vintage charm, emerald and Asscher cuts attract enthusiasts who appreciate their subdued brilliance. Still, compared to rounds, these shapes garner lower buyback offers and require a buyer specifically interested in their unique style.

 

Market Realities and Resale Values

 

In the secondary market, it’s common to recover only a portion of the original retail price for a diamond, regardless of shape. However, shape determines which end of that range you might hit. Round diamonds often maintain a stronger resale percentage, while fancy shapes see more modest returns due to fewer interested buyers and more variable demand.

 

It’s worth noting that trends can shift over time. A certain fancy shape may experience a temporary surge in popularity—perhaps due to a celebrity endorsement or changing fashion preferences. However, these spikes are rarely as sustained or reliable as the ongoing appeal of the round brilliant.

 

Working with Knowledgeable Buyers

 

Whether selling now or planning for the future, working with reputable, experienced diamond buyers is key. These professionals understand market conditions and can offer transparent valuations that account for shape, as well as the other key attributes of the diamond. A trusted buyer will provide insights into how your stone’s shape might impact its final purchase price, ensuring you receive a fair deal.

 

White Pine’s expert team can guide you through every step of the selling process, offering comprehensive evaluations and industry insights tailored to your needs. With our longstanding market presence and specialized knowledge, we’re equipped to help you secure the best possible value for your diamonds.

 

Making Informed Decisions

 

If long-term value retention is important to you, especially if you anticipate upgrading or reselling your diamond later, consider the shape carefully. While you should select a diamond you genuinely love, understanding how shape affects value can help manage expectations. A round diamond is generally the safest choice if maximizing resale value is a priority. If you gravitate toward a fancy shape because of its unique beauty, be prepared for a potentially lower return if you resell in the future.

 

Final Thoughts

 

While shape may initially seem like a matter of personal style, it has a profound influence on a diamond’s resale potential. Round brilliant diamonds, due to their broad appeal, commonly achieve stronger resale values. Fancy shapes, though often unique and striking, cater to a narrower audience and typically trade at lower returns on the secondary market. By understanding the role shape plays in long-term value, buyers and sellers can make more informed, strategic decisions that align their personal tastes with their financial expectations.