What is the lowest price per carat among all the cuts of diamonds?

[MP]

Hey Guys,
I've noticed that prices differ fairly significantly from cut to cut for the same carat. One example would be the difference in price from a 1.5 carat round cut stone to a 1.5 carat princess cut with similar grading specs, the round cut is always significantly more. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind that and which stones are the more affordable at higher crat weights?

MP

 

[denverappraiser]

Really badly cut hearts are often available at comparatively low $/ct. for a particular weight/clarity/color combination. Misshapen marquises are also comparatively low at the moment.

Part of the reason has to do with fashion but a bigger piece has to do with efficiency at the cutting wheel. Rounds, especially well cut rounds, will often have more waste for the cutter than other shapes (especially princess).

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[MP]

Thanks Denver,
I thought it may have to do with more waste to achieve a certain cut. Likewise, I''ve always assumed that round being the most popular will make it the most costly.